The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the responses of the EU to engage in costly economic sanctions raises questions about European citizens’ support and the preferred design for these policies. First, to what extent are European citizens willing to carry the burden of sanctions? Second, what are Europeans’ attitudes towards the leaders and institutions that adopt sanctions and to what extent are these moderated by the exposure to the costs of sanctions. This project will contribute to a prominent public and academic debate that has substantial implications not only for the welfare of EU residents, but also for EU institutions.