Most Germans against Ukraine’s EU bid, survey shows

Most Germans oppose Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, according to survey results

A recent survey conducted by the Bertelsmann Foundation revealed that a majority of Germans are opposed to the idea of Ukraine becoming a full member of the European Union. The survey, which took place on Feb. 14, revealed that 52% of Germans do not support Ukraine’s accession to the EU. This figure contrasts with the EU-wide average of 60% opposition to Ukraine’s accession.

The German populace appears more inclined to provide weapons to Ukraine, with 53% of citizens in favor of such deliveries. This sentiment is particularly strong among supporters of the ruling traffic-light Government in Germany. 

Individuals who identified as politically unaligned or aligned with major populist parties in Germany showed less support for sending weapons to Ukraine. Only 18% of those affiliated with the Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party expressed approval for this policy. 

Germans exhibit greater enthusiasm for the concept of a unified EU defense policy, with 86% of voters expressing support for such a measure. This sentiment resonated even among populist-leaning citizens in Germany, with 70% of AfD voters and 81% of supporters of the left-wing Bundnis Sahra Wagenknecht in favor of a common defense framework. 

Although German backing for this policy slightly lags behind the EU average of 87%, it remains lower than the levels seen in Italy and Spain, where support stands at 90% and 94%, respectively. 

In a related development, the Netherlands is set to participate in a military coalition alongside allies like Britain to provide Ukraine with advanced drone technology and enhance its offensive capabilities in the conflict against Russia. 

Source: Newsroom