A recent survey reveals that a significant majority of Ukrainians continue to favor the country's bid to join both the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), despite a slight dip in support compared to last year.
EU Membership: A Continued Aspiration
According to a survey by the International Republican Institute (IRI), 77% of respondents expressed support for Ukraine's accession to the EU in February 2024, an 8-point decrease from February 2023's 85%.
Regional differences in support were evident, with the highest backing in the western part of the country, where 81% of participants endorsed the move towards EU integration.
The Ukrainian public's expectations regarding the timeline for EU accession vary, with 32% optimistic about joining within 3-5 years and 26% believing it could happen in even less time. However, a cautious 15% anticipate that the process could extend beyond a decade, and a small 3% doubt Ukraine will ever join the EU.
Strong Backing for NATO Membership
Similarly, if a referendum on joining NATO were held today, 77% of Ukrainians would vote in favor, a slight decrease from 82% in February 2023.
Support for NATO membership is particularly strong in the central and western regions, standing at 83% and 82%, respectively. This consistent high level of approval highlights a widespread perception among Ukrainians that alignment with NATO represents a crucial step towards enhancing national security and fostering regional stability.
Insights from the Survey
The survey, carried out from February 17 to 21, 2024, across Ukraine (excluding the occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas), involved 2,000 residents aged 18 and over.
Stephen Nix, IRI's senior director for Eurasia, stated, "Our data clearly shows that Ukrainians see a closer relationship with the West as the best chance for sustainable peace and prosperity."
This sentiment is further echoed in a separate survey by the Razumkov Center, which found that 84% of Ukrainians support the country's EU accession, indicating a strong and persistent desire among the population to integrate with European structures.
