6 May 2026 In the tenth year anniversary of the Brexit Referendum, European Movement Ireland’s Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026 conducted by Amárach Research, revealed 73% of respondents in Northern Ireland said they would vote to rejoin the EU, if the UK called a referendum tomorrow. As Ireland prepares to host its eighth Presidency of the Council of the EU, 76% support Ireland’s EU membership in Northern Ireland. European Movement Ireland’s Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026 is the only all-island research dedicated to European affairs.
Support for the EU within Ireland is further reflected in the poll with 63% stating they would support a United Ireland within the EU, 29% would vote against, and 8% don’t know, should the UK decide to hold a referendum tomorrow. 73% of citizens in Northern Ireland also said the EU should have a greater say in EU decision making, 19% disagree and 8% are unsure.
European Movement Ireland CEO David Geary said; “Ten years on from Brexit, where citizens in Northern Ireland voted to remain, there remains a clear and growing pro-European outlook, shaped in part by the political and economic challenges post-Brexit, alongside strong support for a united Ireland within the EU. As Ireland prepares for its first EU Presidency without the UK, 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 the North over the past four years, points to important discussions ahead about the island’s future.”
A majority, 79% of respondents in Northern Ireland said the EU should seek independence from the US, with 14% opposed. There is greater support in Northern Ireland for the EU’s strategic autonomy from the EU (71%) than in Ireland. Furthermore, as negotiations on the EU-US Turnberry Agreement continue and as the EU seeks to expand its trade links globally, 49% said trade was the EU’s strongest area of performance in Northern Ireland, compared to 39% in the South.
Mr. Geary said; “With the current US administration steering the United States away from multilateralism and established diplomatic norms in trade and foreign policy, the data indicates people in Northern Ireland support the EU’s efforts to diversify its trade links and become more independent from the US. While people recognise the need for the EU to become less reliant on the US, America’s deep political, cultural and economic ties will continue to remain in Northern Ireland and across this island, in particular the key role it played in securing the Good Friday Agreement.”
Cost of living concerns come out on top in Northern Ireland 45%, overtaking migration 42% when compared to last year’s polling. Respondents were also concerned about the EU’s response to the Middle East Conflict 41%, defence and security 40% and energy 37%. As the EU seeks to adapt to the new geopolitical world order, 46% believe the EU is moving in the right direction, however a majority are either 36% dissatisfied or 17% don’t know. This dissatisfaction is mainly driven by economic and regulatory issues 36%, federalism and national sovereignty 26%, migration 19%. In Northern Ireland, 44% said migration was the EU’s weakest area of performance, followed by 22% stating defence and security.
In Northern Ireland and in the Republic, 50% of respondents cited unity and cooperation, while 25% pointed to the EU’s economic benefits as reasons why they believe the EU is moving in the right direction. However, opinion is divided on whether the EU is effectively upholding its values, 40% disagree and 10% are unsure, and 50% believe the EU is upholding its core values, such as respect for human rights, freedom and equality.
Mr. Geary concluded; “Despite Northern Ireland’s unique access to both EU and UK markets, and its status as the fastest-growing economy in Britain, rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures continue to strain households. At the same time, growing political polarisation and declining trust in institutions highlight the need for the EU to lead by example, upholding its core values and defending international law, while fostering deeper public and civic engagement on these issues.”
In Northern Ireland, 68% cite online news as their main source of EU information, followed by 62% using traditional media (TV, radio, newspapers) and 39% using social media. Social media use is highest 65% among 18–34-year-olds, while 77% of this age group still rely on traditional online media for information on EU issues. Most people 38% do not trust any institution in Northern Ireland, however 28% of citizens trust the European Union more than the 20% Irish Government, with the least levels of trust in the 8% UK Government and 5% the Northern Ireland Executive.