Romanian survey shows a split view on the European Union: nearly 39 % of respondents believe EU membership limits national sovereignty, while a similar share think the same limitation helps raise living standards. The Barometer 7 study, conducted by INSCOP Research in mid‑January 2026, found 38.9 % of Romanians view EU membership as a sovereignty constraint, a rise from 38.1 % in September 2025. Meanwhile 45.9 % say the EU does not affect sovereignty, and 15.3 % did not answer. 69.1 % of respondents say Romania should negotiate more favourable conditions within the EU, while 11.2 % support exit. 22.4 % believe life would be better if the EU dissolved, 54.9 % think it would be worse. The survey highlighted variations by age, education, gender and political affiliation, with PSD and AUR voters more likely to see sovereignty limits. INSCOP director Remus Ștefureac explained that most Romanians remain pro‑EU out of pragmatic calculation rather than symbolic loyalty, suggesting that a “negotiating nationalism” strategy may shape future EU rhetoric. The data were collected via CATI from 1,100 respondents between 12‑15 January 2026, with a ±3 % margin of error at 95 % confidence.

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