Public attitudes towards the EU in Estonia: explaining and building psychological ownership

Although support for EU membership in Estonia is consistently high, public opinion in Estonia is characterized by very low levels psychological ownership (PO) towards the EU. Eurobarometer data shows that Estonia has the lowest proportion of people who believe that their voice counts in the EU compared to other member states. The low psychological ownership of Estonian residents towards the EU has not been systematically studied before. It is important to do so because low levels of psychological ownership can have various undesirable consequences, including a negative impact on support for the EU and trust in European institutions, on residents’ willingness to comply with EU rules and norms, and low turnout in European Parliament elections. The aim of the study is to identify the reasons for the weak psychological ownership of Estonian residents towards the EU and the possibilities for strengthening and regularly monitoring psychological ownership. Factors influencing PO will be identified through an analysis of scientific literature, the experience of other member states, and statistical analysis of previously collected survey data from the Government Office’s study “Attitudes towards the European Union” and the Eurobarometer. Eight focus group interviews will be conducted to collect additional qualitative data on factors influencing PO. Based on the results of the analysis, possibilities for strengthening PO will be identified, and proposals will be made to enhance strategic government communication. Proposals for the regular monitoring of PO will also be developed, including suggestions for modifying and supplementing the Government Office’s survey questionnaire. The study will result in (a) a final report focusing on PO towards the EU and its covariates, along with recommendations for improving EU-related communication, (b) a methodology for the regular monitoring of EU-related attitudes, including PO and (c) a manuscript submitted to a scientific journal.