Mapping Change in Euroscepticism: The Case of Crisis-Era Greece

The decade 2008-18 has been a difficult period for European integration. In a climate of repeated crises, euroscepticism is regularly declared to be on the rise. Public support for integration is deemed to be on the decline, encouraging the mainstreaming of formerly marginal eurosceptic forces within European party systems – and even, in some cases, governments. But how far does this picture correspond to reality? This paper aims to investigate eurosceptic change over the past ten years, examining both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The focus will be on three aspects: (1) Extent – is euroscepticism actually more prevalent than in the past? How has the picture evolved over the course of the decade and can we identify the chronological turning points? (2) Intensity – has there been a change in the type and strength of euroscepticism? Has the crisis period led to more ‘euro-rejectionism’ or instead to softer challenges to integration becoming more widespread? (3) Content - has euroscepticism shifted in terms of ideological orientation? Has it developed new themes or focused on different issues from the past? These questions will be investigated through a case study of Greece, a frontline state in several of the major EU crises (eurozone sovereign debt crisis, refugee crisis). During the past decade, public sentiment in this formerly pro-integrationist society has been deeply challenged, particularly by the experience of harsh austerity in the framework of EU-mandated bailout programmes. This paper aims to map the consequences for euroscepticism and for the legitimacy of integration in this South European country.