The majority of Romanians believe that since the war started in Ukraine, the EU has shown solidarity (78%) and has been united (70%) and fast (64%) in its reaction, according to a Flash Eurobarometer survey published on May 5. The share reported for Romania (78%) is similar to the EU average of 79%.

According to the same source, 63% of Romanian respondents are satisfied with how the EU reacted (the European average is 52%), and 82% of them said they are satisfied with the Romanian citizens' reaction since the beginning of the war (above the European average of 69%).

At the EU level, respondents are widely in favour of the unwavering support for Ukraine and its people. "In particular, more than nine out of ten respondents (93%) approve of providing humanitarian support to the people affected by the war. 88% of Europeans approve of the idea of welcoming in the EU people fleeing the war. 80% approve of the financial support provided to Ukraine. 66% agree that 'Ukraine should join the EU when it is ready', 71% believe that Ukraine is part of the European family, and 89% feel sympathy towards Ukrainians," the EC said.

The same survey revealed that most Europeans (80%) also approve of the economic sanctions against Russia. At the same time, two-thirds of Europeans (67%) approve that the EU finances the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine.

In addition, 75% consider that the war in Ukraine shows 'we need greater military cooperation within the EU'.

"The survey also shows broad support for the EU's actions in the field of energy aiming at getting rid of the dependency on Russian fossil fuels. There is a large consensus on filling up gas storage in the EU to avoid risks of shortage for next winter (86%), on the EU taking measures to increase the energy efficiency of buildings, transport and goods (85%), and on the fact that the war in Ukraine makes it more urgent to invest in renewable energies (84%)," the Commission also said.

The Flash Eurobarometer survey was conducted in the 27 Member States between April 13 and 20, 2022. 26,066 EU citizens have been interviewed online.

irina.marica@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: Dmytro Koltsuk/Dreamstime.com)