After short-lived rebound, views of the EU on the decline again in key European countries Favorable view of EU
Europe was gripped by rising popular discontent with the European Union and concerns about refugees. While the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the EU – known as “Brexit” – was one of the most dramatic reflections of the mood in Europe, a spring survey found a median of just 51% across 10 EU countries had a favorable view of the institution and a median of 42% wanted more power returned to their nations’ capitals. Unhappiness with the EU coincided with the influx of refugees, mostly from the Middle East, stoking concerns about security and economic repercussions. In eight of the 10 European nations surveyed, half or more said incoming refugees would increase the likelihood of terrorism in their country. As immigrant populations increased, few Europeans said the resulting cultural diversity made their countries a better place to live.
After short-lived rebound, views of the EU on the  | decline again in key European countries  | Favorable view of EU  | 100%  | 93 78  | 93 78  | 72 Poland  | 69  | 58 Italy  | 58 54  | 50 Germany  | 47 Spain  | 44 UK  | 37  | 38 France  | 27 Greece  | 2004  | 2006  | 2008  | 2010  | 2012  | 2014  | 2016  | Source: Spring 2016 Global Attitudes Survey Q10c  | "Euroskepticism Bewodd Brexit"  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 