Euroscepticism in a pro-European Member State: The Lithuanian paradox (2004–2025)

Lithuania is one of the most pro-European Union Member States. The support for the EU there is consistently high. Surveys conducted throughout the years show that a definitive majority of Lithuanians support EU membership. The average support of 70 % has remained unchanged since joining the EU. While the public seems to have high levels of trust in the EU and broad support for membership, various forms of Euroscepticism are becoming increasingly visible in political discourse and society. Concerns arise regarding sovereignty, cultural values, EU migration policy, economic pressure, and the perceived influence of “Brussels” on national decision-making. Therefore, it is intriguing why and how there is still a slight growth of Euroscepticism according to recent societal and political trends despite high support from a substantial majority (70-90%). Analysing and understanding this paradox of broad support coexisting with issue-specific scepticism is important because it can help predict and, if necessary, change the future of Lithuania’s relations with the European Union and its attitude towards it. This thesis examines the nature of Euroscepticism in Lithuania and its potential consequences. The dissertation also identifies main factors shaping Euroscepticism and assesses whether it has the potential to expand, intensify, or develop in the future. It therefore explores possible paths of development, as well as various strategies to counteract Eurosceptic tendencies and prevent their escalation.