A new survey has revealed that 66% of EU citizens across 15 countries support the UK rejoining the European Union. Published on June 21, 2026, by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), the polling marks exactly 10 years since the 2016 Brexit referendum.

 

Two-thirds of EU citizens back UK rejoining bloc, survey finds

A new survey has revealed that 66% of EU citizens across 15 countries support the UK rejoining the European Union. Published on June 21, 2026, by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), the polling marks exactly 10 years since the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Key Findings Across the EU

• Overall Support: 66% of European respondents feel UK membership is a very good, good, or neutral idea.
• Highest Support: 75% of respondents in both the Netherlands and Denmark back a British return.
• Lowest Support: 56% in Bulgaria and 59% in France and Italy, which still represent clear majorities.
• Right-Wing Backing: Majorities of voters for EU-critical, far-right parties support a closer relationship, including 71% of Poland's Confederation and 58% of Germany's AfD and France's National Rally.

Shift in British Sentiment

• Closer Ties: Three-quarters (75%) of UK voters now want a closer relationship with Europe.
• Free Movement: A majority of Britons accept integration measures like free movement to secure closer ties.
• Negative Outlook: Most UK respondents state that Brexit has been bad for the issues they care about.
• Defense Focus: 58% of British voters favor closer defense relations with Europe over the US. Only 18% view the US as an ally.