As Euronews notes, just over half of respondents across the EU (52%) were in favor of Ukraine joining the EU. However, Ukraine’s attempt to join the EU is currently stalled due to Hungary’s veto, which also hinders Moldova’s progress.
Of the other candidate countries, Europeans most favor Montenegro as a possible EU member. It is positively perceived by 51% of respondents. Along with Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia received 48% of support each. Only 37% of Europeans would like to see Turkey as a possible EU member.
The results of the survey showed that the highest level of support for candidate countries for EU membership is demonstrated by young citizens of the European Union. At the age of 15 to 24 years old, 67% of respondents support EU enlargement, and at the age of 25 to 39 years old – 63%.
In general, 56% of the surveyed citizens in all countries of the community are in favor of further enlargement of the European Union. But a certain concern is caused by the fact that no less than 50% of support for this process received only in 23 EU member states. It should be reminded that before accepting new members into the EU, they must receive support from all EU member states, and many of these approvals are carried out through a referendum.
Among the problems that cause concern among Europeans in connection with the possible admission of new members, respondents highlighted uncontrolled migration (40%), corruption and crime (39%) and financial costs for European taxpayers (37%).
At the moment, 10 countries – Ukraine, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, Georgia, Albania, Kosovo and Turkey – have the status of candidate countries for EU accession.
