Protectionism or Free Trade? Or Both? Analysis of Protectionism Attitudes in the EU

The changing landscape in trade policy in recent years is undoubtedly related to a shift in voter preferences. Based on Eurobarometer survey data, the present paper investigates both the factors determining the level of support for protectionism and the striking positive correlation of responses to questions related to free trade and protectionism. EU citizens are more likely to support protectionism when the economy runs smoothly and reject protectionism if the national economy is not in the best shape. Unemployment, bad economic situations as well as negative feelings regarding immigration are identified as possible reasons to call for protectionism while respondents are favouring free trade at the same time.

The positively correlated attitudes toward free trade and protectionism are furthermore a matter of lacking knowledge of political issues. Better educated EU citizens are less likely to support free trade and protectionism at the same time. This applies also to respondents who show a higher level of knowledge regarding basic EU-related facts as well as to those who discuss political matters with friends more often. A possible way to tackle this problem is a broad information strategy covering topics of international economics across several media channels. Especially radio, press and internet are identified as media which seem to contribute to a better understanding of these complex issues.