CBOS Ranking: Which Nations Do Poles Like & Dislike Most? (2026)

A recent survey by Centrum Badania Opinii Społecznej (CBOS) examined Polish attitudes toward 21 nations and ethnic groups. The findings reveal a clear preference for Italy, with 58% of Poles expressing sympathy, and a significantly lower 7% expressing dislike.

National Affiliations: A Closer Look

The CBOS report indicates that Czechs are also well-regarded, with 55% of Poles holding positive views. Slovaks, English, and Americans also garner considerable sympathy, with 52%, 49%, and 47% approval ratings respectively. Positive sentiment extends to Croatia (45%), Sweden, France, and the Netherlands (all 44%), Lithuania (43%), and Hungary (41%).

Bulgaria and Germany both receive positive regard from 35% of respondents. However, CBOS notes that dislike for Germany is twice as prevalent as for Bulgaria, at 32% versus 16%.

Did You Know? The survey was conducted between January 8th and 20th, 2026, using a mixed-mode approach on a representative sample of 938 Polish adults.

Shifting Sentiments and Rising Concerns

The survey also highlights nations facing more negative perceptions. Ukrainians (43% dislike vs. 29% like), Palestinians (30% dislike vs. 24% like), Jews (40% dislike vs. 22% like), Belarusians (46% dislike vs. 19% like), and Roma (46% dislike vs. 18% like) all face significant negative sentiment. Notably, 74% of Poles express dislike for Russians, with only 7% expressing sympathy – a sentiment that has remained consistent since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

CBOS observed a general worsening of attitudes towards many nations compared to the previous year, with a trend towards decreasing sympathy and increasing dislike.

Expert Insight: The observed shifts in national sentiment, particularly the increased dislike towards nations previously viewed more favorably, suggest a complex interplay of geopolitical events and evolving public opinion. This could indicate a broader trend of increased nationalistic sentiment or a heightened sensitivity to international affairs.

Notable Shifts in Public Opinion

The largest increases in negative sentiment were recorded towards Jewish people (an 8 percentage point increase in dislike, coupled with a 4 percentage point decrease in sympathy), Americans (an 8 percentage point increase in dislike and an 11 percentage point decrease in sympathy), and Ukrainians (a 5 percentage point increase in dislike and a 1 percentage point decrease in sympathy). This marks the third consecutive year of declining sentiment towards the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine, all of which saw increased favorability following the start of the war in Ukraine.

In 2026, CBOS also registered a deterioration in attitudes towards most of Poland’s neighbors, with the exceptions of Slovakia and Germany, which saw slight improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which nation is most liked by Poles?

According to the CBOS survey, Italians are the most liked nation by Poles, with almost six out of ten Poles (58%) expressing sympathy towards them.

Which nation do Poles dislike the most?

Poles consistently express the most dislike towards Russians, with 74% of respondents indicating negative feelings.

Has there been a change in how Poles view Americans?

Yes, the survey indicates a decrease in sympathy towards Americans, with an 8 percentage point increase in dislike and an 11 percentage point decrease in sympathy.

Given these evolving national perceptions, how might these shifts in public opinion influence Poland’s foreign policy and international relations in the coming years?