Poll shows majority of EU citizens perceive 'high risk' of war with Russia

A recent survey conducted across nine European Union nations indicates that most citizens fear a significant possibility of war between their countries and Russia. The research, carried out by polling organization Cluster 17 and published in the French international affairs journal Le Grand Continent, reflects public concern over the ongoing conflict stemming from Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The study, which involved nearly 10,000 respondents from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Croatia, Belgium, and the Netherlands, reveals that 51% of participants believe there is a "high" or "very high" risk of a future confrontation with Russia. The survey was conducted at the end of November with a minimum of 1,000 respondents from each country.

Perceptions of risk vary widely by country. In Poland, which shares borders with Russia and Belarus, 77% of people consider the threat serious. In contrast, only 54% of French respondents and 51% of Germans expressed similar concerns, while 65% of Italians viewed the risk as low or negligible.

The survey also examined attitudes toward potential conflict with other nations. A striking 81% of respondents across the nine countries felt there was little to no chance of war with China in the foreseeable future.

Concerns over national defense capabilities are prominent. Overall, 69% of those surveyed believe their countries would be "not at all" or "not likely" able to defend against Russian aggression. France, the only nuclear-armed nation in the survey, had the most optimistic outlook, with 44% believing their military is at least somewhat capable of defense. In contrast, large majorities in Belgium, Italy, and Portugal87%, 85%, and 85% respectivelyfelt their countries were unprepared.

Public opinion continues to view terrorism as the most immediate threat. Across all surveyed nations, 63% considered the risk of attacks by terrorist groups to be "high" or "very high."

Author: Jackson Miller