A significant majority of Ukrainians, approximately 60.5%, are confident that Ukraine will become a member of the European Union within the next ten years, as reported by the Ukrainian newspaper ZN on November 9. This information is based on a poll conducted by the Razumkov Centre.
The survey highlights a strong sense of optimism among Ukrainians regarding their country’s EU accession prospects. About 20.6% of the total respondents believe that Ukraine could join the EU within the next two years, aligning with the positive outlook of Ukrainian authorities. Additionally, 19.9% think a three-to-four-year period is realistic for joining the EU, while 14.3% see a five-to-six-year timeframe as plausible. A smaller group, 5.7%, anticipates a seven-to-nine-year period for accession.
However, a minority of 3.7% expect Ukraine’s EU membership could take 10 to 15 years, and only 2% think it may take longer than 15 years. Interestingly, 6.1% of respondents believe Ukraine may never join the EU.
The survey also revealed that nearly 28% of participants were unable to estimate the timeframe for Ukraine’s EU membership journey or chose not to respond.
This survey was conducted face-to-face from September 28 to October 4, 2023, across 22 Ukrainian oblasts and the capital, Kyiv. It involved 2019 respondents aged 18 and above, with a theoretical margin of error not exceeding 2.3%.
In a significant development on November 8, the European Commission recommended initiating negotiations on EU accession for Ukraine and Moldova, acknowledging that Kyiv has met key criteria for the talks to begin. The final decision now lies with the European Council, where leaders from the 27 EU countries must unanimously agree.
This survey underscores the hopeful perspective of Ukrainians towards their nation’s future in the European Union, reflecting a strong desire for integration and progress.