Soft euroscepticism

Euroscepticism (also known as EU-scepticism, from the Greek word scepsis meaning doubt) literally means criticism of the European Union (EU). Some observers though prefer to understand opposition to and total rejection of the EU (anti-EU-ism) as 'Euroscepticism'.

Traditionally, the main source of Euroscepticism has been the notion that integration weakens the nation state, and a desire to slow, halt or reverse integration within the EU. Other views often held by Eurosceptics include perceptions of a democratic deficit in the European Union or a belief that the EU is too bureaucratic. Euroscepticism should not be confused with anti-Europeanism, which refers to the rejection of the culture of Europe and Europeanisation, and sentiments, opinions and discrimination against European ethnic groups. A Eurobarometer survey of EU citizens in 2009 showed that support for membership of the EU was lowest in Latvia, the United Kingdom, and Hungary. By 2016, the countries viewing the EU most unfavourably were Greece, France, Spain and the UK. Euroscepticism is found in political parties across the political spectrum; however, the rise in populist right-wing parties in Europe is strongly linked to a rise in Euroscepticism on the continent.

EU citizens' trust in the EU and its institutions has declined strongly since a peak in 2007. In 2016, a referendum was held asking whether the United Kingdom either should remain a member of, or leave, the European Union; this resulted in a majority of votes in favour of leaving the EU.

While having some overlaps, Euroscepticism and anti-Europeanism are different. Anti-Europeanism has always had a strong influence in American culture and American exceptionalism, which sometimes sees Europe on the decline or as a rising rival power, or both. Some aspects of euroscepticism in the United Kingdom have been mirrored by US authors.

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