Survey: Unwavering Solidarity with Ukraine
The EU population still expects the European Parliament to primarily champion democracy. 72 per cent of respondents believe that EU membership is good for their country. 73 per cent support the sanctions against Russia.
EU citizens primarily demand that the European Parliament defends the fundamental values of the EU: democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression. This is one of the most important findings of the Parliament’s Eurobarometer survey from autumn 2022, published today.
The survey, conducted from 12 October to 7 November 2022, found that 74% of the EU population approve of the EU’s support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. The majority of respondents in all Member States are in favour – support is particularly high in Sweden (97%), Finland (95%), the Netherlands (93%), Portugal (92%), and Denmark (92%). Ten months after the start of the war in Ukraine, EU citizens continue to back the EU’s measures: 73% of respondents still approve of the EU sanctions against the Russian government and the financial, military, and humanitarian support for Ukraine.
The latest Eurobarometer survey shows that the EU population not only stands unwaveringly behind Ukraine but also consistently advocates for the values upon which the European Union is founded. Among the values that respondents believe the European Parliament should primarily defend, democracy ranks first (36%), followed by the protection of human rights in the EU and worldwide (29%), and freedom of speech and thought (28%). The population wants these fundamental EU values to be protected and defended – both within the EU and elsewhere. These are precisely the values for which the Ukrainian people have been fighting day after day since the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops.
Parliament President Metsola expressed her delight at the survey results: “The Russian attack has caused horrific suffering and massive destruction. The courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of terror are impressive. The best response and support that we – the European Union – can now provide are European solidarity and European unity. The Ukrainian people can count on the unwavering support of the European Parliament.”
The consequences of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine are clearly felt by EU citizens. Almost two-thirds of the EU population (65%) believe that their lives will change because of the war and its consequences – an increase of four percentage points compared to April and May 2022.
At the same time, EU citizens are aware of the EU’s value: 72% state that EU membership has benefited their country. The most frequently cited reasons by respondents are the preservation of peace and the strengthening of security (36%). This is an increase of six percentage points compared to November and December 2021. This trend is particularly strong in Latvia (+16 percentage points), Lithuania (+15 percentage points), Estonia (+12 percentage points), the Netherlands (+13 percentage points), Malta (+11 percentage points), and Poland (+11 percentage points). This suggests that Russia’s war against Ukraine is a reason for this. Respondents also frequently stated that cooperation between Member States (35%, +3 percentage points) and the EU’s contribution to their country’s economic growth (30%, no change) were beneficial for their country.
The survey results can be found here. (in English only)
