Solidarity in Europe

Abstract

European solidarity is in high demand but short supply. By using survey evidence on attitudes towards European solidarity, conducted by YouGov in 11 member states (April 2018), the paper explores viable strategies for leveraging European solidarity. The survey reveals three important findings: 1. Public support for European solidarity varies by issue (solidarity for what?), by instrument (solidarity how?) and by member state (solidarity by whom for whom?); 2. Variance in support offers opportunities for leveraging European solidarity by linking different issues and instruments; 3. European publics are often uncertain in their attitudes towards European solidarity. This opens space for political leadership on European solidarity by issue- and instrument-linkage. Voters, who in large majority wish to stay in the EU, should be ready to listen.