The news media plays a central role in shaping public perceptions of the European Union, influencing how citizens respond to European integration. Coverage of EU affairs is increasingly politicized, and reporting often adopts a cynical tone that can alienate the public. This reflects broader cultural shifts in politics, where media-savvy performances by politicians sometimes overshadow substantive political processes, a phenomenon described as “media democracy.”
The MEDIATIZED EU research project, conducted by seven institutions across Europe, examined the interplay between political elites, media, and the public in shaping perceptions of the EU. Political elites communicate their views—whether optimistic, critical, or skeptical—which are then framed and disseminated by the media. Public opinion, in turn, influences elite debates, creating a feedback loop that affects both current and future visions of the European project. In Ireland, for example, media coverage often emphasized mutual benefits and shared values in Ireland-EU relations. The study also highlighted how disinformation or manipulative narratives can intervene in this dynamic, affecting public perceptions.
The project analyzed media coverage, policy documents, survey data, and conducted hundreds of interviews with political and media elites across a variety of EU contexts, including both older member states like Belgium and Ireland, newer members like Estonia and Hungary, and Eastern Partnership countries such as Georgia. Representative population surveys were conducted to assess public views of the EU, and findings were shared through deliberative workshops to engage citizens directly.
Key insights from the research indicate that pro-European sentiment often coexists with low public awareness of EU institutions and processes, making audiences vulnerable to misinformation from both pro- and anti-EU actors. The findings emphasize the need to improve “EU literacy” to enable a better-informed public capable of participating in democratic debate, safeguarding fundamental rights, and contributing to policymaking.
Amid contemporary challenges such as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and democratic backsliding across Europe, MEDIATIZED EU provides evidence for understanding the dynamics of Europeanisation and public opinion. The research offers practical policy recommendations to address Euroscepticism, populist threats, media capture, and anti-EU narratives. By combining informed debate with effective policy responses, the study underscores the importance of media, education, and citizen engagement in strengthening European institutions and solidarity.
