EU should become more independent from US according to majority in Ireland

The European Movement Ireland “Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026”, conducted by Amárach Research, found that 71% of respondents think the EU should seek greater strategic autonomy from the US, reflecting shifting attitudes amid an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.

The poll also points to continued strong backing for EU membership in Ireland, with 82% in favor, although this has declined from a peak of 93% recorded in 2019.

David Geary, CEO of European Movement Ireland, said the findings highlight a nuanced public view of transatlantic relations.

“While there are deep and enduring economic and cultural Ireland-US ties, many Irish people recognize the EU’s need for greater strategic independence in a changing geopolitical context,” he said.

“With preparations underway for the EU Presidency, Ireland can play an important role as a bridge between the US and the EU.”

However, the research also reveals a drop in satisfaction with the direction of the EU.

Just 45% of respondents said the bloc is moving in the right direction, down from 58% in 2023.

Among those expressing dissatisfaction, migration (31%), economic and regulatory concerns (27%), and issues around sovereignty and federalism (26%) were the most frequently cited factors.

For those with a more positive outlook, the EU’s role in promoting unity and cooperation (33%), economic benefits (25%), and stability and security (19%) were key reasons for confidence.

Cost-of-living pressures remain the dominant concern for citizens, cited by 58% of respondents in Ireland and 45% in Northern Ireland.

Migration, housing, energy, and defense also featured prominently among the top issues influencing public opinion.

Support for deeper EU cooperation on defense and security is also evident, with 48% backing closer integration in this area.

This rises to 54% among those aged over 55, suggesting stronger support among older demographics.

Geary said the findings reflect the impact of everyday economic pressures as well as international events.

“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,” he said.

He added that dissatisfaction also stems from foreign policy challenges, including “Russia’s war in Ukraine” and tensions in the Middle East.

The poll also highlights evolving attitudes in Northern Ireland a decade on from Brexit.

Some 73% of respondents there said they would vote to rejoin the EU if a referendum were held tomorrow, while 59% of respondents in Ireland said they would support a united Ireland within the EU.

“Ten years on from Brexit, there is clear and growing pro-European outlook in the North,” Geary said, adding that it will be important for Northern Ireland’s perspective to be reflected during Ireland’s EU Presidency.

On economic performance, trade remains the EU’s strongest-rated area, with 39% of respondents viewing it positively, although this marks a decline from 46% in 2024.

 The poll also points to continued strong backing for EU membership in Ireland
Trust levels remain mixed. In Ireland, 37% of respondents said they trust neither the Irish government nor the EU, while 36% said they trust the Government and 27% the EU.

In Northern Ireland, trust in the EU stands at 28%, compared with just 5% for the Northern Ireland Executive.

* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.