Moldovans want in EU, but think it's government's responsibility to get them there

Some 77 % of Moldovans favor joining the EU, as more than a half consider the information they have about the EU is insufficient, a survey on assessing the public perception of the process of European integration and of implementing the Moldova-EU Action Plan shows. A report on the survey was launched on May 23 by the Eurasia Foundation and the Development and Social Initiatives Institute (IDIS) Viitorul, Info-Prim Neo reports. The EU's benefits are perceived by Moldovans especially as economic prosperity (16.4%), peace (15.3%), freedom to move, study and work (14.3%). 11.6% of the respondents believe joining the EU means more jobs, as 9% see it as a means to raise their welfare level. The interviewed thin Moldova's efforts to join the EU are hindered by the lack of genuine political will (27%), financial scarcity to attain the planned goals and the lack of capacities of the public administration. Some 40% of the interviewees say they are not happy with the implementation of the Moldova-EU Action Plan. A larger number failed to answer whether implementing that document influenced their lives in any way. The population protects its leaders and does not sanction them, said sociologist Dan Dungaciu. In his opinion, this may be explained that so far the citizens do not perceive the European integration as a process demanding everybody's involvement. Igor Munteanu, IDIS Viitorul's executive, says the civil society has a huge role to transform this general attitude of the people towards the European values. His opinion was shared by Lilia Carasciuc, Transparency International – Moldova chief. She says it's necessary that everyone asks what is his/her contribution to the European integration and to plead for society's consolidation. The research has been carried out by CBS –Axa, financed by USAID, SIDA and other donors.