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The influence of macroeconomic factors on public opinion towards further EU enlargements

Blasig, Sophie (2015) The influence of macroeconomic factors on public opinion towards further EU enlargements.

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Abstract:The EUs goal is to spread peace and democracy over the European continent and therefore incorporate all European countries. On the other hand the public support for further EU enlargement decreased in recent years. This thesis will investigate whether macroeconomic factors are one potential explanation for this development. The central research question is: ‘To what extent is the change in attitudes in EU member states towards further EU enlargements between 2004 and 2010 related to macroeconomic factors?’. The research is conducted in a longitudinal design based on data published by Eurostat and Eurobarometer. The results are of particular relevance for EU officials to acquire knowledge about the formation of public opinion on EU enlargements and to enable finding solutions to counter the declining support for future enlargements. The main findings revealed in this research are (1)The public opposition against further enlargements increased during the time period, especially after the hit of the financial crisis in 2008; (2)The attitude of wealthier countries seems to be more negative than that of poorer member states; (3)The member states’ relation to the EU budget, whether they receive or contribute payments, constitutes a large part of the macroeconomic influence. (4)The public attitude is only to an extent explained by macroeconomic indicators.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:70 social sciences in general
Programme:Management Society and Technology BSc (56654)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/67317
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