Four years of war and the question of Ukraine in the EU. Poles have spoken out
A recent survey reveals that a majority of Poles support Ukraine's EU membership, albeit contingent on the fulfilment of certain conditions.
A survey conducted by the Public Opinion Research Center for "Dziennik Gazeta Prawna" indicates that 69% of Poles are in favor of Ukraine joining the European Union. However, the majority of respondents believe that Ukraine should first meet all the requirements expected of candidate countries. Only 12% advocate for immediate acceptance of Ukraine into the EU, regardless of the conditions. Meanwhile, 57% support its entry into the Union only after fully adhering to the established rules. This survey was released on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, highlighting a significant moment in the ongoing conflict.
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the dynamics of the war have shifted significantly. Ukraine initially faced the challenge of defending its capital, Kyiv, but succeeded in repelling Russian forces, who withdrew from the city by the end of March 2022. In the months that followed, Ukraine managed to reclaim some territories, including areas around Kharkiv and Chernihiv. This timeline adds context to the current sentiments regarding Ukraine's place in Europe, particularly as it relates to the impacts of the war on both countries and the wider European community.
The survey results reflect a cautious yet supportive stance among the Polish populace towards Ukraine's EU ambitions, which may symbolize broader European concerns about the integration of war-afflicted states. The polling data offers valuable insight into public opinion that could influence Polish lawmakers' positions on Ukraine's EU bid, especially as the war continues to evolve and peace negotiations are anticipated. As such, the juxtaposition of support for membership with conditioning on reforms underscores the complexities involved in the EU's enlargement process and the geopolitical implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.