Most Europeans support Ukraine joining the European Union in the coming years, according to a survey by Germany’s Bertelsmann Stiftung published on March 22, 2023.
Key findings
According to the foundation’s “eupinions” survey of about 13,000 Europeans:
- 65% think Ukraine should be admitted to the EU as a new member in the coming years;
- 67% say Europe should become less dependent on Russian energy, even if this leads to higher prices;
- 61% support EU weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
Support for Ukraine’s EU membership was highest in Poland, at 81%, and Spain, at 80%, according to the survey. It was the fourth such survey conducted since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Remarkably united”
“The data show that the public in Europe is remarkably united,” said Ralph Heck, chairman of the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s executive board, describing the crisis as an opportunity for a “real European turning point.”
Ukraine’s EU path
Ukraine applied for EU membership days after Russia’s invasion in February 2022 and was granted candidate status in June 2022. The European Commission is expected to assess Ukraine’s progress on required reforms later in 2023, ahead of a possible decision on opening accession negotiations.
Sources
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