92% of Irish people believe Ireland has benefited from EU Membership

66pc of Irish survey respondents in favour of common EU defence and security policy

“A massive 92 percent of Irish people believe that Ireland has benefited from EU membership, way above the EU average of 74pc, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey”, confirmed Seán Kelly MEP, leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament. A further 76pc of Irish people surveyed said they are optimistic about the future of the EU, which reinforces the positive view that Irish people have of the Union, according to Mr Kelly.

“Ahead of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the EU next year, it is wonderful to see such strong, positive regard for our country’s membership of the Union. A similar 92pc of people surveyed also backed the single currency, the Euro, and the economic union as a clear benefit”, Kelly said.

“When asked to cite the biggest concerns facing the EU in their view, most Irish respondents named Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and migration. 58pc of Irish people totally support the EU imposition of economic sanctions against Russia in the aftermath of its illegal invasion of Ukraine, according to the survey.

“An absolute majority of respondents in each Member State are in favour of a common defence and security policy among EU Member States, including some 66pc of Irish people surveyed who said they are in favour with a common defence and security policy, while 26pc are against and 8pc don’t know.

“These viewpoints are important to reflect on, today, as our Defence Minister, Helen McEntee, launches a €1.7 billion defence spending plan for Ireland. Ireland desperately needs to reinforce our Defence Forces to be able to provide security for our citizens. Ireland can also support certain joint EU initiatives in this regard, where possible, and while respecting our policy of military neutrality”, Kelly added.

“Being a neutral country does not protect us from very real and growing, global security risks”, Kelly warned.