Dublin: A new all-island survey has revealed strong public support for continued membership of the European Union alongside growing backing for Irish unity, although concerns over immigration, the cost of living and the future direction of the EU remain significant.
The findings are contained in the 2026 European Movement Island of Ireland EU Poll conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of European Movement Ireland.
The poll found that 82% of respondents in Ireland and 76% in Northern Ireland support remaining in the European Union. It also revealed that 73% of people in Northern Ireland would support the United Kingdom rejoining the EU if a referendum were held.
The online survey of 1,200 people, conducted between March 26 and 31, 2026, indicates that support for a united Ireland is also increasing. In Ireland, 59% said they would vote in favour of Irish unity in a referendum, while 22% said they would oppose it. In Northern Ireland, 63% supported reunification and 29% were against it.
The research also showed growing support for greater European independence. Around 71% of respondents across the island said the EU should reduce its dependence on the United States, with support rising to 79% in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, 48% said Ireland should participate in EU defence and security cooperation, while 32% opposed the idea.
However, the survey highlighted increasing concerns about the direction of the European Union. Satisfaction with the EU’s current trajectory fell from 58% in 2023 to 45% in 2026. Respondents cited immigration, economic and regulatory concerns, and questions around sovereignty and federalism as the main reasons for dissatisfaction.
In Northern Ireland, 46% said they were satisfied with the EU’s direction, while 36% expressed dissatisfaction. Among critics, economic and regulatory issues, national sovereignty, and immigration policy were the main concerns.
Despite this, many respondents continued to view the EU positively, pointing to unity and cooperation, economic advantages, and stability and security as key strengths.
The poll also identified trade as the EU’s strongest area of performance, while immigration was viewed as its weakest. In Ireland, the main concerns highlighted were the cost of living, immigration, housing, energy prices, and defence and security. In Northern Ireland, concerns centred on the cost of living, immigration, the UK’s response to the Middle East conflict, defence, and energy costs.
Trust in political institutions also remains mixed. The survey found that 37% of people in Ireland said they trusted neither the Irish government nor the EU. Around 36% said they trusted the Irish government, while 27% expressed trust in the European Union.
David Geary said the findings demonstrate strong pro-European sentiment across the island, while also revealing growing frustration in certain policy areas.
He noted that the results come at a significant time as Ireland prepares to assume the six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union in July, adding that concerns about the EU’s direction will need careful attention in the years ahead.
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