Euroscepticism in Times of Crisis: A Macro-Level Analysis of the Euro Crisis’ Effects on Public Opinion and Party Competition on European Integration

Abstract

In this chapter, we investigate how Euroscepticism in the public opinion and party systems of EU member states has developed since the 1990s. In particular, we analyse to what extent the Euro crisis has affected specific support for the EU regime and diffuse support for the process of European integration, as well as the party systems’ positions on European integration. Our empirical macro-level analysis relates economic indicators to voter survey data (European Election Studies) and election manifestos of political parties (Euromanifestos). The findings imply that the economic and sovereign debt crisis in Europe has led to a strong rise in output-related Euroscepticism in the most affected countries, but that it barely led to a strong opposition to the European unification process. Moreover, party systems have only partly adapted to popular Euroscepticism during the Euro crisis.