A recent survey conducted by the STEM institute in January, marking 25 years since the Czech Republic joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on March 12, 1999, underscores a resounding approval of the country’s NATO membership among Czech citizens, with over 70% expressing support.

This robust backing for NATO membership surged beyond 70% in 2001 and peaked at 78% in March 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Jitka Uhrová from STEM noted, “There is a noticeable strengthening of approval for NATO membership in times of crisis, in 2015 in the case of the migration crisis and in 2022 after Russia’s attack on Ukraine.”

The survey data highlights consistent majority support for NATO membership across various socio-demographic groups, with slightly higher endorsement among younger demographics and a correlation with higher levels of educational attainment.

Moreover, the Czech public’s confidence in NATO as an institution has remained steadfast, never dipping below 50% since the country’s accession to the Alliance. Currently, 53% of Czech citizens express confidence in NATO, a figure notably higher than trust in the European Union (37%), albeit slightly lower than trust in the Czech army (62%).

Of particular note is the trust placed in NATO’s capacity to ensure the Czech Republic’s external security, with 61% of respondents expressing confidence in this aspect. While this confidence has slightly decreased from 2023 and 2022 levels, which stood at 70%, it remains notably higher than levels observed in 2015 when it weakened to 54%. STEM attributes this fluctuation to evolving security perceptions, with the migration crisis prompting a non-military focus at the time.

The survey, conducted among 1,057 individuals aged over 18 from January 18 to 27, provides valuable insights into Czech public opinion regarding NATO membership and underscores the enduring significance of the Alliance in ensuring the country’s security and stability.

Article by Prague Forum