
The survey also confirms the large support for the EU's response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The EU's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine – In line with the results from the Flash Eurobarometer published on 5 May, today's poll confirms that the majority of Europeans (59%) are satisfied with the EU's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and with their own government's reaction (57%). Humanitarian actions are the most supported (93%) followed by welcoming in the EU Ukrainians fleeing the war (91%). 80% support economic sanctions on the Russian government, companies and individuals and 70% the financing of supply and delivery of military equipment to Ukraine.
Defence and security – The vast majority EU citizens (81%) are in favour of a common defence and security policy among EU Member States, with at least two thirds of respondents supporting this view in each country. Furthermore, 93% agree that Member States should act jointly when it comes to defending the EU's territory and 85% think that the co-operation in defence matters at EU level should be increased.
Energy autonomy – The Eurobarometer also shows a large support to RePowerEU's objectives. For 87% of respondents, the EU should reduce its dependency on Russian sources of energy as soon as possible. 80% agree that the energy policy can contribute to defending EU's strategic interests. 86% think that reducing imports of oil and gas and investing in renewable energy is important for our overall security and 87% that increasing energy efficiency will make us less dependent from energy producers outside the EU. 85% would like the EU to invest massively in renewable energies.
Tackling climate change – 85% of Europeans think that tackling climate change can help improve their own health and well-being and the same proportion believe it can create new opportunities for innovation, investment and jobs. Although 49% fear that tackling climate change could harm our economy, 83% think that it can help to reduce the costs of greater ecological damage in the future. Furthermore, 81% believe that on the long run, renewable energy can limit the price we pay for our energy consumption.
Key priorities – The Eurobarometer shows that, in light of the current situation, Europeans consider defence and security (34%) and ‘making the EU and its Member States more autonomous in energy supply' (26%) as the areas to be most prioritised in 2022. Dealing with the economic situation (24%), with environment and climate change (22%) and with unemployment (21%) follow closely.
The Coronavirus pandemic – The majority of respondents are satisfied with the way the EU has handled the vaccination strategy (58%) and with the way their own government has handled it (59%).
Background
The “Special Eurobarometer” 526 – “Key challenges of our times - The EU in 2022” was conducted through face-to-face and online interviews between 19 April and 16 May 2022 across the 27 EU Member States. 26,578 interviews were conducted in the EU27 Member States.
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Details
- Publication date
- 15 June 2022
- Author
- Representation in Cyprus