EDITOR'S CORNER: What Do Europeans Think About the War in Ukraine?

The war in Ukraine continues, while concerns about hybrid threats and military spending are growing. At the same time, the cost of living remains high. How are ordinary people across Europe experiencing these uncertain times?

This week, I want to shift the focus from politics and geopolitics to the people themselves. What does the current security situation mean for everyday life in Europe? How are people feeling, what are their biggest concerns, and how prepared do they feel for the possibility of war?

Are Europeans worried? Do they feel safe? And are we prepared for what might come?

THE WAR'S RIPPLE EFFECTS ACROSS EUROPE

Russia’s war against Ukraine has had devastating consequences for the Ukrainian people. Families have been torn apart, with loved ones fighting and dying on the front lines. Cities are under constant bombardment and drone attacks. Homes have been destroyed, entire villages reduced to rubble, and Ukrainian children have been robbed of the chance to enjoy a normal childhood.

But the effects of this war have not stopped at Ukraine’s borders. The conflict has also had a significant impact on the rest of Europe. But how?

First, the war triggered a massive influx of Ukrainian refugees across Europe. Countries had to find ways to accommodate and support those fleeing the conflict, helping them find housing, employment and school places for their children. Overall, the integration process went relatively smoothly. Many Ukrainians managed to settle into their new communities, find jobs and rebuild some sense of normality in European cities.

Second, European countries were called upon to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. This meant providing political and diplomatic support, funding and supplying weapons for Ukraine's defence forces, and delivering humanitarian assistance to civilians. These commitments came at a particularly challenging time for Europe, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many European economies were already struggling, and the financial consequences of the pandemic had left national budgets and households under considerable pressure.

The war, therefore, has not only reshaped Ukraine but has also placed new demands on European societies, economies and governments.

IS EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY STARTING TO WEAR THIN?

Overall, Europeans have been understanding of what Ukraine is going through. Support was offered when it was needed, and the public repeatedly called for greater assistance and tougher sanctions whenever pressure on Moscow appeared to ease. When Russia turned off the gas taps, Europeans felt the consequences through higher energy prices and rising living costs. Nevertheless, many understood why these sacrifices were necessary and why standing by Ukraine mattered.

As the war continued, more and more money was channelled into Ukraine. There was little public opposition to this, at least initially. After all, supporting Ukraine also means protecting Europe. We pay the price now so that we do not have to pay with blood later. But as the war approaches its sixth year, can we really say that Europeans still feel the same way?

Increasingly, I would argue that they do not. The general public remains largely understanding of Ukraine's situation, but patience is wearing thin. The financial commitment is becoming harder to sustain, particularly as households continue to struggle with the cost of living and governments face competing demands at home. The money taps are not necessarily closing, but questions are increasingly being asked about how much more Europe can afford to give, how long this support must continue and what the consequences will be for ordinary Europeans.

This does not necessarily mean that people have become less sympathetic towards Ukraine or that they want Europe to abandon its support. Rather, it reflects a growing tension between solidarity abroad and economic pressures at home. For many Europeans, the question is no longer simply whether Ukraine should be supported, but how long they can continue to shoulder the costs while dealing with their own everyday struggles.

A GROWING SENSE OF INSECURITY

But does this mean Europeans are genuinely afraid? Do people feel that their countries are safe, or are concerns about Russia, hybrid attacks and the possibility of escalation gradually changing their sense of security? And perhaps most importantly, do ordinary citizens believe their governments are doing enough to protect them?

These security concerns, combined with the financial pressures Europeans face every day, have led many to question how long they can continue supporting Ukraine while dealing with challenges at home. They have also raised questions about the priorities and decisions of their own political leaders.

Across much of Europe, right-wing parties have gained ground, with national identity, sovereignty and domestic interests becoming increasingly prominent political issues. Attitudes towards immigration have hardened in several countries, while governments face growing pressure to redirect public spending towards problems closer to home. International aid, support for refugees and migration policies are increasingly being discussed alongside issues such as healthcare, housing, the cost of living and national defence.

This reflects a broader shift in public debate: many Europeans want their governments to focus more on protecting their own citizens and addressing domestic problems. But this creates a difficult balancing act. How can European countries maintain their commitment to Ukraine, strengthen their own security and meet the expectations of increasingly demanding electorates, all while dealing with limited financial resources?

Ultimately, these competing concerns raise an important question about Europe's future. Are people becoming more worried about the possibility of war, or are they increasingly concerned about the economic and social consequences of living in an uncertain world? And when it comes to preparing for the worst, do Europeans feel that their countries are ready?

CONCLUSION

Europe faces a difficult balancing act. Supporting Ukraine remains important for the continent's security, but economic pressures and growing domestic concerns are testing public patience and political unity.

Ultimately, Europe's resilience will depend on public trust. People need to feel safe, prepared and confident that their governments are making the right decisions. The war may be taking place in Ukraine, but its consequences are being felt across the whole of Europe.