Europeans approve of EU's response to war in Ukraine - Eurobarometer

  • 2022-05-05
  • LETA/BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN - A flash Eurobarometer survey in all European Union member states  published on Thursday shows large consensus among EU citizens in favor of the EU's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The majority of Europeans think that since the war started, the EU has shown solidarity (79 percent of Europeans, 76 percent of residents of Estonia) and has been united (63 percent of Europeans, 54 percent of residents of Estonia) and fast (58 percent of Europeans, 50 percent of residents of Estonia) in its reaction.

Respondents are widely in favor of the unwavering support to Ukraine and its people. In particular, more than nine out of ten respondents (93 percent, 96 percent in Estonia) approve providing humanitarian support to the people affected by the war. Altogether 88 percent of Europeans (91 percent in Estonia) approve the idea of welcoming in the EU people fleeing the war. A total of 80 percent (88 percent in Estonia) approve the financial support provided to Ukraine. Altogether 66 percent (83 percent in Estonia) agree that 'Ukraine should join the EU when it is ready', 71 percent (83 percent in Estonia) believe that Ukraine is part of the European family.

Support for the sanctions imposed on Russia following its military attack against Ukraine is also very high. The vast majority of Europeans (80 percent) approve the economic sanctions against Russia. 79 percent of Europeans approve sanctions against Russian oligarchs to impose clear economic and political costs on Russia's political elite responsible for the invasion. In Estonia, support for sanctions is even greater -- both economic sanctions and sanctions against oligarchs are supported by 87 percent of respondents.

Two thirds, or 67 percent, of Europeans (87 percent of residents of Estonia) approve that the EU finances the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine. In addition, 75 percent (85 percent in Estonia) consider that the war in Ukraine shows 'we need greater military cooperation within the EU'.

The survey also shows broad support for the EU's actions in the field of energy aiming at getting rid of dependency on Russian fossil fuels. There is a large consensus on filling up gas storage in the EU to avoid risks of shortage for next winter (86 percent), on the EU taking measures to increase energy efficiency of buildings, transport and goods (85 percent), and on the fact that the war in Ukraine makes it more urgent to invest in renewable energies (84 percent). 90 percent of Europeans agree measures should be taken at the European level to limit the impact of rising energy prices on consumers and companies. 86 percent of European respondents say that rising energy prices have a significant impact on their purchasing power.

This flash Eurobarometer survey was conducted in the 27 member states between April 13 and 20. Altogether 26,066 EU citizens were interviewed online.