Poll Finds Majority in Poland Backs EU Nuclear Arms
A GLOBSEC survey across 14 countries shows wide variation in public support for more EU countries developing nuclear weapons.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Nuclear
Live Poll
Should more EU countries develop nuclear weapons to strengthen Europe's security?
The GLOBSEC Trends report, presented in Prague on Friday, found 61% of Polish respondents favor more EU countries developing nuclear weapons. Support was 57% in Ukraine, 53% in France and 51% in the UK, while Hungary recorded the lowest figure at 29%.
Why it matters
The findings show public attitudes toward European nuclear capability diverge sharply across the continent and neighboring Ukraine. The survey also points to the trade-offs respondents see between defense spending and domestic social programs.
The GLOBSEC Trends survey covered 14 countries, with Polish respondents showing the highest support at 61% for EU nuclear weapons development. Results from the full set of 14 countries are not broken down beyond the figures reported for Poland, Ukraine, France, the UK and Hungary.
The players
GLOBSEC
GLOBSEC is an independent security think tank based in Central Europe that publishes annual public opinion research on security and defense issues.
The details
Respondents in the GLOBSEC Trends survey were asked about EU countries developing nuclear weapons, with research conducted in France, Germany, the UK and the United States alongside other countries. The same survey found 79% of Polish respondents back higher defense spending, and 59% would accept that increase coming at the expense of healthcare or social security.
Timeline
Friday, November 13, 2026: GLOBSEC presents the Trends report in Prague
Big Picture
The GLOBSEC Trends report is an annual series that tracks European public attitudes on security and defense, and this year's nuclear findings add a new data point to that multi-year record. The results place Poland and Ukraine at the high end of support while Hungary sits at the low end, reflecting wide regional divergence within the EU.
The survey shows how public opinion on defense and nuclear policy varies across Europe, which can shape the political debate about where national and EU security priorities are set. For readers, the findings highlight that proposals on defense funding may involve trade-offs with healthcare and social security, as the Polish responses indicate.
The takeaway
Public support for defense measures can differ widely even among neighboring countries facing similar security concerns. The survey suggests that how a question is framed, including its costs to other public services, may strongly influence the answers people give.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore the Nuclear section on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tvpworld.
Live Poll
Should more EU countries develop nuclear weapons to strengthen Europe's security?
