Ukraine EU accession faces mixed public support across EU

A recent Polling Europe survey shows public opinion on Ukraine’s possible EU membership is sharply divided. Support is strongest in Spain, where 65% of respondents favour accession, and in Italy, with 52% backing the move. Overall, 49% of EU citizens surveyed support Ukraine joining the bloc, while 39% oppose it and 12% are undecided.

Opposition is highest in Poland, where 49% of respondents reject full membership, and sentiment has also shifted in France and Germany toward greater scepticism. The Polish stance follows a diplomatic row after President Karol Nawrocki withdrew the White Eagle Order from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in response to Ukraine naming a military unit after the World‑War‑II insurgent group UPA.

The poll, conducted in early July, reflects how the war‑driven ties between Kyiv and EU members are influencing public attitudes as accession negotiations progress, particularly in the external relations cluster covering defence, trade and foreign policy alignment.