Ukraine has begun a new phase in its journey toward EU membership. The sixth cluster of accession talks officially commenced. A recent Polling Europe survey highlights the mood across the bloc. The survey shows that 49% of EU citizens favor Ukraine's membership. Spain leads in public support. Sixty-five percent of its population backs Ukraine's inclusion in the EU. This backing is reflected in concrete actions. Spain has trained more than 9,000 Ukrainian military personnel. Madrid has committed to provide €1 billion in military aid by 2026. This reinforces Madrid's position as a key ally.
Italy and France show conditional support
In Italy, 52% of citizens support Ukraine joining the EU. Many emphasize that Kyiv must make significant reforms before becoming a member. The Italian public is balancing support with skepticism. They expect measurable progress in governance and infrastructure. Meanwhile, France and Germany show growing resistance. Both oppose granting Ukraine full voting rights in the EU. In France, opposition to Ukrainian accession is on the rise. No specific percentage is given for Germany. A noticeable shift in public opinion is clear. Both countries are home to a large number of Ukrainian refugees. Both have been major contributors to military and economic aid. They now represent a key challenge to Ukraine's EU bid's momentum.
Poland's opposition rises after diplomatic row
Poland, a long-time supporter of Ukraine, is now among the countries where public sentiment is shifting. The Polling Europe survey found 49% of Polish respondents oppose Ukraine's full EU membership. The recent dispute over the naming of a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) likely contributed to this change. The UPA, a group active during World War II, aimed to establish a free Ukraine. The group was also responsible for violent ethnic cleansing against Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia between 1943 and 1945. Poland's president, Karol Nawrocki, reacted strongly by revoking the Order of the White Eagle from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Order of the White Eagle is the nation's highest honor. Zelenskyy returned the award. He criticized the lack of consistency in granting such honors to controversial figures. These figures include Benito Mussolini and Gerhard Schröder.
Zelenskyy and Poland seek to mend ties
Despite the diplomatic tension, diplomatic efforts are underway to repair relations between Ukraine and Poland. President Zelenskyy has taken steps to address the historical grievances. These steps include providing permits for exhumations and offering access to archives. The archives relate to the traumatic events of the 20th century. He described these actions as a move to heal the wounds of the past. Poland's response has been cautiously optimistic. In a public statement, Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed 'satisfaction and hope' in light of Zelenskyy's gestures. He stated that Warsaw is ready to engage in 'serious and friendly dialogue'. The dialogue aims to address shared and divisive issues. The resolution of this diplomatic row could significantly impact the broader EU debate on Ukraine's accession prospects.