Understanding Low Trust towards European Union: Insights from a Qualitative Study in Slovakia

The European Union has faced a series of crises in the past decade that have eroded political backing for the 'ever closer union' concept, particularly among the political elite within the Visegrad Group. This study adopts the focus group methodology to comprehensively grasp the adverse perceptions harboured by individuals concerning European integration within Slovakia. Spanning the years from 2016 to 2020, the study is underpinned by an exhaustive series of 30 focus group sessions. The analysis shows that the decline in trust towards EU can be attributed to a confluence of self-centred utilitarian motives, affective factors, and the sway of populist political cues. Despite the commendable macroeconomic advancements in the Central and Eastern European region, the anticipated utilitarian gains at the micro level have been disrupted. This is reflected in citizens' perception of limited personal benefits emanating from EU funds, which are further tainted by a prevailing perception of corrupt practices. Furthermore, the unified European Union labor market is largely perceived as a disruptive force impinging upon familial bonds and the daily routines of households, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions of the country.