Europeans Reluctant to Raise Taxes for Defense Spending Amid Ukraine–Russia War, Polls Show

German, French, and British leaders are pushing for rearmament, but public support for the hikes needed to fund it remains weak.

Ukrainian servicemen operate an armored military vehicle on a road near the border with Russia, in the Sumy region of Ukraine, on Aug. 14, 2024. Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images

Europe’s enthusiasm for increased taxes to boost defense spending amid the Ukraine–Russia war is low, according to polls.

On March 6, YouGov released a poll asking where Western Europe stood on Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump, and national defense.