Support from European citizens for Ukraine and the actions taken by the European Union remain steady and broadly backed. A recent Eurobarometer survey released by the European Commission shows strong public backing for humanitarian aid, with 91% of respondents agreeing to assist Ukraine. Eighty-eight percent favor hosting Ukrainian refugees, and there is broad financial and strategic support as well. Specifically, 77% back financial aid to Kyiv, 74% support sanctions against Russia, and 65% approve funding for weapons purchases and delivery, while 29% oppose it.
These figures mirror national sentiment across member states. Spaniards align with the EU’s stance on arming Ukraine, though opposition is higher in Greece, Bulgaria, and Slovakia, where more than half of respondents push back. In Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria, half or fewer express support for financing military equipment. Northern European countries show especially high backing: Sweden leads with 92%, followed by the Netherlands at 90%, and Denmark, Poland at 89%, with Finland and Lithuania at 88%.
The survey, conducted from late January to early February, indicates a generally favorable view of the EU’s response to the invasion initiated by Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022. While many respondents express satisfaction, the level of contentment varies significantly by country. Portugal and Ireland sit near the top of the satisfaction scale (around 79% and 76% respectively), as do Denmark and Finland (75%), with Sweden at 73% and the Netherlands at 72%. Conversely, Greece (57%), Slovakia (55%), Slovenia (50%), Cyprus and Estonia (48%) report lower satisfaction levels. In Spain, 48% are content with the EU’s reaction, while 46% express dissatisfaction.
energy dependency
On reducing dependence on Russian energy, a core EU objective aimed at constraining Moscow’s ability to fund its war machine, broad public support remains high. Slovakia shows partial energy ties to Russia, while Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus display stronger alignment with efforts toward energy independence. Specifically, 55% of Slovakians back Moscow-free energy, 65% of Bulgarians, 71% of Romanians, and 74% of Cypriots favor reducing Russian dependence. In Spain, 91% support limiting energy reliance on Russia, with only 6% opposing this move.
Eurobarometer also highlights sustained support for a revived defense posture. About eight in ten respondents back stronger defense policies, and two-thirds agree that the EU should increase its capacity to produce military equipment. A similar share endorses higher defense spending. The public mood continues to be influenced by concerns over price increases, inflation, the broader economic situation, and energy security for the continent.
tax exemption
Public backing for Ukraine aligns with a European Commission initiative to extend tariff-free and quota-free trade for another year. The plan, currently under discussion among the 27 member states and the European Parliament, aims to bolster Ukraine’s economy and support its export corridor into the EU. EU authorities project that existing trade measures, in place since mid-2023, have positively affected Ukraine’s trade with the bloc. The combination of tariff relief and streamlined trade routes has helped maintain stable trade flows despite wartime disruptions in 2022.