Europe must stop depending so heavily on the United States and learn to stand on its own two feet.
That is the view of a clear majority of people in Ireland, according to a major new all-island poll which suggests growing unease over global instability, security fears and Europe’s future role in an increasingly uncertain world.
The European Movement Ireland Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026 found that 71 per cent of respondents believe the European Union should seek greater independence from the US, reflecting growing concern about Europe’s ability to stand on its own in an increasingly unstable geopolitical climate.
The survey, carried out by Amárach Research, also found that support for EU membership in Ireland remains high at 82 per cent, although this has fallen from a peak of 93 per cent recorded in 2019.
The findings come as Ireland prepares to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, a role that will place the Government at the centre of major discussions around trade, defence, migration and foreign policy across Europe.
European Movement Ireland CEO David Geary (pictured above) said many people now recognise the need for the EU to become more self-reliant.
“While there are deep and enduring economic and cultural Ireland-US ties, many Irish people recognise 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.”
The poll paints a mixed picture of public attitudes towards the European Union.
While overall support for EU membership remains strong, satisfaction with the direction of the EU has fallen sharply in recent years, dropping from 58 per cent in 2023 to 45 per cent in 2026.
Among those dissatisfied with the EU, migration emerged as the biggest concern at 31 per cent, followed by economic and regulatory issues at 27 per cent and concerns around federalism and national sovereignty at 26 per cent.
However, respondents who believe the EU is moving in the right direction cited unity and cooperation, economic benefits, and stability and security as the main positives.
The cost of living was identified as the biggest issue facing citizens in Ireland, with 58 per cent listing it as a top concern.
Migration followed at 48 per cent, while housing was highlighted by 41 per cent of respondents.
Energy prices and defence and security both polled at 36 per cent.
In Northern Ireland, the cost of living also emerged as the biggest concern, overtaking migration for the first time.
The poll also found growing support for stronger European defence cooperation, with 48 per cent backing greater collaboration between EU states on defence and security matters.
Support was strongest among people aged over 55.
Mr Geary said many of the concerns raised by respondents were directly linked to everyday pressures facing households.
“Citizens’ top concerns are those affecting daily life, including the high cost of living and rising energy prices,” he said.
“These pressures are reflected in the European Commission’s recent decision to relax state-aid rules to support households.”
The survey also highlighted continuing unease around major international conflicts.
Among respondents in Ireland, concerns about the EU’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East both polled at 34 per cent.
Mr Geary said dissatisfaction remained over the EU’s handling of foreign policy issues, including what he described as the bloc’s failure to sanction Israel amid escalating violence in Palestine and the wider Middle East.
In Northern Ireland, the poll found strong pro-European sentiment a decade after the Brexit referendum.
Some 73 per cent of respondents in the North said they would vote to rejoin the EU if a referendum were held tomorrow, while 59 per cent of respondents in Ireland said they would support a united Ireland within the EU.
The research also found that 73 per cent of people in Northern Ireland believe they should have a greater say in EU decision-making, given that some EU laws still apply there under post-Brexit arrangements.
“Ten years on from Brexit, there is a clear and growing pro-European outlook in the North,” Mr Geary said.
“Our research points to important discussions ahead about the island’s future.”
The poll also examined levels of trust in political institutions.
In Ireland, 37 per cent of respondents said they trust neither the Irish Government nor the EU.
However, people were more likely to trust the Irish Government than the EU itself, with 36 per cent expressing trust in Government compared to 27 per cent for the EU.