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Few Russians Enthralled by European Union
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Fewer residents of the Russian Federation think their country should join the European Union (EU), according to a poll by the Public Opinion Foundation. 36 per cent of respondents think Russia should seek membership in the continental group, down 37 points in four years.
In May 2003, Russia and the EU announced a plan of cooperation in four proposed "common spaces": finances, justice, external security, and research/education.
Last month, Russian president Vladimir Putin discussed his views on European integration, saying, "The logic of the development of relations between Russia and the EU make necessary the elaboration of a strategic partnership agreement, which should become an instrument capable of deepening economic integration and cooperation in the domain of human rights and security on the European continent."
Putin also expressed concerns about the deployment of a United States-backed missile defence system in Eastern Europe, declaring, "It is unacceptable for European politics to be dominated by a 'blocs' mentality (and for) unilateral projects to be carried out to the detriment of the interests and security of neighbours."
Polling Data
Should Russia seek membership in the European Union?
2007 | 2005 | 2003 | |
Yes | 36% | 48% | 73% |
No | 26% | 26% | 10% |
Undecided | 38% | 26% | 18% |
Source: Public Opinion Foundation
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 1,500 Russian adults, conducted on Mar. 31 and Apr. 1, 2006. Margin of error is 3.6 per cent.