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Demand-side constraints on European solidarity for energy sanctions: Experimental evidence from seven EU countries

Author

Listed:
  • Ioana-Elena Oana

    (Department of Political and Social Sciences, 10185European University Institute, Fiesole, Italy)

  • Alexandru D Moise

    (Department of Political and Social Sciences, 10185European University Institute, Fiesole, Italy)

  • Zbigniew Truchlewski

    (Department of Political Science, 1234University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, 10185European University Institute, Fiesole, Italy; European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK)

Abstract

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is testing bonds of energy solidarity in Europe as domestic and territorial conflicts can undermine unity and swift political action. To examine the magnitude of these divisions on the demand side, we use a factorial survey experiment in seven EU countries. On the one hand, the external security threat should push European unity further. On the other hand, the asymmetry of the crisis could fuel both between-country divisions, given differences in energy dependence and geopolitical context, and within-country divisions, across political groups, reducing the potential for common policy. Our results show that while there is a wide consensus on energy sanctions between countries (except Hungary), within countries there is a greater potential for conflict along identarian, partisan, and economic lines.

Suggested Citation

  • Ioana-Elena Oana & Alexandru D Moise & Zbigniew Truchlewski, 2025. "Demand-side constraints on European solidarity for energy sanctions: Experimental evidence from seven EU countries," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 344-368, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:26:y:2025:i:2:p:344-368
    DOI: 10.1177/14651165251318955
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexandru D. Moise & Chendi Wang, 2025. "Division and unity: Voter and party perspectives on EU integration under external threat," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 296-309, June.
    2. Alexandru D Moise & Ioana-Elena Oana & Zbigniew Truchlewski & Chendi Wang, 2025. "Two functionalist logics of European Union polity formation under external threat: Evidence from a conjoint experiment," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 369-392, June.
    3. Philipp Genschel, 2025. "Conclusion – external threat and internal divisions: How the war in Ukraine shapes mass politics in the EU," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 442-450, June.
    4. Aleksandra Sojka & Javier Terraza & Francisco Caravaca Crespo & à ngel Cuevas Rumín, 2025. "Russian invasion as a European issue: Vertical Europeanisation of national political debates and the war in Ukraine," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 310-343, June.
    5. Alexandru D Moise & Chendi Wang, 2025. "Appeasement or solidarity? Uncovering the drivers of European public opinion on the EU’s foreign policy," European Union Politics, , vol. 26(2), pages 418-441, June.

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