How War Affected Ukrainians Regarding European Integration and NATO Membership

On the order of the "New Europe Center," "INFO SAPIENS" LLC studied the public opinion of Ukrainian citizens towards European integration of Ukraine during the war.

Along with EU candidate status in June 2022, Ukraine was granted requirements from the European Commission - a list of reforms that must be carried out to start accession negotiations.

Ukraine is progressing despite the war and has already implemented a significant part of the EC recommendations.

But how do Ukraine's citizens see the country's European integration in times of war?

The survey, ordered by the "New Europe Center," showed that Ukrainians are aware that implementing reforms is a central element of the country's integration into the EU.

For example, about 40% of citizens believe that Ukraine was granted EU candidacy thanks to the progress in implementing reforms.

In general, Ukrainians (not for the first time) demonstrate far-sightedness and commitment to reforms. 73% of citizens believe that the European Union did the right thing, setting requirements for Ukraine to implement reforms. They will open the door to accession negotiations.

47% of respondents confidently claim that Ukraine is interested itself in the reforms, and the EU should demand their implementation as soon as possible. These data show that citizens are aware that joining the EU is not a final destination but a tool for implementing the best European standards and practices in Ukraine.

Strengthening Ukraine's efforts, including the appointment of heads of the SAP and NABU, is one of the seven recommendations of the European Commission. In particular, fighting corruption is crucial. The survey shows 60.1% support EU pressure on Ukraine to fight corruption. Only 19.5% note that this is currently not the main task for Ukraine.

This should push Ukraine's authorities not to hide behind the war to slow down the relevant reforms.

Ukraine's opinion on NATO accession has changed several times during the war.

In October 2022, Ukraine set a new record for supporting Ukraine's NATO accession - 83%. Considering the certain volatility of citizens' moods, the "New Europe Center" asked Ukrainians how informed and stable this choice is.

The survey showed that currently more than two-thirds of Ukrainians (69%) could not give up joining the Alliance in exchange for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the occupied territories of Ukraine.

Thus, the war did not force Ukrainians to abandon Euro-Atlantic integration.

At the same time, according to the survey, despite the war, Ukrainians are optimistic about Ukraine's further progress towards EU membership - 62% of respondents believe that Ukraine could start accession negotiations even before the war ends.

Most citizens are also sure that Ukraine will join the EU in the short- or medium-term perspective: 55% of Ukrainians believe this will happen in the next 1-5 years, 27% - as soon as the war ends.

In general, the survey of the "New Europe Center" has shown a positive attitude of Ukrainians not only toward European integration but also to the EU. Among all international organisations and associations, Ukrainians trust the EU the most - 84% of citizens.

NATO (76%) and G7 (71%) are among the top three international organisations that Ukrainians like the most.

The European Union, represented by Ursula von der Leyen, is also among the top three leaders that Ukrainians trust the most - 73%.

The first place is for the President of Poland Andrzej Duda for the second year in a row - 87% of respondents trust him.

Putin and Lukashenko are foreign leaders whom Ukrainians distrust the most for the second year in a row - 97% and 94% of respondents.

Many Ukrainians also do not trust Xi Jinping (73%) and Viktor Orban (69%).