EU TRADE PREFERENCES

Abstract

The thesis examines the role of education in shaping EU citizens’ attitudes toward common EU-level trade barriers, barriers which can increase European integration but limit free trade. Drawing on theories of economic and cultural effects of education, the first hypothesis highlights that highly educated individuals are more supportive of common EU-level trade barriers. The second hypothesis emphasizes that the effect of education on trade attitudes is stronger among those with lower economic status. Using data from the Special Eurobarometer 491, the findings show that highly educated individuals are more likely to support common EU-level trade barriers, while economic status appears to have only a minor effect. The results mainly goes in line with previous research suggesting that education fosters cosmopolitan values, which promotes supranational decision-making. Thereby highlighting education’s role in shaping political attitudes toward European integration. Lastly, the study mentions the need for future research using longitudinal and comparative approaches to better understand different mechanisms behind globalization attitudes.