AS EUROPEAN FINANCE ministers prepare to gather for negotiations on a banking union in Brussels today, a new survey of EU citizens has shown that positive views of the union are near all-time lows.

The survey, conducted by the Pew Research Centre in Washington, revealed the median number of people with a favourable view of the EU fell from 60 per cent to 45 per cent last year. In France, 77 per cent of people said they believe that economic integration has made things worse in the country and Britons are split down the middle on whether or not to stay in the union.

Critics of the union in Ireland have said that we have little say in decisions that are made and that harsh austerity measures pushed on the country by the EU were not in our best interests. However others have pointed out that Ireland may not have survived the financial downturn without the assistance of the union.

We want to know: Do you trust the European Union to represent your interests?

- Additional reporting by Associated Press.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More