A Slap in the Face for Pro-War Forces: Europeans Disagree with Brussels' Ban on Russian Energy

Brussels' regulation on banning Russian oil and gas not only violates EU law and the sovereignty of member states, but also runs counter to the expectations of European citizens. A fresh research by Szazadveg reveals that a relative majority of EU citizens do not support a full embargo. In Hungary, 62 percent reject the measure. Brussels is once again ignoring the will of the people.

Ursula von der Leyen and Volodymyr Zelensky (Photo: AFP)

Europeans do not agree with Brussels (Source: Szazadveg)

The highest disapproval rates were recorded in Slovenia (68 percent), Greece (65 percent), as well as Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Hungary (62 percent each). Public perceptions are partly explained by the serious consequences of the measure. In Hungary, for example, the ban would increase household utility costs to three and a half times their current level and would lead to fuel prices exceeding 1,000 forints per liter.

The Hungarian and Slovak governments have already indicated that they will go to court to challenge the decision.

The latest survey in the unique Project Europe research series once again aimed to map public attitudes toward the most important public issues affecting the bloc. In addition to numerous relevant topics, this year’s research places special emphasis on public perceptions of and satisfaction with the European Union’s performance, the question of possible EU enlargement, perceptions of the war in Ukraine, as well as energy and migration issues.