New research from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR extension) revealed that, almost a decade after the Brexit, the majority of European citizens want a closer relationship with the United Kingdom.
The study also highlighted that many Britons are willing to re-evaluate old red lines drawn during the separation period, such as freedom of movement.
The search result
The survey, conducted in November 2024, interviewed more than 9 people in six countries: Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain and Poland. The aim was to measure public sentiment about the relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
The data revealed that:
- In EU countries, there is strong support for rapprochement:
- Germany: 45% want closer ties; only 9% prefer distance.
- Italy and Spain: Around 40% of respondents support greater cooperation.
- Poland: 44% want a closer relationship, compared to 5% who prefer distance.
- France, although more cautious, registered 34% support for cooperation, against 11% who want greater separation.
- In the United Kingdom, 55% of citizens support closer relations with the European Union.
See the graph below:
Freedom of movement and single market
The survey revealed a significant shift in British people's perceptions of sensitive issues.
More than two-thirds of UK respondents (68%) said they would be willing to accept freedom of movement between the UK and the EU, as long as it allowed access to the Single Market. Of these, 54% were people who voted to leave the bloc in 2016.
The global context and the desire for cooperation
The survey also found that recent global events, such as the war in Ukraine and international instability, have prompted citizens to rethink cooperation between the United Kingdom and the European Union. According to the study's authors, the new global reality has created a favorable environment for the resumption of dialogue and the building of a stronger partnership between the two parties.
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