06 May 2026 European Movement Ireland’s Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026, conducted by Amárach Research, finds that a clear majority 71% believe the EU should seek greater independence from the United States, suggesting there is a recognition that the EU needs to become more self-reliant in a changing geopolitical context. As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, support for EU membership remains strong at 82%, although below its peak of 93% in 2019. First launched during Ireland’s last EU Presidency in 2013, the poll remains the only island of Ireland research dedicated to European affairs.
CEO European Movement Ireland, David Geary said; “While there are deep and enduring economic and cultural Ireland-US ties, many Irish people recognise the EU’s need for greater strategic independence in a changing geopolitical context. With preparations underway for the EU Presidency, Ireland can play an important role as a bridge between the US and the EU. The EU’s capacity to act independently across defence, trade and foreign policy will likely form part of the agenda.”
Despite continuing strong support for EU membership, the Poll shows declining satisfaction with the direction of the EU, from 58% in 2023 down to 45% in 2026. Migration 31%, economic and regulatory issues 27%, and federalism and national sovereignty 26%, are among the top issues flagged by those reporting dissatisfaction. Among those who believe the EU is moving in the right direction, the main reasons centre on unity and cooperation 33%, economic benefits 25% and stability and security 19% among other issues.
The top five concerns at EU level for citizens in Ireland are the cost of living 58%, migration 48%, housing 41%, energy 36% and defence and security 36%. In Northern Ireland, the cost of living 45% has overtaken migration 42% as the top issue of concern. Among the concerns expressed in the poll in Ireland, the EU’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine 34% and the Middle East conflict 34% polled similarly. As debates on European security intensify, 48% said they support greater EU defence and security cooperation, with those over 55 years of age expressing the highest level of support 54% for increased cooperation.
Mr. Geary said; “European Movement Ireland Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026 shows that citizens’ top concerns are those affecting daily life, including the high cost of living and rising energy prices. These pressures are reflected in the European Commission’s recent decision to relax state-aid rules to support households. Furthermore, dissatisfaction persists over foreign policy, from Russia’s war in Ukraine to the EU’s failure to sanction Israel amid escalating atrocities in Palestine and the Middle East. The urgency for the EU to uphold international law has never been greater, so it is reassuring that EU values will be core pillar of the Irish Government’s EU Presidency.”
In the tenth anniversary year of the Brexit referendum, 73% of poll respondents in Northern Ireland said they would vote to rejoin the EU if a referendum was held by the UK tomorrow, with 23% voting against. 59% in Ireland said they would vote in favour of a united Ireland in the EU tomorrow, 22% were opposed, and 19% said they don’t know. Given some EU law still applies in Northern Ireland, 73% of respondents in Northern Ireland believe they should have a greater say in EU decision-making.
Mr Geary said; “Ten years on from Brexit, there is clear and growing pro-European outlook in the North, shaped in part by the legacy of the UK EU Referendum, alongside a strong showing of support for a united Ireland within the EU. Ireland is also set for its first EU Presidency without the UK, given this, it is vital that the North’s voice is reflected in the Presidency and in wider shared island initiatives. Our research, tracking NI–EU relations and EU sentiment in Northern Ireland over the past four years, points to important discussions ahead about the island’s future.”
Year on year, trade remains the EU’s strongest-performing area, with 39% of respondents rating it positively in 2026, this is followed by the economy 21%. However, this marks a decline on polling from 2024, with citizens across Ireland rating the EU’s trade performance at 46%.
Mr. Geary concluded; “While the EU’s trade performance continues to poll well, efforts to diversify its trade links and reduce reliance on the US may bring future economic and political trade-offs, as reflected in recent debates on the Mercosur Trade Deal.”
A majority of respondents in Ireland 37%, said they do not trust either the Irish government or the EU, however citizens in Ireland trust the Irish government more at 36% compared to the EU 27%. In Northern Ireland, 28% of its citizens trust the EU with the least level of trust expressed in the Northern Ireland Executive 5%.