Tim za socijalno uključivanje i smanjenje siromaštva

Those in favour of Serbia joining the European Union (EU) represent 59 percent of the population, believing it will bring a better future and prosperity for the country, and they see the recognition of the independence of Kosovo as the most important condition for Serbia’s accession to the EU, shows the latest public survey by TNS Medium Galup, presented by the EU Delegation to Serbia.

The most frequent reasons for Serbia joining the EU according to the citizens are economic, namely the prosperity of the country – 46 percent, better living standard 39 percent and employment possibility 34 percent, as stated at the presentation of the survey. If the accession referendum was to be held today, 55 percent of the total population of Serbia would vote in favour, and 26 percent against, the results show, also indicating a high turnout for the referendum at 73 percent.

The director of research and development of TNS Medium Galup, Milana Aleksić, stated that an increase in the positive attitudes towards the EU was noted compared to previous years, with no significant changes compared to the last survey in September of last year.

According to her, young people and those with higher education are more positive towards the Union.

Against EU accession is 34 percent of those survey. EU opponents list as their reasons fear of poverty, exploitation of Serbia, loss of sovereignty and pressures, she noted.

As much as 57 percent of those surveyed believe Serbia will be a member within the next five to ten years.

The expectation that the EU will set new conditions for Serbia is on the increase among the population, while 41 percent believe the key condition is Kosovo, while at the same time 66 percent is against recognizing Kosovo for joining the EU. The dialogue between Belgrade and Priština is supported by 58 percent of the population and this support is stable compared to earlier, said Aleksić.

According to her, regarding the information of citizens on the EU, they would like to know more on the effects of accession on the living standards, since 53 percent feel insufficiently informed.

According to those surveyed, 24 percent recognize the EU as a donor to Serbia, and a maximum of 49 percent have heard of the assistance during last year’s floods.

The public survey “Attitudes of Citizens of Serbia towards EU Integration” was implemented in March 2015 for the EU Delegation by the TNS Medium Gallup agency on a sample of 1,256 adult citizens of Serbia.

Details of the survey can be found at: Press_SRB_TNSMG_EUD_Opinion poll w1 2015.

Source: europa.rs