Supranational redistribution and support for European integration

This article inquires into the role of supranational redistributive policies in shaping citizens’ support for European integration. The research proposes a multidimensional concept of supranational redistribution, encompassing policies that directly target European citizens, such as unemployment and non-contributory benefit schemes at the EU level, as well as policies that target member states such as the Next Generation EU programme. Building upon the literature on policy feedback effects and historical institutionalism, the analysis proposes a theoretical model that encompasses both the direct and mediated effects of supranational redistribution. This analysis is supported by a survey experiment conducted in Spain and Italy, the largest recipients of Next Generation EU funds, yet characterised by distinct levels of public opinion and party Euroscepticism. The results show that a European unemployment benefit has the strongest potential to increase support for integration in individuals who are most likely to turn against the EU: citizens with low socio-economic resources and exclusive political identities.