Faced with the war in Ukraine, most people in the EU are in favor of increasing defense spending. In a Gallup poll, 52 percent are in favor of it. EU citizens.
In Austria, 55 percent. advocates more money for the federal army. Only ten percent would be on the cut. Gallup International vice president Michael Nitsche sees a clear “shift in public opinion” here, APA said today.
Deployment: Armies are doing poorly
Only 45 percent. Europeans rate the equipment and operational capabilities of their country’s army as good or very good. Austrians are also aware of their military weaknesses.
76 percent believes that the equipment and operational capabilities of the federal army are weak or inferior. Nevertheless, the majority of 54 percent. respondents in the country are against their own EU army.
Nehammer: Not involved in numbers
Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) did not want to get involved in “no numbers” in the military budget debate. “The decisive factor is that we made it clear that we need to significantly increase the budget,” said Nehammer on the sidelines of the EU Summit.
The budget path was first set by the Ministry of Defense at 1.0 percent, then 1.5 percent. GDP, “this is the basis for negotiation now,” said Nehammer.
Energy: too dependent on Russia
Inflation, energy supplies, the threat of a world war and the possibility of using nuclear weapons are the main concerns of EU citizens about the war in Ukraine, according to a survey of 23,000 people in 24 countries on 7-23 March. .
93 percent of Austrians view their country as dependent on Russia. Two-thirds of them believe it is very important to rely on renewable energy sources, said Nitsche. The replacement of Russian energy supplies with renewable energy enjoys undivided approval throughout the EU. Sanctions against Russia are favorable for 42 percent. interviewed across the EU.
Austrian skepticism towards Ukraine’s accession to the EU
50 percent respondents in all countries were in favor of Ukraine joining the EU. Austria is among the countries most skeptical about Ukraine’s accession to the EU.