BRUSSELS – The Russian invasion of Ukraine has strengthened pro-European sentiment in EU member countries, according to a Eurobarometer survey, published today, Wednesday 22 June. The trend is also present in Italy, a country that has expressed growing Eurosceptic sentiments in recent years. At the same time, the war in Eastern Europe has already led to a downsizing of living standards across the Union in the eyes of citizens.
According to the survey, 49% of Italians believe that being part of the European Union is good for Italy, with an increase of 5 points compared to the previous survey last autumn (the percentage at European level is much higher: 65%, + 3 points).
What unites Europeans is more important than what divides them
81% of Europeans believe that what unites European citizens is more important than what divides them. The increase compared to 2017 is seven points. The percentage of Italians who think in a similar way is equal to 75% (+ 14 points).
It is interesting to note that 65% of positive votes in favor of the Union must be compared with the outcome of the same poll in the midst of the debt crisis. In May 2011, just 47% of European citizens believed that their country’s membership of the European Union was a good thing. Ultimately, the survey reveals that Europeans are now aware of how much the European Union has ensured peace in Europe over the past 80 years. This does not necessarily translate into the strength of the more pro-European parties, at least for now. In France, the latest legislations showed strong growth of the far left and far right. In Italy, the latest opinion polls indicate that the Brothers of Italy party, led by Giovanna Meloni, could obtain a relative majority on the occasion of the renewal of Parliament in the spring of 2023. Many voters in an uncertain context take refuge in the more sovereign parties.
War and the impact on living standards
At the same time, the war in Ukraine has reduced the “standard of living” of Europeans, according to 40% of EU citizens and 33% of Italian citizens. Furthermore, 87% of the people interviewed, at European level and in Italy, believe that the conflict has or will have an impact on the “quality of life”. Finally, it should be noted that compared to their neighbors, Italians are less ready to face consequences related to sanctions against Moscow, such as the increase in energy and food prices. In spite of a public debate that would suggest the presence in Italy of a large group of citizens sensitive at this juncture to the reasons of Moscow, the survey published today by the European Parliament reveals that just 10% of Italians (and Europeans) have a positive opinion of Russia. In 2018, 30% of Europeans had a positive image of this country. Currently just 22% of Italians and Europeans have a favorable view of China.