Bild poll: Majority of Europeans oppose accelerated EU accession for Ukraine

Divide in positions between Ukrainians and Europeans

The results of a recent study conducted by the Bertelsmann Foundation and published by Bild indicate a significant difference in attitudes towards the prospects of Ukraine's membership in the European Union. On the one hand, an absolute majority of Ukrainians – 83% – express a desire for their country to join united Europe in the near future.

On the other hand, among citizens of EU member states, this initiative meets less support. Only 47% of Europeans approve of the idea of rapid accession, while 53% oppose such a scenario.

Geographical differences in support

An analysis of data among the ten largest EU states revealed an interesting dynamic. Germany took second-to-last place in terms of approval for Ukraine's accelerated accession, where 41% of respondents gave a positive answer. The only country with a lower figure was Romania, where support stood at 40%.

The highest level of approval among major European states was recorded in Sweden, where 69% of citizens support granting Ukraine EU member status quickly.