Euroscepticism and perceptions of European values : 2014-2019

Abstract

This thesis studies whether there is a direct correlation between the promotion of European values and the surge in Eurosceptic ideology in the European Union and whether it leads to positive or negative relations between the two. It analyses the main results through Eurobarometer surveys on respondents' overall perceptions on the EU and their voting behaviours in the 2014 and 2019 European elections. Moreover, a case study on Greece and Italy analyses the upsurge of Eurosceptic parties in these countries and their main concerns, which were compared. Literature concerning theories on values, identity and Eurosceptic attitudes were reviewed while recommendations were made to address the main issues of concern of European citizens to upkeep and improve their trust in the European Union and the values it promotes.