Growing Support for Ukraine's Accession to the EU Amid Concerns

Survey reveals increased public backing for EU enlargement, but concerns over security and economic impact persist.

A survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations shows growing support for EU enlargement, with public support increasing in almost all member states since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Support for Ukraine's accession to the EU is highest in Denmark and Poland, but public opinion is more divided in Romania, Germany, and France.
The EU granted candidate status to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in June 2022, and the European Commission proposed launching accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina this year.
Despite general acceptance for enlargement, there are concerns that Ukraine's accession could have a negative impact on the EU's security and economy, particularly in Hungary and Poland, which border Ukraine.
Many EU member states see no immediate economic advantage in Ukraine joining the bloc, with a majority of Danish and Austrian respondents expecting Ukrainian membership would drive up costs.