Key facts
- A Pew Research poll shows increased favorable views of the EU across Europe.
- The poll was conducted a decade after the UK's Brexit vote.
- Eurosceptic parties are gaining influence in several EU member states.
- EU officials are cautious about the UK rejoining the EU.
- EU officials state the reaccession process could take longer than five years.
A decade after the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, a new poll from Pew Research reveals a significant increase in favorable views of the EU among Europeans. This growing positive sentiment towards the bloc is occurring even as eurosceptic parties gain traction in several member states, highlighting a complex political landscape.
Despite the rising support for the EU, officials within the bloc are approaching the idea of the UK rejoining with caution. They have indicated that any reaccession process for the UK would be lengthy, likely exceeding the duration of a single five-year European parliamentary term. This suggests that even if political will emerged for the UK to return, the practicalities would involve a protracted negotiation and approval period.