Austrians’ approval for EU membership has increased since the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in June 2016 and remains at a constant high level, a survey by the Austrian Society for European Politics (ÖGfE) finds.
In the nationwide survey conducted in September, 74 percent of Austrians say that our country should remain a member of the European Union. 10 percent are in favour of leaving the Union. 16 percent do not take a position. Compared to the last ÖGfE survey in February 2019, public opinion remained quite stable. An ÖGfE time series shows that support for EU membership has increased especially after the Brexit vote while the number of those who want Austria to leave the Union is in strong decline.
A total number of 59 Austrian-wide ÖGfE-surveys since 1995 indicate that – despite fluctuations – Austrians in favour of EU-membership have continuously formed a clear majority. On average the number of membership supporters has been at around 70 percent versus 23 percent of leavers. The highest support for EU-membership was recorded in June/July 2002 (80 percent), the strongest wish to leave the EU in June/July 2008 (33 percent).
Background:
The current survey was conducted by Sozialwissenschaftliche Studiengesellschaft (SWS) from 6 to 13 September 2019 on behalf of ÖGfE (Tel SWS 287). 512 persons were interviewed by telephone (representative of the Austrian population aged 16 and older / weighted according to gender, age and education). Maximum fluctuation range approx. +/- 4.3 percent.
