The survey, titled "Stability vs. Uncertainty" and conducted by the Mieroszewski Center, encompassed individuals aged 18-26 from both countries and delved into a spectrum of topics including patriotism, security, future prospects, and attitudes towards Ukraine's integration into the European Union and NATO.
Patriotism
The survey reveals distinct manifestations of patriotism among young Poles and Ukrainians. While Polish patriotism is characterized by a mosaic of values encompassing love, loyalty, and national pride, Ukrainian patriotism reflects strong sentiments of loyalty, active engagement in national development, and respect for the native language. Concerns about the commercialization and politicization of patriotism are prevalent among Ukrainian youth, with some advocating for a blend of patriotism and nationalism to safeguard cultural identity.
Military readiness
Amid external aggression, patriotism translates into a willingness to make sacrifices for the homeland. Surprisingly, a higher percentage of young Ukrainians (50%) express readiness to join the military and provide assistance in times of conflict compared to their Polish counterparts (36%).
Domestic aspirations vs. overseas opportunities
Despite the prevailing conflict, a majority of young Ukrainians exhibit a reluctance to permanently emigrate (59%). In contrast, Polish youth, residing in comparatively stable conditions, display a greater inclination towards seeking opportunities abroad, reflecting differing perceptions of domestic prospects.
Interests and perspectives
The survey highlights disparities in the daily realities and interests of young Poles and Ukrainians. While Poles engage predominantly in discussions on everyday life, Ukrainian youth demonstrate a heightened interest in politics and war-related topics. Notably, Ukrainians exhibit a keener interest in their country's history, underscoring a desire to contextualize contemporary events within a historical framework.
Perceptions of neighboring countries
Both Poles and Ukrainians view Russia and Belarus unfavorably, with Ukrainians exhibiting a positive perception of Poland. The survey shows nuanced differences in perceptions, with Ukrainians regarding Poles as friendly neighbors, while Poles display a greater affinity towards other Central European nations. Positive sentiments towards Polish-Ukrainian relations are more pronounced among Ukrainians, than the other way around.
Support for EU and NATO integration
An overwhelming majority of Ukrainians, 82% and 85%, respectively, support their country's accession to the European Union and NATO, seeing it as an opportunity to strengthen security and draw closer to Western Europe. In Poland, opinions are more divided, with 51% supporting Ukraine's admission to the EU and 54% to NATO.
(jh)
Source: mieroszewski.pl