**Title: Polish Opposition to EU Membership for Ukraine Increases Significantly, Polls Indicate**
Recent opinion polls conducted by IBRiS reveal a notable shift in Polish public sentiment regarding Ukraine's potential accession to the European Union. According to a survey commissioned by Radio ZET, nearly 60% of Poles now oppose Ukraine joining the EU, a significant increase from 42% recorded in a similar poll last year.
The latest findings indicate that 59.7% of respondents are against Ukraine's EU membership, while support for the bid has remained relatively stable at around 35%. Additionally, the number of undecided voters has dramatically decreased from approximately 25% to just 5%, suggesting that many individuals who were previously uncertain have now aligned themselves with the opposition.
Poland has historically been one of Ukraine's strongest allies, particularly since the escalation of the conflict with Russia in 2022. The country has provided military support, welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees, and advocated for Ukraine's integration into both the EU and NATO. However, the growing opposition to Ukraine's EU membership reflects a changing political landscape influenced by various factors, including agricultural disputes and historical tensions.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk continues to support Ukraine's aspirations for EU membership, but the issue has become increasingly divisive in Polish society. Tensions have been exacerbated by recent controversies, particularly surrounding the glorification of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist group implicated in wartime atrocities against Poles during World War II. Polish President Karol Nawrocki emphasized that for many in Poland, the UPA is inextricably linked to these historical grievances. Poland officially recognizes the Volhynia massacres, carried out by the UPA and associated Ukrainian factions, as genocide, which has led some Polish politicians to argue that Ukraine must address these historical issues before expecting support for EU membership.
In addition to historical concerns, Polish farmers have voiced strong opposition to Ukraine's EU accession, citing economic fears. They argue that Ukraine's preferential access to the EU market has created an uneven playing field, leading to unfair competition that threatens their livelihoods. Farmers warn that Ukraine's eventual membership could further diminish their market share and reduce Poland's allocation of EU agricultural subsidies. Deputy Parliament Speaker Piotr Zgorzelski has cautioned that hastening Ukraine's entry into the EU could have dire consequences for Polish agriculture.
The shift in public opinion underscores the complexities of Poland's relationship with Ukraine, which, despite its historical support, is now facing significant challenges as the prospect of Ukraine's EU membership becomes a contentious issue. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these sentiments will influence future discussions regarding Ukraine's integration into European structures.