EU referendum: Euroscepticism in Europe is on the rise, according to Pew Research Centre
Euroscepticism across Europe is on the rise, according to new research released ahead of the UK's referendum.
While data from the Pew Research Centre finds that a median of 51 per cent across 10 EU countries surveyed have a favourable view of the 28-member bloc, the overall trend of euroscepticism is on the rise.
"In a number of nations the portion of the public with a favourable view of the Brussels-based institution fell markedly from 2012 to 2013 as the European economy cratered," th research said.
"It subsequently rebounded in 2014 and 2015. But the EU is again experiencing a sharp dip in public support in a number of its largest member states."
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Some 42 per cent of those surveyed want more power returned to their capitals.
The research also pointed out that there are large differences between nations. The most eurosceptic are Greece, France and the UK, while those with the most favourable view are Poland, Hungary and Italy.
In fact, EU favourability is down in five of the six nations surveyed in both 2015 and 2016.
In France there has even been speculation that the National Front could utilise a Brexit vote to push for Frexit.
Young people (18-34) are more favourable toward the EU than people over the age of 50.
The findings echo that of polls in the UK, that have found younger voters more likely to support continued EU membership.
As a result, the Remain campaign has repeatedly appealed to younger segments of the electorate to actually turn up on the day and vote.
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Current polling in the UK has been mixed, with an apparent surge for the Brexit camp last week, which seems to have settled somewhat this week.
If online polls are to be believed, it is still a dead heat. But two weeks is a long time in politics, so both camps still have it all to play for.
A median of 70 per cent in the nine EU nations surveyed that don’t get a vote June 23 believe it would be bad for the EU if the UK decided to depart. Only 16 per cent say it would be a good thing.
Meanwhile, a TNS poll has also found that the majority of Europeans want the UK to remain in the EU.