Italy's public opinion divided over Ukraine's EU accession

A recent poll by SWG and Polling Europe shows that Italians are sharply split on whether Ukraine should join the European Union. Exactly 40% of respondents support Ukraine’s accession, while another 40% oppose it, reflecting a society balanced between solidarity and concern. The survey also reveals a more favourable view of Albania’s membership, with 47% backing its entry and 31% against. Similar near‑equal divisions appear for Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia‑Herzegovina, Moldova and North Macedonia, whereas Kosovo, Georgia and Turkey face majority opposition. Across the EU, 42% of citizens favour Ukraine’s accession, aligning with Italy’s 42% overall support. The findings come amid debates over an accelerated, simplified enlargement process for Ukraine, a country at war with Russia since February 2022.