How economic perceptions shape the image of the EU? The evidence from 10 EU member states during the four consecutive waves of crises
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper examines whether the changing economic conditions during four consecutive crises (the economic and financial crisis, the refugee crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the security crisis) have influenced public perceptions of the EU. It contributes to the literature on public support for the EU, specifically exploring its economic drivers. The central question underpinning the research is whether people’s perceptions regarding national and European economic situation influence their image of the EU. The study draws from the Euobarometer series, analyzing 10 selected EU member states (Germany, France, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Italy and Spain). The sample was designed to capture internal key EU divisions (East vs. West, North vs. South, ‘old’ vs. ‘new’, net contributors vs. net beneficiaries), while also ensuring representation from both the most and least crisis-affected member states. Time-wise the study covers a period of 19 years, from 2005 to 2023. The results of the analysis indicate that economic perceptions shape attachment to the EU. While assessments of the European economy matter across all the studied sample – albeit to varying degrees depending on the region – perceptions of national economies affect the EU’s image primarily in countries most severely impacted by the economic and financial crisis.
Author: Joanna Orzechowska-Wacławska
Institution: Jagiellonian University
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4409444454