Europeans’ views on military aid to Ukraine and Kyiv’s accession into the EU—poll

The majority of Europeans support increased military support for Ukraine, although the opposite opinion prevails in some countries.

This is evidenced by the results of a survey commissioned by the European Council on Foreign Relations and conducted in 15 countries, including Ukraine. 

In most countries, more than 50% of respondents (or a larger share compared to other answer options) support increasing the supply of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, which, in turn, provides the basis for relevant decisions by the leaders of these countries. 

The opposite opinion prevails only in three EU countries: Greece, Bulgaria, and Italy. These countries also have the largest share of those who believe that Western partners should push Ukraine to engage in peace negotiations. 

At the same time, the vast majority of respondents from all countries oppose the possibility of sending their military to Ukraine to participate in hostilities.

In most of the countries surveyed, it is believed that the war will end in peaceful agreements, while the belief in Ukraine’s victory prevails in only one country, apart from the Ukrainians themselves.

The majority of respondents from the countries surveyed also believe that the war will end in peace, while belief in Ukraine’s victory prevails in only one country, apart from Ukrainians themselves.

The survey in the twelve EU member states showed a significant divergence of views on whether Ukraine’s accession to the EU would be a positive development, depending on the country. In this set of questions, the survey covered 12 countries.

In only five countries, more than 50%, or almost half of the respondents, believe that Ukraine’s accession to the EU is a “good idea.” This opinion prevails in Estonia, Sweden, Portugal, and Spain. 

The share of respondents who believe that Ukraine’s accession will only create problems is highest in Germany, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, and Greece. 

An interesting argument for Ukraine’s accession is that it will speed up peacemaking. This is the second most common answer to the question of why Ukraine should join the EU, after “Ukraine is culturally part of Europe.”

The responses that would bolster the EU’s geopolitical position and yield economic benefits secure the 3rd and 4th positions, respectively.

Among the respondents who explained why they would not want Ukraine to join the EU, the most frequently mentioned arguments were that it would “weaken EU security” and corruption in Ukraine. The third most frequently cited reason was that it would mean too much money for the EU. 

Data for the study was collected in May, before the European Parliament elections. 

On June 25, Ukraine and the EU officially launched the accession negotiations.