The majority of Europeans reject the European Union’s migration rules, as revealed by an exclusive Euronews poll conducted by Ipsos among nearly 26,000 voters in 18 Member States. The survey indicates that 51 per cent of Europeans hold a negative view of the bloc’s prevailing migration policy, while only 16 per cent have a positive view. Additionally, 32 per cent of respondents stated that the EU’s impact is ‘neither positive nor negative’.
The trend is consistent across gender and age groups. France (62 per cent), Austria (60 per cent), and Hungary (58 per cent) are the most critical nations towards the EU’s migration policy, while Denmark (26 per cent), Romania (27 per cent), and Finland (32 per cent) are the most satisfied with the current regulations.
The most striking differences are observed in terms of party preference:
as anticipated, the most conservative views are held by supporters of the right-wing Identity and Democracy (78 per cent) and the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (65 per cent) political groups in the European Parliament. In contrast, those at the other end of the political spectrum, specifically supporters of the Left, express lower levels of criticism (55 per cent).
Among voters of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), 46 per cent hold a negative view of EU migration policy, 20 per cent hold a positive sentiment, while 34 per cent express a neutral view. Conversely, among supporters of the centre-left Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group, opinions are more evenly split: 33 per cent are against migration policy, 24 per cent are in favour, and 42 per cent are neutral on the issue.
Dissatisfaction with the EU’s migration policy is reflected in a widespread demand for stronger border controls to combat illegal migration:
71 per cent of respondents agree that this should be the main focus in the coming years.
In contrast, only 28 per cent of Europeans believe that the bloc should focus on ‘a policy of welcoming immigrants in the name of humanist values.’
59 per cent of respondents indicated that the EU should prioritize the fight against illegal migration. This ranks it as the fourth most important issue for voters in the EU, following rising prices, social inequalities, and economic growth, and preceding concerns about unemployment, climate change, collective defence, and aid to Ukraine.
On Wednesday, the European Parliament is debating and voting on the new EU migration pact, which includes a binding migrant quota for Member States. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson emphasized during the plenary: ‘The adoption of the EU’s migration and asylum package could make a real difference, proving that Europe is ready to compromise and tackle the biggest challenges, including migration.’
Balázs Hidvéghi, Fidesz MEP, reiterating Hungary’s well-known stance, stating:
‘We have not given up defending our way of life, our security, our culture. The Hungarian people have repeatedly rejected illegal migration after being consulted on this issue. Therefore, we firmly reject this pact.’
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