NewsRescue
According to a poll done for the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), a considerable proportion of EU residents are sceptical about the bloc’s future enlargement, with many seeing little economic gain from Ukraine’s potential admission.
The study, conducted by Yougov and Datapraxis in six EU nations (Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Poland, and Romania) and released on Tuesday, indicated that 35% of respondents support the EU admitting new states immediately, while 37% reject it. The rest are either unaware or unconcerned.
There is a clear distinction between how core EU countries and relative newcomers view possible enlargement. Only 51% of Romanians and 48% of Poles want the EU to expand, while only 28% of Germans, Austrians, and French accept the concept. 53% of Austrians, 50% of Germans, and 44% of French are opposed to the bloc’s expansion.
When it comes to admitting Ukraine, 37% of EU citizens feel it should, while 33% are against. Denmark (50%) and Poland (47%), have the highest levels of support for Kiev’s membership. However, Germans (37% for and 39% against) and French (29% for and 35% against) are more divided on the topic. In Austria, a plurality (52%) opposes Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Many EU individuals believe that Ukraine’s accession would be detrimental to the bloc. 45% believe Kiev’s accession would have a minor or big detrimental influence on EU security, while 38% are concerned about economic ramifications. Only 25% believe Ukraine’s entry will strengthen EU security, while 30% believe it will boost the European economy.
The new survey was released after the EU Commission suggested in early November that formal accession discussions be initiated with Ukraine, citing Kiev’s progress in domestic reforms. The topic is scheduled to be considered at the EU Summit on the 14th and 15th of December.
