CHISINAU - Moldovan citizens prefer the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to the European Union, the Institute for Public Policy (IPP) said while presenting a Barometer of Public Opinion survey on Tuesday.
Some 22.5% of respondents said they would vote for Moldovan accession to the Customs Union at a hypothetical referendum, and only 16.1% would choose the European Union; 2.2% would not take part in the ballot at all. Over 50% have yet to make a decision. A referendum on joining the Customs Union would have 55.8% votes for and 27.1% against.
Moldovans see as an advantage of affiliation to the Customs Union a reduction of fuel prices (27.3%), new jobs (15.2%) and bigger exports (9%). Disadvantages include Russian leadership (9.1%), worse relations with Europe (2.1%) and a higher poverty rate (1.8%).
Some 54.7% of Moldovans would say “yes” to the joining of the EU and 30% would say “no” at such a referendum. Supporters refer to visa liberalization (23.3%), new jobs (21.2%) and higher living standards (17.4%), while opponents cite a price hike (10.9%), massive migration (7%), and European leadership (5.9%).
A third of Moldovans believe the European Union will recover from the crisis and regain its prosperity. Some 24.3% think the EU will fail, and 23.3% believe the crisis will end but certain countries will drop out from the European Union.
The respondents described as “very good” bilateral relations with Ukraine (76%), the EU (74%), Romania (73%), the United States and Russia (68% each).
The poll of 1,237 residents took place from October 30 to November 12.
