Selective European Solidarity: How Recipient Country Characteristics Shape Support for International Redistribution in Europe

Abstract

AbstractThis article analyses how the characteristics of recipient countries shape individual support for international redistribution in Europe. Whilst a growing body of research has looked into the determinants of support for international redistribution, we argue that individuals may not be willing to redistribute in equal measure to any foreign country. We use data from a survey asking respondents in 14 European countries whether they think their governments should provide financial help to 35 [European Union (EU) and non‐EU] foreign countries in the event of a major crisis. We show that individuals are more likely to support helping foreign countries that speak the same language, are geographically close, have deeper trade links, are poorer than their own and are also EU members. Individuals who are more sceptical towards international redistribution are more likely to discriminate amongst foreign countries in their support for redistribution across borders.