EU citizens show growing skepticism toward rapid Ukraine membership

A new survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation reveals a growing divide between Ukrainian citizens and European Union members regarding Ukraine’s rapid accession to the EU. While 83 percent of Ukrainians support joining the bloc in the coming years and express readiness to bear short-term costs, support among EU citizens has fallen to an average of 47 percent, with 53 percent opposing rapid integration.

Opinions vary significantly across member states. Support is highest in Sweden at 69 percent and among citizens in Spain and Portugal at 63 percent. Conversely, skepticism is high in Romania, where only 40 percent support rapid accession, and in Germany, where support has dropped from 61 percent in early 2022 to 41 percent in 2026.

The study highlights a decline in European willingness to protect Ukraine and a diminishing belief that Ukraine’s membership would strengthen the EU’s global influence or resilience. Experts suggest that the gap between political objectives in Brussels and public sentiment necessitates more transparent communication regarding the strategic importance of integration and the economic implications of enlargement.