Public Attitudes Towards Globalisation and Socio‐Economic Factors: Empirical Evidence From the Eurobarometer Survey

ABSTRACT This study examines the link between diminishing support for globalisation, particularly in the realm of free trade, and shifts in public perceptions, using Eurobarometer survey data across 29 European countries. It explores the impact of socio‐economic factors and personal characteristics on attitudes towards globalisation, focusing on how these elements contribute to collective sentiments that influence national policy directions. The findings reveal no direct correlation between economic growth or trade dependence and awareness of globalisation at the macro level. However, a clear relationship is observed between globalisation perceptions and both unemployment rates and income inequality. At the micro level, positive views on globalisation are significantly associated with younger age, higher education levels, better economic status and right‐leaning political views. Additionally, greater trust in political institutions and favourable views on trade policies that accommodate globalisation correlate with more positive perceptions of globalisation. This suggests that domestic policies and governance be important in mitigating the adverse effects of globalisation and enhancing its acceptance, contributing valuable knowledge to the discourse on global economic policy and international relations.