
Europeans’ support for Ukraine continues unabated
72 percent of Europeans are in favor of the EU becoming independent of energy supplies from Russia, even if this means rising costs. Support is highest in Poland (80 percent) and Italy (76 percent). It is lowest in Germany, at 69 percent. This is one of the findings of the new eupinions survey. eupinions is the Bertelsmann Stiftung's European public opinion tool, for which around 12,000 citizens throughout the EU are surveyed every three months. The data is representative for the EU as a whole and for seven selected member states and is published in cooperation with the Belgian King Baudouin Foundation.
However, the comparative figures from March 2022 show that support for energy independence tends to decline as the scale of the cuts becomes clearer. For the EU, the number of those who want to become independent of Russian energy imports has fallen by only two percent. A look at individual member states shows clearer shifts. The decline is most pronounced in the Netherlands (-7 percentage points) and Poland (-6). "The rising cost of living crisis is already a major concern for 44 percent of Europeans. And they will feel the effects of the war even more acutely in their daily lives during the winter season," says Isabell Hoffmann, project lead and Europe expert at the Bertelsmann Stiftung.
A clear majority of 60 percent continues to support arms deliveries through the EU to Ukraine. Support is particularly strong in Poland, where 84 percent of respondents are in favor. Only Italy fails to demonstrate a majority in favor of arms deliveries. 58 percent of Italians are opposed. However, approval on this issue also fell slightly between March and June. "In March, everyone was in shock, and the will to support Ukraine was very high. Three months later, the shock has passed, but the will to support remains high. This perseverance is political capital and should be nurtured," says Isabell Hoffmann.
A clear majority of Europeans are in favor of admitting Ukraine to the EU (66 percent EU-wide). A look at the different countries, however, highlights significant differences: in Poland, 84 percent are in favor. In Germany and France, the figure is just 60 percent. The majorities are stable, but slightly declining everywhere. There is also broad agreement on the question of what role Europe should play in the world. A clear majority of 71 percent says Europe already plays an important role in international affairs, while an even larger majority says Europe should play an even more important role.
Our expert:
Isabell Hoffmann, Project Lead und Co-Author
Phone: +49 30 27 57 88 126
E-Mail: isabell.hoffmann@bertelsmann-stiftung.de
More Information: www.eupinions.eu
About Bertelsmann Stiftung
Inspiring people. Shaping the future.
The Bertelsmann Stiftung is committed to enabling social participation for everyone – politically, economically and culturally. Our programs include Education and the Next Generation, Democracy and Social Cohesion, Digitalization and the Common Good, Europe’s Future, Health, and Sustainable Social Market Economies. In our work, we focus on people, since only they can change the world and make it better. We share knowledge, promote expertise and develop solutions. A nonprofit foundation, the Bertelsmann Stiftung was established in 1977 by Reinhard Mohn. For more information, please visit: www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de
Subscribe to releases from Bertelsmann Stiftung
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Bertelsmann Stiftung by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Bertelsmann Stiftung
A majority of Europeans believe in a Ukraine victory16.2.2023 08:00:00 CET | Press release
One year after Russia began its war of aggression against Ukraine, 61 percent of Euro-peans are convinced Ukraine will prevail. But worries persist: 68 percent of respondents see the attack on Ukraine as an attack on all of Europe.
Corruption jeopardizes implementation of sustainable policies in OECD and EU countries31.1.2023 11:00:00 CET | Press release
Recent findings from the Bertelsmann Stiftung's Sustainable Governance Indicators (SGI) show 14 out of 41 OECD and EU countries faltering at corruption prevention. UK ranks 14th in the overall ranking on corruption prevention.
Few German businesses recruiting staff abroad, despite skills shortage8.12.2022 08:44:59 CET | Press release
Staff bottlenecks in the German economy are on the increase. Staff with vocational training in particular are desperately being sought. Nevertheless, fewer than 20 per cent of companies are employing skilled personnel from abroad. The obstacles to immigration from non-EU countries are still too high.
Green and digital transition challenge Europe's cohesion12.10.2022 11:00:00 CEST | Press release
In the future, major European cities and other high-tech regions will pull even further ahead, while rural areas and regions with CO2-intensive industry will lose out. The twin transition - green and digital - that the European Union is striving for will intensify this development. Only EU funding tailored to regions can mitigate the effect.