Eurobarometer: EU citizens in favor of Brussels’ reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The European poll “Eurobarometer” released today shows a broad consensus among EU citizens in favor of the EU reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In particular, according to the Eurobarometer conducted in the 27 Member States between 13-20 April, the majority of Europeans believe that, since the beginning of the war, the EU has shown solidarity (78%, compared to 66% in Greece), unity ( 62% in the EU, compared to 47% in Greece) and speed (58%, compared to 45% in Greece) in its reaction.

However, when asked “how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the way the EU reacted to the war in Ukraine”, 51% of EU citizens say “very satisfied and rather satisfied”, compared to 29% in Greece, while “rather dissatisfied”. or not at all satisfied “say 43% in the EU, compared to 69% in Greece.

In addition, more than 26,000 European citizens surveyed are in favor of unwavering support for Ukraine and its people. In particular, more than nine in ten (93%) approve of the provision of humanitarian aid to those affected by the war. 88% of Europeans welcome the idea of ​​welcoming people trying to escape the war to the EU. 80% approve the financial support provided to Ukraine. 66% agree that “Ukraine should join the EU when it is ready”, 71% believe that Ukraine is part of the European family and 89% feel sympathy for Ukrainians.

Support for the sanctions imposed on Russia following its military offensive against Ukraine is also very high. The vast majority of Europeans (80%) approve of economic sanctions against Russia, compared to 54% in Greece. 79% of Europeans, compared to 52% of Greeks, approve sanctions against Russian oligarchs in order to impose clear economic and political costs on the Russian political elite responsible for the invasion.

In addition, two thirds of Europeans (67%), compared to 40% of Greeks, approve of EU funding for the purchase and supply of military equipment in Ukraine, while 75% in the EU, compared to 63% in Greece, consider that war in Ukraine demonstrates that “we need more military cooperation within the EU”.

The survey also shows broad support for EU actions in the energy sector aimed at eliminating dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 85% in the EU, compared to 71% in Greece. There is a broad consensus on the creation of gas reserves in the EU to avoid the risk of shortages next winter (86%), on EU measures to increase the energy efficiency of buildings, transport and goods ( 85%), as well as the fact that the war in Ukraine makes it more urgent to invest in renewable energy sources (84%).

90% of Europeans and 95% of Greeks agree that measures should be taken at European level to limit the impact of rising energy prices on consumers and businesses. 86% of Europeans and 94% of Greeks say that rising energy prices have a significant impact on their purchasing power. Finally, 85% of citizens in the EU are in favor of the common gas market, in order to ensure better prices, compared to 81% in Greece.

Source: AMPE