A seismic shift in European public opinion has been captured by a major new poll, revealing that a clear majority of citizens across the continent now believe Brexit was a mistake and would welcome the United Kingdom back into the European Union. The survey, conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) and published on June 23, 2026, marks a dramatic reversal from the sentiment that prevailed during and immediately after the 2016 referendum.
The Poll's Key Findings
The poll, which surveyed over 16,000 people across 12 EU member states, found that on average, 58% of respondents think Brexit was a bad thing for the UK. In Germany, that figure rises to 64%, while in France it stands at 61%. Even in traditionally eurosceptic countries like Poland, 52% now view Brexit negatively. Only in Hungary did a slim majority (51%) still think Brexit was a good thing.
Perhaps most strikingly, 55% of all respondents said they would support the UK rejoining the EU if it applied to do so. Support for rejoining was highest in Spain (68%), Germany (62%), and Italy (60%), and lowest in Hungary (38%) and Poland (42%). The poll also found that younger Europeans are far more pro-rejoin than older generations, with 68% of 18-29 year olds backing UK re-entry compared to 42% of those over 65.
Economic Realities Bite
The shift in opinion appears driven largely by economic factors. Since leaving the EU, the UK has experienced persistent trade friction, labor shortages, and lower growth compared to its peers. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, Brexit has already reduced UK GDP by around 4% compared with staying in the EU. The ECFR report notes that Europeans are acutely aware of these costs: 63% of respondents said they believe Brexit has weakened the UK economy.
Mark Leonard, director of the ECFR, said: "The romance of Brexit has worn off. Europeans now see it as a self-inflicted wound that has diminished Britain's standing and prosperity. There is a genuine openness to welcoming the UK back, but that window may not stay open forever."
Political Implications
The findings come as the UK prepares for a general election expected later this year. While neither major party has put rejoining the EU in its manifesto, the poll suggests that public opinion in Europe is now far ahead of British politics on the issue. In the UK, recent YouGov polls show that support for rejoining has also grown, with 52% of Britons now saying they would vote to rejoin if a second referendum were held.
However, the path back to EU membership is fraught with obstacles. Any application would require unanimous approval from all 27 member states, and several national leaders have expressed skepticism. French President Emmanuel Macron has said the door is "ajar" but not open, while Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has warned that the UK would have to accept all EU rules, including the euro and Schengen, which it previously opted out of.
A Generational Divide
The poll also highlighted a stark generational divide in European attitudes. Among those aged 18-29, only 28% think Brexit was a good thing, compared to 48% of those over 65. This gap is even wider when it comes to supporting UK re-entry: 68% of young Europeans back it, versus 42% of the oldest cohort. This suggests that as older, more eurosceptic generations pass away, the political landscape could shift further in favor of reintegration.
"The young see Brexit as a tragic mistake that has hurt both the UK and Europe," said Leonard. "They are more cosmopolitan, more pro-European, and they want to rebuild bridges. This is a long-term trend that politicians ignore at their peril."
What Europeans Think of the UK Now
Beyond the economic calculus, the poll probed perceptions of the UK's global standing. A majority (56%) said they now view the UK as a less important global player than it was before Brexit. In Sweden, that figure reached 71%. Only 22% of Europeans said they think the UK's influence has grown since leaving the EU.
Nevertheless, there remains a reservoir of goodwill towards the British people. 61% of respondents said they still have a favorable view of the UK, and 58% said they would like to see closer cooperation between the EU and UK on foreign policy and defense issues. The ECFR report concludes that while Brexit has damaged the UK's reputation, it has not destroyed it.
The Road Ahead
For now, the UK government remains committed to its post-Brexit trajectory, pursuing trade deals with countries like India, Australia, and the United States. But the ECFR poll suggests that the ground is shifting beneath its feet. As the economic costs of Brexit continue to mount, and as a new generation comes of age with a more pro-European outlook, the question of whether Britain will one day rejoin the EU is no longer unthinkable.
"I remember the shock of the referendum result," Leonard added. "It can still be reversed. But it will require a fundamental change of heart in British politics, and a recognition that the European project is not a threat but an opportunity."
