MOLDOVANS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORT EU MEMBERSHIP. Nearly three-quarters of Moldovans, 72.2 percent, would say yes if a referendum were held on EU membership, according to the results of an opinion poll published in the local media on May 23 and 24. This is the highest level of support for EU membership ever recorded in Moldova. An even higher number, almost 76 percent, believes EU membership would improve their lives. Only 7 percent would vote to oppose membership, according to the Barometer of Public Opinion poll. The poll also showed great confidence that Moldova will become a member soon, with
49 percent saying they expect EU accession within 10 years. Another 20 percent put the preaccession period at 20-25 years. Support for EU and NATO membership differs greatly, with only 29 percent in favor of joining NATO and 27 percent against. The dynamic is also unfavorable, with support dropping and opposition rising. Moldova is currently a neutral state, and 38 percent favor continued neutrality. The poll also found that the desire to enjoy the benefits of EU membership overwhelmingly explains why 38 percent of the Moldovans polled have applied or plan to apply for Romanian citizenship. So far this year, 1.4 percent have won Romanian citizenship, 10 percent have applied, and another 27 percent intend to submit an application, according to the poll. Only 6 percent said they applied for a Romanian passport because they "feel Romanian." AG Copyright (c) 2007 RFE/RL, Inc. ---------------------------- Vali "Noble blood is an accident of fortune; noble actions are the chief mark of greatness." (Carlo Goldoni) "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." (Jimi Hendrix)
