The Moldovans are undecided and continue to oscillate between Russia and Europe. According to an IMAS poll, commissioned by IPN, 44% of the respondents consider that Moldova should come closer to the West or Europe, while 43% are for coming closer to Russia.

If a referendum on joining the EU was held, 51% of those polled would vote in favor, while 36% would vote against. The figures are close to the voting intensions in a possible plebiscite on joining the Russia-Belarus-Kazakhstan Customs Union: 47% in favor and 35% against.

“The indicator as regards the intention to vote for the EU has a specific evolution, going under 40% and above 40%. It is in close connection with the political agenda and the messages of the main politicians. This indicator always needed to be fuelled and rose to such levels during the signing of the Association Agreement. It is now maintained by the political communication and electoral videos, I think,” IMAS director Doru Petrutsi explained in a news conference.

“The indicator for the Customs Union hides a lot of fear. The people actually do not want to anger Russia, not knowing exactly what the Customs Union is. The ideas about the Customs Union are vague and are associated in general with 2-3 elements: gas and workplaces, which were used by the parties in the political communication.”

As regards the entry into NATO, 50% of the respondents are against, while 27% are for. Doru Petrutsi noted that the number of those who are for joining NATO increased probably due to the campaigns of some of the political parties that pursue this goal.

At the same time, 50% of those surveyed are very concerned that Russia could try to invade Moldova, 21% are concerned to a certain extent, while 24% are not at all concerned.

The poll was carried out between November 8 and 19 and covered a sample of 1,128 people older than 18 from 81 settlements. The margin of sampling error is 3%.