How do citizens' perceptions of EU migration policies influence their attitudes toward the European Union? A mixed-method study in Belgium (2006-2019)

Details

Supervisors

Van Ingelgom, Virginie

Faculty

Faculté des sciences économiques, sociales, politiques et de communication

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences politiques, orientation générale, à finalité approfondie

Abstract

enThis thesis investigates how citizens’ perceptions of EU migration policies shape their attitudes toward the European Union, with a particular focus on identity. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combines Eurobarometer survey data (2017) and focus group discussions from Belgium and the Netherlands (2006–2019). The findings reveal that migration has become a symbolic and identity-laden issue through which citizens assess EU legitimacy. Individuals with exclusive national identities are more likely to express Eurosceptic views, especially when migration is framed as a European-level crisis. The study identifies key mechanisms (contextual, identity-based, cognitive, and narrative) that influence how migration policy perceptions translate into political attitudes. By linking identity structures and policy feedback mechanisms, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of democratic legitimacy in a multi-level governance system.