A sociological survey conducted in March 2026 by the research firm Active Group in collaboration with the Experts Club information and analytical center shows a consistently positive attitude among Ukrainians toward Belgium, with a noticeable upward trend. The share of positive assessments rose to 58.7% compared to 54.7% in August 2025. At the same time, the level of negative perception also increased slightly—from 0.3% to 2.3%—though it remains low overall.
The breakdown of responses indicates a predominance of moderately positive perceptions. 19.3% of respondents view Belgium entirely positively, while 39.4% selected the “mostly positive” option. At the same time, the share of neutral assessments remains significant—37.1%—indicating a limited level of formed perception of the country among Ukrainians.
Negative assessments are marginal: 1.4% of respondents indicated a mostly negative attitude, and another 0.9%—a completely negative one. The share of those who could not decide on an answer is 1.9%. This pattern of indicators suggests the absence of systemic negativity, but at the same time—insufficient intensity of informational or emotional interaction with this country.
In terms of trends, it is worth noting not only the growth in positive assessments but also a slight increase in negative ones. This may be linked to the general polarization of public opinion, where neutral positions are partially shifting toward more defined ones—both positive and negative. At the same time, the key trend remains the gradual strengthening of positive perceptions.
“Attitudes toward countries such as Belgium are shaped not so much by direct experience of interaction as by the broader European context and associations with the EU’s institutional role. When a country is associated with support for Ukraine at the level of politics, the economy, or humanitarian initiatives, this gradually translates into a rise in positive perception. At the same time, the high proportion of neutral responses indicates that the potential for strengthening this image is far from exhausted,” noted Maksym Urakin, founder of the Experts Club information and analytical center.
Thus, for Ukrainians, Belgium remains a country with a predominantly positive but not fully formed image. Further growth in positive attitudes will largely depend on the visibility of its role in supporting Ukraine, as well as on practical contacts in the spheres of the economy, education, and humanitarian cooperation.
According to a study conducted by the Experts Club Information and Analytical Center based on data from the State Customs Service, Belgium ranks 22nd in total trade volume with Ukraine, amounting to $1.29 billion. Imports of Belgian goods slightly exceed Ukrainian exports, so the bilateral trade balance remains negative.
The study was presented at the Interfax-Ukraine press center; the video can be viewed on the agency’s YouTube channel. The full version of the study can be found at this link on the Experts Club analytical center’s website.
ACTIVE GROUP, BELGIUM, EXPERTS CLUB, Pozniy, SOCIOLOGY, SURVEY, UKRAINE, URAKIN
