2015 - Survey - Major changes in European public opinion with regard to the EU

This desk research is dedicated to the major changes in European public opinion with regard to the EU since 1973, the year in which the Eurobarometer was introduced.

The results are presented on a timeline, in order to measure the perception Europeans have of the EU through its major steps, being institutional, political, economic and social. This is the second edition of the 2014 Desk Research, updated with results of the 2015 Parlemeter.

The main findings about public opinion's evolution for over 40 years (from 1973 to 2015) show how it evolved upwards and downwards.

• Major institutional and political events in the EU generally improve public perceptions of the Union. This is particularly true of enlargements and elections to the European Parliament.

• In spite of the various crises, Europeans are clearly attached to Europe when it comes to EU related fundamental issues.

• Moreover, the analysis over time shows the overriding influence of the economic and social context on public opinion. This is very well illustrated by the financial and economic crisis which began in 2008, prompting a sharp decline in indicators of support for the EU, they have started to increase for the last two years though.