European residents generally support the security and defence policy and expect the EU to gradually end its dependence on Russian energy resources, according to results of Eurobarometer published on Wednesday, 15 June.
The survey also underlines the high support residents have for EU’s reaction to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
59% of European residents are satisfied with EU’s reaction to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the reaction of their respective governments (57%). Support is the highest when it comes to humanitarian aid (93%), followed by taking in Ukrainian refugees in the EU (91%). 80% support economic sanctions against Russian government, businesses and private persons, and 70% support supplies of military aid to Ukraine.
Additionally, most EU citizens (81%) support the joint defence policy between EU member states.
At least two-thirds of respondents in each country support this opinion. 93% agree that member states should act together to protect Europe. 85% believe cooperation for defence in the EU should be expanded.
87% of respondents believe the EU should reduce their dependence on Russian energy resources. 80% agree that a new energy policy would help protect EU’s strategic interests. 86% believe reduction of imports of oil and gas and restoration of investments into energy is important for EU’s security. 87% believe the increase of energy efficiency would help reduce dependence on energy producers outside of the EU. 85% would like to see the EU invest more money into renewable energy.
85% of European residents believe the fight against climate change could help improve their health and welfare. As many people believe it would open new opportunities for innovations, investments and employment. 49% fear the fight against climate change could impact EU’s economy, 83% believe it can help reduce the costs that could appear from ecological damage in the future. 81% of respondents said renewable energy resources could help limit the price people pay for energy consumption in the long term.
Eurobarometer data indicates that European residents consider defence and security (34%) and the increase of member states’ autonomy in energy supplies (26%) should be the priority in 2022. These are followed by economic situations (24%), environment and climate change (22%), and resolution of unemployment problems (21%).