Macron’s Surge in Popularity: A Look at European Leadership in 2026
In February 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron emerged as the most popular leader in the European Union, according to the latest Euroscope survey conducted by Polling Europe. This survey revealed that 46% of respondents held a positive opinion of Macron, a significant increase from his previous approval rating of -11 in November 2025. The rise in his popularity, now at +7, reflects a broader trend of shifting sentiments among European citizens.
The Numbers Behind Macron’s Popularity
The Euroscope survey, which utilized the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) method, gathered insights from a representative sample of 5,273 individuals across the 27 EU countries. The results showcased a notable 18-point increase in Macron’s approval rating, with 13% of respondents expressing a “very positive” opinion and 33% “fairly positive.” Interestingly, the survey also highlighted that 39% of respondents viewed him negatively.
Among the countries surveyed, Germany stood out as Macron’s strongest supporter, with a remarkable approval rating of 53%. In contrast, his home country of France showed a more modest support level of 30%. Other countries where Macron enjoyed significant approval included Spain (48%) and Poland (46%).
Comparisons with Other European Leaders
Following Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni secured the second spot with a 42% approval rating. Meloni’s popularity also saw an increase, rising from +3 to +7 since November. Her strongest support came from Spain (51%) and Poland (49%), while her home country of Italy reflected a lower approval rating of 31%.
In third place, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, garnered a 39% favorable opinion. Despite a slight increase from -11 to -5 in her approval rating, she still faced a considerable 44% negative opinion. Her ratings varied significantly across countries, with Spain showing the highest approval at 44%.
German Chancellor Friederich Merz ranked fourth with a 38% approval rating, marking an 11-point increase since November. His most substantial support came from Spain (42%) and Poland (36%), while he received a lower rating of 30% in both France and Italy.
The Bottom of the Rankings
Among the remaining leaders, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk received approval ratings of 33% and 30%, respectively. Both leaders experienced growth in their ratings compared to November, with Sanchez gaining two points and Tusk four points. Notably, Tusk received the highest approval in his home country at 38%, while Sanchez’s ratings were more favorable in Italy (46%).
At the lower end of the spectrum, António Costa, President of the European Council, and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, had approval ratings of 28% and 27%. A significant portion of respondents (48% for Costa and 47% for Metsola) indicated they did not know them well enough to form an opinion.
Political Orientation and Support
The survey also revealed intriguing insights into the political orientation of respondents. Macron received overwhelming support from voters identifying with the socialist family (S&D), garnering 67% approval compared to Sanchez’s 51%. His popularity extended across various political groups, including the Popular Party (EPP), Socialists (S&D), and Liberals (Renew Europe).
In contrast, Meloni’s support base appeared to be consolidating a new bloc that included the People’s Party and the Liberals, with her approval rating reaching 63% among her own political family. Merz also enjoyed favorable opinions among liberal voters (58%) and socialists (48%).
Conclusion
The Euroscope survey paints a dynamic picture of European leadership in early 2026, highlighting the fluctuating approval ratings of key figures like Macron, Meloni, and von der Leyen. As political landscapes shift and public sentiments evolve, these leaders will need to navigate their respective challenges while maintaining the support of their constituents. The survey not only reflects current opinions but also sets the stage for future political maneuvers within the European Union.
