Die Welt: support for Ukraine will decline after 2027 elections in European countries

A wave of elections in Europe’s largest countries in 2027 could significantly reduce support for Ukraine — that is the forecast published by the German outlet Die Welt.

In 2027, elections will be held in France, Poland, Italy, and Spain. In addition, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be leaving his post. According to the outlet’s assessment, in the countries listed, rising defense spending is already affecting social policy — and various political forces may exploit this tension.

“The danger is that all of this is happening at the very moment when Ukraine is in particular need of sustained strategic support from Europe. The coming months will be decisive for Kyiv — as will the decisions its allies make before winter sets in,” Die Welt writes.

The editorial calls for structures to support Ukraine over the long term to be established before the end of this year — “before election campaigns in France and other countries limit the room for action.”

Die Welt pays particular attention to France. The outlet notes that Emmanuel Macron’s days are numbered, while Marine Le Pen is strengthening her position in polls ahead of the presidential election scheduled for April 2027. Le Pen has already confirmed her participation in that election. Die Welt expresses doubt that, after the departures of Macron and Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will be able to close ranks and mobilize European allies to support Ukraine.

Security expert Jana Kobzova gave the outlet her forecast regarding the future of European leadership:

“Macron is one of the most important strategists in Europe on the question of the war in Ukraine. Leaders of this kind will most likely soon disappear from the political scene. Kyiv will then have to prepare for hard times,” Kobzova said.

Against this backdrop, it has emerged that Bulgaria is withdrawing from the “coalition of the willing.”