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Abstract

We analyse the patterns and covariates of support for the European integration of core state powers based on a new original survey. We find considerable variation across integration instruments, member states, and policy issues: horizontal transfers are more supported than vertical capacity building; the EU's Southeast is more supportive than the EU's Northwest; and support increases from debt relief to unemployment assistance, refugee burden sharing, military defense to disaster aid. Identity is a strong and fairly consistent predictor for individual‐level variation in support. The association with interest is less consistent, but can be quite strong with respect to specific policy issues such as debt and unemployment. Overall, support for the integration of core state powers is higher and more variable than expected. This suggests considerable room for political agency rather than a general constraining dissensus.