Some Romances Do Not End: Changes in Italian Public Opinion Toward the European Union

The pandemic crisis and the subsequent process for issuing policy measures for recovering at both economic and health level have affected the relationship between member states and European institutions. This article investigates potential changes in public opinion, with a moderation of Eurosceptic attitudes. Using data from an individual panel survey, the profiles of people who have changed their attitudes towards the EU have been identified. Then, the study analyses the determinants of their attitudes towards the EU, controlling for socio-economic and political variables. The findings indicate that the attitudes towards the EU have become more positive. This means that, in overall, evaluations of the EU among the public have become more favourable and that party cues have been a major factor in this change