Irish people favour Ukraine joining the European Union by two to one, but a majority of citizens in ten other member states are against, according to new polling.
The poll, conducted for the European Commission, found big variations in support for Ukraine amongst the EU’s current 27 member states.
Pollsters asked whether citizens would be in favour of Ukraine joining the EU once the country has met all the conditions for membership.
Whilst two-thirds of people polled in Ireland supported Ukraine joining the club, a majority was against in ten other member states including the Czech Republic, Austria and Bulgaria.
People in a number of other member states including France, Italy and Germany appear to be split down the middle over the issue.
An senior EU official last week suggested that future membership of the European Union would be amongst the security guarantees likely granted to Ukraine.
Speaking in China, Russia’s President Putin appeared to accept that Ukraine could be free to join the EU, although he drew the line at the idea of Ukraine joining NATO.
The Russian leader is yet to agree to peace talks with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy.
Meanwhile the war continues.
“Recent attacks by Russia are a clear demonstration that President Putin is not interested in peace, despite the efforts of the international community to advance negotiations”, said Taoiseach Micheál Martin earlier this week after a phone call with President Zelenskyy.
“We will continue to work with partners to support Ukraine’s path towards EU membership”, the Taoiseach told the Ukrainian president.
