A special edition of the annual EM Ireland ‘Ireland and the EU’ Poll, to mark the 50^th anniversary of Ireland’s vote to join the then EEC, found that support for Ireland remaining a member of the EU has increased by 4% since 2021 to 88%. The poll findings come almost 50 years to the day when 83% of people in Ireland voted in favour of joining the EEC on 10 May 1972. The 2022 poll, conducted by RED C Research, also found that 79% of people agreed that EU membership has had a positive impact on their lives.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 59% agreed that Ireland should be part of increased EU defence and security co-operation. This figure increased from 54% in 2021.

76% of respondents agreed they have a good understanding of how the EU works, in contrast with suggestions of a knowledge gap between citizens and the EU institutions.

Commenting on the findings, Noelle O Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland said,

“It is encouraging that today, on Europe Day and as we mark 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the EU, to see support for membership rise in Ireland to 88%. This broad support may be reflected in the fact that a similarly large majority of people agreed the EU has impacted their own lives in a positive way.

“People’s attitude to increased EU defence and security cooperation has fluctuated over the years. It averaged 58% from 2017-2019, dropped to 49% in 2020, then increased to 54% in 2021 and rose further to 59% this year. While the war in Ukraine may account for this slight increase in support, the data shows that opinion on this subject remains quite uncertain.

“Irish citizens are consistently among the most positive about EU membership when compared with other Member States. However, things can change rapidly. As we reflect on 50 years of EU membership, we also must continue to work to maintain this strong level of support in Ireland in the years to come.

“As the Conference on the Future of Europe concludes it is vital that the recommendations, arising from engagement with thousands of citizens across the EU, are implemented and that the precedent of mass citizen engagement established by the conference is maintained.”

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