30 years of Sweden as EU country - changes of attitudes from skepticism to civic support
TL;DR
Attitudes in Sweden toward the EU as a polity and institutional space have shifted decisively over the last three decades. For example, in 1992, only 31% supported membership; by 2024, that number had increased to 62%. Support is strongest among the educated, urban, and politically engaged individuals, who often hold more liberal values and attitudes. However, trust in EU institutions lags behind support for membership, while more scepticism persists among low-income and rural groups. Sweden’s case reveals strong support for further integration, as well as demands for democratic legitimacy and improved institutional performance.
From more skepticism to more support for the union
The SOM Institute’s 2024 report at Gothenburg University describes long-term trends in how Swedes perceive the EU and offers valuable insights into how public support for supranational governance evolves in a liberal-democratic society.
In 1992, only 31% of the Swedish population was in favor of EU membership. In 2024, that figure has risen to 62%, with just 13% opposed and 25% undecided. The net balance of opinion is +49 among those with a clear view. The generational shift is clear: young adults (16–29) show higher-than-average support (+52 %), and this trend is reinforced by education level (74% support among university graduates) and income (74% support in high-income households).
Ideological positioning is also decisive. Those identifying as clearly or somewhat left-of-centre score +59 in support balance. Centre-right identifiers are also strongly positive (+53). Among voters of liberal parties, such as the Center Party, the Green Party, and the Liberals, support reaches above 80%. The exemption is the far-right Sweden Democrats, whose voters are nearly evenly split, with only 33% in favor and a -1 balance.
But while support for EU membership is strong, trust in EU institutions tells a different story. For example, according to the survey, only 28% of Swedes express confidence in the European Commission (balance +1), and trust in the European Parliament is similarly unenthusiastic. These figures contrast sharply with support for membership itself, suggesting that for many Swedes, the EU is accepted as a polity and governance structure, but not necessarily trusted as a governing body and semi-government.
What explains the gap? Trust is strongly correlated with satisfaction in democracy. Among respondents satisfied with democracy in the EU, support for membership reaches +72. Among those dissatisfied, support turns negative. Trust in the EU Commission is +30 among those content with EU democracy, and -88 among those who are not. These findings suggest that institutional legitimacy, rather than an abstract commitment to integration, is the core driver of political support.
The broader takeaway is that Sweden’s support for the EU aligns closely with a liberal-democratic outlook, grounded in education, political engagement, and a positive view of multilevel cooperation. Yet it is also conditional because citizens expect democratic accountability, institutional performance, and inclusion. Those left out of the benefits of globalization, whether economically or socially, are more likely to remain negative and skeptical.
Concluding Reflections
The recent development in Sweden shows that the EU level of governance and politics continues to shape public life in both ideological, pragmatic, and pluralistic forms. At the same time, there are challenges regarding institutional performance, actions, and accountability towards the population, citizens, and residents. Especially, the EU Commission must not take the current levels of support for granted. As global crises deepen and populist alternatives grow louder, Sweden reminds us that supranational development still has a future but only if it remains politically inclusive, institutionally trustworthy, and democratically anchored.
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