A new pan-European opinion poll has found that majorities in four key EU member states now believe Brexit was a mistake, with many expressing hope that the UK could eventually rejoin the bloc. The survey, conducted by YouGov across France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, reveals a significant shift in attitudes since the 2016 referendum.
Majorities in Four Key Nations Regret Brexit
In France, 62% of respondents said Brexit was a bad thing for the UK, while 58% in Germany, 54% in Italy, and 51% in Spain agreed. Only 12% of French, 14% of German, 16% of Italian, and 18% of Spanish respondents thought it was a good thing. The poll also asked whether the UK would be better off inside the EU: 68% of French, 64% of German, 58% of Italian, and 55% of Spanish respondents said yes.
Support for UK Rejoining the EU
When asked if the UK should be allowed to rejoin the EU if it wanted to, 58% of French, 55% of German, 52% of Italian, and 49% of Spanish respondents supported the idea. Only a minority opposed it. However, there was less optimism about the likelihood of a return: just 28% of French, 24% of German, 22% of Italian, and 20% of Spanish thought the UK would ever rejoin.
Personal Impact and Perception of UK Influence
On a personal level, 43% of French, 38% of German, 35% of Italian, and 33% of Spanish said Brexit had made their lives worse. Fewer than 10% said it had improved their lives. The poll also found that a majority in all four countries believed the UK had lost influence in the world since leaving the EU: 68% in France, 66% in Germany, 59% in Italy, and 56% in Spain.
Trade and Economic Consequences
Regarding trade, 54% of French, 52% of German, 47% of Italian, and 44% of Spanish said Brexit had made trade with the UK more difficult. Only 8% or fewer said it had become easier. The economic impact was also viewed negatively: 56% of French, 51% of German, 48% of Italian, and 45% of Spanish believed Brexit had damaged the UK economy.
Divergent Views on Immigration and Sovereignty
While most Europeans now see Brexit as a failure, there were some areas where opinion was more divided. On immigration, 41% of French, 36% of German, 33% of Italian, and 31% of Spanish said Brexit had made it harder for Europeans to live and work in the UK. However, 25-30% said it had made no difference. On sovereignty, 35% of French, 33% of German, 30% of Italian, and 28% of Spanish thought the UK had gained more control over its laws, but similar proportions thought it had lost control or seen no change.
Younger Generations More Pro-EU
The poll also revealed a generational divide, with younger Europeans more likely to view Brexit negatively and support UK rejoining. Among 18-24 year olds, 71% in France, 68% in Germany, 62% in Italy, and 60% in Spain thought Brexit was a bad thing. Support for the UK rejoining was also higher among this age group: 66% in France, 63% in Germany, 58% in Italy, and 54% in Spain.
Looking Ahead: EU-UK Relations
Despite the regret, Europeans remain pragmatic about future relations. When asked about the EU's approach to the UK, 48% of French, 45% of German, 42% of Italian, and 39% of Spanish said the EU should be friendly but firm, while 28-32% said the EU should be cooperative and conciliatory. Only 12-16% said the EU should be tough and uncompromising.
Conclusion: A Shift in European Sentiment
The poll, conducted in May 2026, suggests that European public opinion has turned decisively against Brexit, with majorities now seeing it as a mistake and hoping for a closer relationship. However, there is less confidence that the UK will actually return to the EU. As one EU diplomat put it, "The door remains open, but the UK must show it wants to walk through."
