European Public Support for EU’s Policy of Welcoming Ukrainian Refugees: Realistic and Symbolic Group Threats

Using 2023 Eurobarometer data combined with Eurostat, World Bank, and OECD data, we conducted multilevel analyses to examine how realistic and symbolic group threats explain public support for EU’s decision to accept Ukrainian refugees. Higher GDP per capita predicted support, as did a positive household financial situation at the individual level. Support was higher among unemployed, while manual worker status was insignificant, suggesting limited labour market competition concerns. Perceived threat from Russia increased support, whereas domestic security concerns lowered it. Stronger national and European identities and perceived cultural proximity to Eastern neighbours were also positively associated with support.