Summary：Russia’s Growing Threat Wins Over Europe’s Former Skeptics **Introduction** When Russian forces cr

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Russia’s Growing Threat Wins Over Europe’s Former Skeptics

**Introduction**
When Russian forces crossed into Ukraine in February 2022, the shockwave rippled far beyond the battlefield. Polls taken in the weeks that followed showed a striking shift: citizens who once questioned the value of a united Europe began to voice stronger support for the EU’s collective response. Researchers Julia Schulte‑Cloos and Lenka Dražanová captured this turning point with a pan‑European survey conducted just after the invasion, revealing how security fears can reshape political attitudes almost overnight.

**Key Developments**
The study, which surveyed over 12,000 respondents across 15 member states, found that approval for EU‑wide sanctions on Russia jumped from 42 % pre‑invasion to 61 % in March 2022. Trust in EU institutions rose modestly but significantly, especially in countries historically wary of Brussels—Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic saw double‑digit gains. Notably, the increase was not uniform; nations with strong bilateral ties to Moscow, such as Bulgaria and Slovakia, showed more muted changes, underscoring the role of geographic proximity and energy dependence in shaping opinion.

**Industry Analysis**
Analysts say the data reflect a broader “rally‑around‑the‑flag” effect that policymakers can leverage. Defense