Bulgarians support EU and NATO membership in 2023 survey
- 49.9% of Bulgarians support remaining in the EU and NATO, with 25.5% undecided and 17.1% favoring integration with Russia and China.
- Trust in the EU has risen from 54.2% to 59.5%, while trust in NATO increased from 32% to 40.1% over the past year.
- The survey indicates a significant generational divide, with younger Bulgarians overwhelmingly supporting EU and NATO membership, suggesting a trend towards Western alignment.
A recent survey conducted by Gallup International Balkan reveals that nearly half of Bulgarians, specifically 49.9%, prefer to maintain their country's membership in the European Union and NATO. The survey highlights a generational divide, with over 70% of younger respondents supporting EU and NATO membership, while older individuals show mixed feelings. Trust in the EU has increased from 54.2% to 59.5% between September 2023 and September 2024, while distrust has decreased significantly. Similarly, NATO has seen a rise in trust from 32% to 40.1%, with a corresponding drop in distrust. The survey also indicates that trust in Russia has declined sharply, falling to 30%, following the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while distrust has risen to 52%. In contrast, trust in the USA remains stable, fluctuating between 26% and 31%. The findings suggest a growing inclination among Bulgarians towards Western alliances, reflecting a broader trend of support for democratic values and integration with the EU and NATO. This shift in public sentiment may influence future political decisions and Bulgaria's foreign policy direction, as the country navigates its relationships with both Western and Eastern powers.