Opinions among EU citizens on the prospect of new nations joining the Union
The latest Eurobarometer study reveals that a majority of European Union (EU) citizens believe their own country would benefit from future EU enlargement. The survey, which polled EU respondents on various aspects of the EU, highlighted strong support for Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Over half (50%) of EU respondents support Ukraine's bid to join the EU, making it one of the most favored candidate countries. This support is particularly high among EU citizens, with Ukraine being one of the ten EU candidate countries.
The most widely recognized advantages of future EU enlargement include stronger EU influence in the world (37%), a larger market for EU businesses (37%), more work opportunities (31%), and more solidarity between countries (30%). Interestingly, uncontrolled migration is the biggest concern about potential future EU enlargement, with 40% of EU respondents expressing this worry.
However, not all candidate countries receive the same level of support. For instance, less than two-fifths (38%) of EU respondents would support Turkey's accession, even if it met the necessary criteria. No EU member state identifies Turkey as a preferred candidate for EU membership. In contrast, Montenegro has received 51% support for accession from EU respondents and is favored by seven member states.
Support for other candidate countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Moldova each received 48% support for their accession.
The Hungarian veto has stalled Ukraine's bid to join the EU, also affecting Moldova's progress. The differences in support for EU candidate countries arise mainly from the stage of their accession process and their economic development.
Differences in support for EU candidate countries are also influenced by the financial cost to European taxpayers. A significant 37% of EU respondents are concerned about the financial cost to European taxpayers associated with EU enlargement. Additionally, concerns about corruption and crime (39%) also play a role in shaping public opinion.
Interestingly, younger EU citizens aged between 15 and 24 are most in favor of EU enlargement, with 67% expressing support. Sweden, Denmark, and Lithuania have the highest support for further EU enlargement, with 79%, 75%, and 74% of respondents in favor, respectively.
The survey findings suggest a complex picture of public opinion on EU enlargement. While there is strong support for Ukraine's membership, concerns about the financial cost and uncontrolled migration remain significant obstacles. As the EU considers future enlargement, these issues will likely continue to shape public discourse and policy decisions.
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