BRUSSELS. Her Russia viewed by an increasing number of people as a geopolitical adversary Europeanswho, for the most part, believe that China is a necessary economic partner, but also a commercial competitor, according to a survey in 11 EU countries. (Bulgaria, Denmark, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France, Austria, Hungary, Italy) from the ECFR Institute.

With the exception of Bulgaria, most Europeans view Russia as a hostile country and believe that Europe should gain defensive autonomy without severing its post-war trade relations with Moscow. The authors of the study emphasize that the attitude of Europe will affect the daily lives of citizens in matters of security, possible food shortages or financial market instability.

To questions such as whose side Europe should support in the Sino-American conflict, what to do if China supplies Russia with weapons, and how the West’s post-war attitude towards Russia, the citizens of 11 countries look realistic, but also inspired by high ideals. 43% want rapprochement with Beijing, adhering to the Macron-Soltz line. However, the French (31%) and Germans (33%) believe that China is a competitor to the EU. in the international arena. 62% would like the EU to remain neutral in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan, and only 23% said Brussels should support US policy in East Asia. 48% believe that the EU should have limited relations with Russia after the war, while 21% want a full restoration of economic ties.

Europeans are divided over the development of the war in Ukraine – realists against China, which considers it a necessary partner.

On most issues, Bulgarians and Hungarians have diverged in their pro-Russian and pro-Chinese positions: 65% of Bulgarians consider Moscow a “friend” and “ally” and refuse to impose sanctions against China if Beijing equips Russian weapons systems forces in Ukraine.

However, Russia’s image has been severely damaged in 11 countries by the 2021 poll. 64% of Europeans now see it as an adversary, up from 36% two years ago. In Denmark, the corresponding percentage is 74%, and in Poland – 71%. The authors of the study point to the exception of Italy, where only 37% called Russia an “enemy country.”

European opinions about Ukraine’s chances of winning are divided. 45% consider such a development of events unlikely, and 33% believe in the victory of Kyiv. The authors of the poll urged the political world to draw conclusions from it in order to avoid a “populist wave of reaction” in the 2024 European elections.