The Ukrainians` High Trust in the EU Means High Expectations

Jarosław Timofiejuk, Head of the Political Section, EU Delegation to Ukraine, commented about the results of a recent opinion poll by New Europe Center.

In his remarks, Jarosław Timofiejuk highlights that Ukrainian society shows strategic clarity on both NATO membership and European integration, viewing them as issues of sovereignty, security, and long-term transformation:

• For policymakers, it is essential to understand the expectations, views, and priorities of Ukrainian society, which are very clearly reflected in this survey. I would like to underline a particularly important point: the issue of NATO membership is fundamentally a question of sovereignty.
• One of the core principles of the European security architecture has always been that every European state has the sovereign right to choose whether to join or not to join a security alliance. This principle remains vital and must continue to be upheld.
• I would now like to focus on European integration. According to the poll, around 85% of Ukrainians support Ukraine’s path toward European integration. This indicates that, for Ukrainian society, this strategic choice has already been made. Importantly, this level of support has remained consistently high for nearly four years.
• What is equally significant is that Ukrainians clearly understand that EU membership will not be an easy process. They recognize that it will require reforms and sacrifices, yet they are ready to sustain them. When Ukrainians speak about the EU, they primarily associate it with fighting corruption, strengthening the rule of law, ensuring a fair justice system, and improving living standards. This shows that European integration is seen as a transformative project for the country.
• Security also remains an important dimension. I hope that NATO will continue to be the main security provider in Europe for a long time. At the same time, it is worth noting that no EU member state has been attacked. Economic cooperation, political integration, and solidarity within the EU also contribute to security and stability.
• The EU ranks first among organizations in terms of public trust, including trust in EU leaders and the leaders of its member states. Former EU member states also rank very highly in the top ten for trust. This is a very positive picture today, especially when the concept of European integration is being challenged by populists and certain external forces. High levels of trust translate into expectations, and the European Union must deliver on them.
• Ukrainian society demonstrates resilience and a strong commitment to Europe. It is our responsibility to match this commitment with unity, determination, and sustained engagement.

The recording of the broadcast in Ukrainian is available on our Facebook page, and in English – on the New Europe YouTube channel.