Political trust and attitudes towards emigration across the European Union

This chapter examines the factors influencing public opinion concerns about emigration within Europe, with an emphasis on the role of political trust. Prior research has highlighted the complex interplay between political trust and attitudes towards immigration, noting that while it can positively influence support for pro-immigration policies, concerns about immigration significantly shape political trust. This research explores how trust in national political systems correlates with EU citizens’ opinions on freedom of movement from the standpoint of emigration. Employing data from a cross-national survey conducted in 2021, this chapter scrutinises this intricate relationship across fifteen EU member states. These countries’ diverse political, economic, demographic and migratory contexts provide a rich backdrop for evaluating this nexus. Contrary to the expectations, findings reveal that higher levels of political trust correlate with increased concerns about emigration. This suggests that political trust may have multifaceted and contradictory effects on public attitudes towards freedom of movement depending on the proposed framing. Individuals with greater trust in their political systems tend to be more accepting of immigrants but simultaneously express heightened concern about their co-nationals’ emigration to other European member states.