Public support for the European Union has risen significantly across much of Europe since the UK's decision to leave in 2016, according to a new report from the Pew Research Centre.
Across eight European countries tracked consistently since the Brexit referendum, 62% of respondents now view the EU favorably, up from 49% a decade ago. The findings suggest Brexit may have ushered in a period of renewed support for European integration rather than triggering a wave of Euroscepticism.
The UK itself has seen one of the most notable shifts. Despite narrowly voting to leave, 67% of Britons now view the bloc favorably, compared with 48% who held an unfavorable view at the time of the vote. That places the UK among the most pro-EU countries surveyed.
Support was strongest in Sweden at 79%, followed by Germany at 68%. The Netherlands, Poland, and Italy all recorded support above 60%. France remained more divided, with 52% holding positive views, while Greece was the only country surveyed where favorable views failed to reach a majority.
Pew researchers noted that support for the EU climbed further after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted closer cooperation on defense, energy security, and economic support for Kyiv.
The findings arrive as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signaled a desire for closer ties with Europe, amid broader debates over the continent's future on migration, economic competitiveness, and security.