EU support rises while UK grapples with Brexit‑induced challenges

A new Pew Research Center survey shows that public sentiment toward the European Union has improved across most surveyed EU nations a decade after the Brexit vote. Average favorability rose from 49% in 2016 to 62% in 2026, with notable gains in Germany (50% to 68%), France (38% to 52%), the Netherlands (51% to 63%) and even the United Kingdom, where support increased from 45% to 67%. The uplift follows the 2022 Russia‑Ukraine conflict, which highlighted the EU’s role as a security and economic anchor.

Despite the overall rise in EU favorability, parties skeptical of the Union have gained electoral ground in several countries. In Germany, the AfD’s support grew from 12.6% to 20.8%; France’s National Rally reached about 33% of votes; and the Dutch Party for Freedom became the largest party in 2023. Within the UK, Brexit continues to affect the economy: trade with the EU now faces non‑tariff barriers, growth fell 4%‑8% relative to a no‑Brexit scenario, and public opinion shows a split, with 52% of Britons favoring a return to EU membership. Labour leaders acknowledge the political constraints posed by the vote, while discussions of a second referendum persist.