New Eurobarometer survey on EU enlargement: Ukraine the most favoured for accession
A special Eurobarometer survey, published on 2 September, reveals that 56% of EU citizens are in favour of further EU enlargement. Support is particularly high among young people: around two-thirds of respondents aged 15-39 believe the (potential) candidates should join the EU once they meet the necessary conditions.
The Member States with the highest enlargement support rates are Sweden (79%), Denmark (75%), and Lithuania (74%). Whereas the lowest scores are registered in Czechia, France (both 43%), and Austria (45%).
While support for various EU candidate countries differs among citizens, Ukraine is the most favoured for accession once all membership criteria have been met, receiving the highest level of support (52%) in the greatest number of Member States (14). Conversely, 41% remain opposed. Sweden (91%), Denmark, and Finland (both 81%) show the highest levels of support.
For Moldova, nearly half of respondents (48%) express support for its accession, conditional on meeting all criteria, with lower opposition at 40%. Moldova is the most favoured candidate in three Member States, Sweden (75%), Romania (67%), and Latvia (64%).
Support for Georgia to join the EU (the accession process is de-facto halted) stands at less than half of respondents (46%), conditional on meeting membership requirements, with 43% opposed. Georgia is not selected as a preferred candidate in any Member State. The strongest levels of backing for Georgia are recorded in Sweden (71%), Lithuania (62%), Denmark and Latvia (both 61%).
A majority (56 %) of Europeans believe their own country would benefit from future enlargement. The most widely recognised advantages include stronger global influence, a larger market for EU businesses, more job opportunities and greater solidarity and security.
At the same time, respondents express concerns related to migration, corruption and crime, and the financial cost of enlargement. They underline the importance of ensuring that candidate countries uphold the rule of law, fight corruption and protect fundamental rights, all essential elements of a credible and merit-based accession process.
Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said: “The Eurobarometer sends another clear message: people want a credible, values-based process driven by real reforms. Together with the Member States, we will engage directly with citizens, address their concerns, and show how enlargement delivers peace, prosperity, and a more united Europe.”
The survey was conducted between February and March 2025, gathering the views of over 26,300 citizens across all 27 EU Member States. The full results and country-specific factsheets are available online.
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