Shifts in Ukrainian Public Sentiment on Future in the EU: Growing Optimism and New Challenges
Over the past decade, the number of Ukrainians who believe in a prosperous future for Ukraine within the European Union has significantly increased.
According to comprehensive survey results conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, optimism levels grew from 43% in 2013 to 56% in 2023.
This indicates a rising confidence among Ukrainians in a favorable future and European integration.
However, not everything is smooth sailing.
From October 2022 to May 2025, a declining trend in optimism was observed: in May 2025, only 43% believed that Ukraine would be prosperous in ten years’ time within the EU.
During that period, the first significant shift toward pessimism was recorded, with 47% of Ukrainians believing that in ten years’ time the country would face economic collapse and significant population decline.
Nevertheless, from the autumn of this year, optimism rebounded: in early October, 56% of citizens positively assessed the country’s prospects.
Notably, among the youth aged 18-29, a considerable portion held pessimistic views: 39% of them predicted that Ukraine would be devastated in ten years, while 49% believed in its prosperity.
The balance between optimism and pessimism in this age group is +10%, compared to +25% nationwide.
The survey was conducted from September 19 to October 5 via telephone interviews, involving over a thousand respondents in all government-controlled regions of Ukraine, aged 18 and older.
The statistical error of the survey is estimated at no more than 4.1%, but given the wartime conditions, a certain systemic deviation should be considered when analyzing the results.