Ireland’s support for EU membership has dropped to its lowest level since 2013, according to a poll carried out for European Movement Ireland (EMI).
Whilst support for the European Union remains strong at 82 percent, nearly half of Irish people – 43 percent – do not believe their views are represented at EU level.
The poll comes as the Taoiseach Micheál Martin is in Brussels meeting the President of the European Commission.
Ursula von der Leyen is wearing a green jacket, clearly in Ireland’s honour, for the meeting this morning.
The Taoiseach’s office said their meeting will focus on economic issues, including the EU’s possible response to US tariffs as well as “potential impacts on Ireland and the European economy, and efforts to find a negotiated solution.”
The leaders are also expected to discuss international issues including Ukraine, EU-UK relations, and the situation in Gaza.
Ireland takes over the rotating presidency of the European Council in the second half of 2026 and the Taoiseach is expected to discuss Ireland’s preparations with President von der Leyen.
But European Movement Ireland’s poll of Irish people’s EU sentiment will be the elephant in the room.
One-third of people polled felt that the EU “is not upholding its core values”, more than one-quarter “are dissatisfied with [the EU’s] direction”.
The polling was carried out by Amárach Research on EMI’s behalf.
European Movement Irelands chief executive, Noelle O Connell, said Ireland’s support for the EU was “encouraging” although she admitted, “albeit a decline on recent years”.
“It is clear that we cannot be complacent, with some people expressing dissatisfaction with the EU’s current trajectory and Irish influence at EU level”, she said.
Reacting to the poll, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD said that Ireland continues to support European Union membership.
“It is particularly notable that those surveyed see EU membership as a good thing for Ireland and that overall, trust in the EU remains high. This reflects a broad public recognition of the role the Union plays in safeguarding our economy, supporting our security and defence cooperation, and enhancing our voice on the global stage.”
“In advance of Ireland taking on the EU Presidency in the second-half of 2026, I look forward to engaging with communities across Ireland, to communicate what our EU Presidency means, and how the EU delivers for its citizens”, he added.