Who supports EU sanctions against Russia’s war in Ukraine? The role of the defence of European values and other socioeconomic factors

Abstract

This study assesses European citizens’ attitudes towards EU policies using data from the 98th Eurobarometer. The fuzzy hybrid TOPSIS methodology assesses support for five policies, ranging from military aid to economic sanctions against Russia. An ordered probit model analyses how 14 factors, such as age, political orientation, household finances and agreement that opposing Russia upholds European values, influence this support. The results highlight three key drivers of support: strong agreement that the EU defends European values, a positive image of the EU, and the perception of the invasion as a security threat. Conversely, opposition stems from disagreement with the defence of EU values and the security threat. These findings provide insights for EU policymakers and parliamentarians, offering guidance on how to align policy debates with citizens’ perceptions of these policies.