A Burden or a Bond? Ukraine Trends September 2023

Most Europeans continue to look favourably on EU governments’ support for Ukraine after nearly two years of war with Russia. But as campaigning begins for European elections in June, a new poll by eupinions reveals concern about the economic impact of the conflict and reconstruction in Ukraine. There are signs, too, that resolve is fading, especially in some key countries such as Germany and Poland, over supplying arms, welcoming Ukrainian refugees or letting Ukraine join the European Union. Belgians share those economic worries but remain generally more consistent in support of Kiev.

The latest quarterly EU-wide survey by eupinions, the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s European opinion research tool which is supported by the King Baudouin Foundation, was conducted during September. The survey on attitudes to EU policy has comparative data stretching back to 2015 and has included questions on Ukraine since March 2022, just after the Russian invasion. Soundings on economic and financial issues related to Ukraine were added in the latest questionnaire. These found that a clear majority of EU citizens, despite overall sympathy for efforts to help Ukrainians, are worried about how that may affect the economy in their own country.