A recent analysis conducted by the Europeum Institute in collaboration with the STEM polling institute reveals that the Czech Republic is strongly in favor of remaining in the European Union (EU). With a margin of almost 2:1, Czechs express their support for EU membership, as 63% of respondents stated that they would vote to stay in the EU if a referendum were held.

The survey also sheds light on the Czech population’s stance regarding other pertinent issues. Firstly, it indicates that less than a fifth of Czechs currently favor the adoption of the euro, and neither a referendum on leaving the EU nor the adoption of the euro are currently on the country’s political agenda. Nonetheless, Czechs hold an overall optimistic view of the EU, with 56% expressing positive sentiments. Vit Havelka, a research fellow at the Europeum Institute for European Policy, notes that individuals with an optimistic outlook tend to perceive the developments in Czech society since 1989 in a positive light.

The survey also explores Czech attitudes towards Ukrainian migration and the green transition. While the majority of Czechs still support accepting Ukrainian refugees, there are concerns about the potential negative impact on public services and the economy. Jaromir Mazak, director of the STEM research agency, emphasizes the fragility of this support, despite its stability over time. The Czech Republic currently hosts approximately 325,000 refugees from Ukraine, and over two-fifths of Czechs are willing to assist, even if it results in a slight decline in their own standard of living. However, a significant majority (67%) believe that the state does more for Ukrainian migrants than for its own citizens, and only 28% perceive refugees from Ukraine as beneficial for the country’s future.

On the topic of the green transition, the survey reveals that a substantial majority (77%) of Czechs consider climate change a serious problem. However, most respondents do not perceive the immediate impact of climate change on their daily lives. Czechs identify air, sea, and ocean pollution as the most pressing consequences of climate change, followed by deforestation and extreme droughts.

The survey findings highlight the prevailing sentiment among Czechs regarding EU membership, Ukrainian migration, and environmental concerns. These insights can inform policymakers and stakeholders in understanding public opinion and shaping future policies related to these crucial issues in the Czech Republic.

Article by Prague Forum