A majority of people on the island of Ireland would vote for Irish unity as part of the European Union, according to a new poll conducted by European Movement Ireland and Amarach Research.
The Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026, which surveyed 1,200 adults in both Ireland and Northern Ireland between March 26 and 31, reveals that if a referendum were held tomorrow on a united Ireland within the EU, 59% in Ireland would vote in favour and 22% against, while in Northern Ireland, 63% would support it and 29% would oppose it.
The poll also indicates that 73% of respondents in Northern Ireland would vote for the UK to rejoin the EU if a referendum were held tomorrow, with only 23% against. Furthermore, more than 70% of people across the island believe the EU should become more independent from the United States, with 71% in Ireland and 79% in Northern Ireland holding this view.
Declining Satisfaction with EU Direction
The survey shows a decline in satisfaction with the direction of the EU, dropping from 58% in 2023 to 45% in 2026. Among those dissatisfied in Ireland, the top concerns are migration (31%), economic and regulatory issues (27%), and federalism and national sovereignty (26%). In Northern Ireland, 46% expressed satisfaction, while 36% were dissatisfied, citing economic and regulatory issues (36%), federalism (26%), and immigration control (19%).
Those satisfied with the EU’s direction in Ireland highlighted unity and cooperation (33%), economic benefits (25%), and stability and security (19%). In Northern Ireland, unity and cooperation (50%), economic benefits (25%), and defence (18%) were the main reasons.
Top Concerns and Trust
In Ireland, the top five concerns at EU level are cost of living (58%), migration (48%), housing (41%), energy (36%), and defence and security (36%). In Northern Ireland, the main concerns are cost of living (45%), migration (42%), the EU’s response to the Middle East conflict (41%), defence and security (40%), and energy (37%).
Trust in institutions is mixed: 37% of Irish respondents trust neither the Irish Government nor the EU, while 36% trust the Irish Government and 27% trust the EU. In Northern Ireland, 28% trust the EU most, followed by the Irish Government (20%), the UK Government (8%), and the Executive (5%), with 38% trusting none.
Trade is seen as the EU’s strongest area in both jurisdictions, while migration is viewed as its weakest.
Defence Cooperation and Information Sources
Almost half (48%) of Irish respondents support increased EU defence and security cooperation, with 32% opposed and 20% unsure. On information sources, 65% in Ireland rely on newspapers, radio, and TV, 51% on traditional media online, and 33% on social media. In Northern Ireland, 68% use traditional media online, 62% newspapers, radio, and TV, and 39% social media.
David Geary, chief executive of European Movement Ireland, noted the “strongly pro-European” sentiment but warned of “areas of disconnect emerging.” He emphasised that Ireland “can’t be complacent” as it prepares for the EU Council presidency in July. He added that the high support for Irish unity in this poll, compared to others, is likely due to the “EU framing,” and that EU membership remains appealing.
Geary also highlighted that 73% of respondents in Northern Ireland believe the region should have a greater say in EU decision-making, including 62% of Leave voters. He welcomed the Irish Government’s plan to include Northern Ireland in the presidency as a positive step.
