Support for EU Response to War in Ukraine Remains High Among EU Citizens

The latest Standard Eurobarometer survey conducted in June 2023 shows strong backing for the EU’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 88% of EU citizens are in favour of providing humanitarian support to the people affected by the war and 86% are in favour of welcoming into the EU people fleeing the war. 75% approve of financial support to Ukraine and 72% back economic sanctions on the Russian government, companies and individuals.

In addition, 66% agree with banning state-owned media, such as Sputnik and Russia Today, from broadcasting in the EU and 64% support financing the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine. 64% also agree with the EU granting candidate status as a potential member of the EU to Ukraine.

All in all, 56% of respondents are satisfied with the EU’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and 54% are satisfied with the response by their national government.

In surveying recipients on defence, the results revealed the majority of recipients are in favour of a stronger European defence.  In this context, 77% of Europeans are in favour of a common defence and security policy. 80% think that cooperation in defence matters at EU level should be increased, 77% believe that Member States’ purchase of military equipment should be better coordinated, 69% would like the EU to reinforce its capacity to produce military equipment and 66% say that more money should be spent on defence in the EU.

The survey also questioned participants on their opinions on the energy transition for which there is wide support. More than eight in ten EU citizens think that the EU should invest massively in renewable energies, such as wind and solar power and that increasing energy efficiency of buildings, transport, and goods will make the EU less dependent on energy producers outside the Union. In addition, 80% believe that EU Member States should jointly buy energy from other countries to get a better price.

Furthermore, 81% of respondents agree that reducing imports of oil and gas and investing in renewable energy is important for overall security and 82% say that the EU should reduce its dependency on Russian sources of energy as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the survey revealed that the general perception of the EU remains stable. Notably, 47% of the EU population tend to trust the EU while 32% tend to trust national governments. 45% tend not to trust the EU.

63% of EU respondents say that they are optimistic about the future of the EU while 34% say that they are pessimistic.

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