Majority of EU Citizens Would Support UK Rejoining Bloc as Brexit Sentiment Shifts, Survey Finds
A decade after the Brexit referendum, new polling suggests a major shift in public opinion across Europe and the United Kingdom, with a large majority of EU citizens now open to Britain rejoining the bloc and many UK voters expressing regret over the decision to leave.
The survey, conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations, found that 66% of respondents across 15 European countries view UK membership of the European Union as a good, very good, or at least neutral idea. Support for the UK’s return was strongest in countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark, while still maintaining majority backing in nations including France, Italy, and Bulgaria.
The findings also indicate that support for closer EU–UK relations extends beyond traditional pro-European political groups. Even voters for far-right and EU-critical parties in several countries expressed support for strengthening ties with Britain, suggesting a broader consensus in favour of rebuilding economic and political cooperation.
Within the United Kingdom, the polling reveals a notable shift in attitudes toward Brexit itself. A majority of British respondents said leaving the EU has had a negative impact on key issues such as the cost of living, the economy, trade, and opportunities for young people. Many also believe Brexit has worsened concerns related to immigration, including among some who voted to leave in 2016.
When asked about the perceived benefits of Brexit, the most common responses were either uncertainty or the belief that there were no clear advantages, reflecting growing public doubt about the long-term outcomes of leaving the EU. This sentiment appears to be driving increased support for closer ties with Europe, with 75% of UK respondents favouring a stronger relationship with the bloc.
One of the most striking findings is the changing attitude toward freedom of movement. A majority of UK respondents said they would accept free movement of people in exchange for closer trade relations with the EU. This includes a significant share of those who previously supported Brexit, indicating a shift in priorities compared to the 2016 referendum debate.
Political leaders across Europe have also signalled openness to renewed UK engagement. Several have suggested that the door remains open for Britain should it choose to return, while others have emphasised the importance of maintaining close cooperation on trade, security, and regional stability.
The overall picture presented by the survey suggests that public opinion on Brexit has evolved significantly since 2016. While formal political positions remain unchanged, the data points to a growing appetite on both sides for closer EU–UK alignment, and in some cases, a reconsideration of the long-term consequences of Britain’s departure from the European Union.