Half of the country’s population wants Moldova to join the European Union, while the other half – the Russia – Belarus – Kazakhstan Customs Union, shows the latest Public Opinion Barometer, IPN reports.

Thus, 51% of the Moldovans said they would vote in favor if a referendum on joining the European Union was held next Sunday, 30% said they would vote against, while 19% said they don’t know or haven’t yet decided.

Asked how they would vote if a referendum on joining the Customs Union was held next Sunday, 52% said they would vote for, 23% would vote against, while 25% said they don’t know or haven’t yet decided.

When asked to choose between the European Union and the Customs Union, 19% of those polled selected the EU, while 17% picked the Customs Union. 64% didn’t want to answer or haven’t made up their mind yet.

According to the respondents, among the advantages of joining the EU are the free movement, workplaces and a lower unemployment rate, modernization of the social life and better living conditions. At the same time, those surveyed consider that the tariffs and taxes may rise and the population will emigrate.

Among the advantages of joining the Customs Union, the respondents mentioned the cheaper oil and gas, more jobs, better exchange of goods, visa-free circulation. The main fears include the dependence on Russia, the russification and the dictatorial regime.

41% of those questioned see their future related to Moldova, 21% to the EU, 14% to Russia, while 12% to the Customs Union.

Asked about foreign political personalities they trust most of all, 74% of the respondents said they have confidence in Russian President Vladimir Putin, 49% - in German Chancellor Angela Merkel, while 47% - in U.S. President Barak Obama.

The poll was organized by the Public Policy Institute. Carried out between April 6-21, it covered a sample of 1,100 people older than 18 from 76 settlements. The margin of sampling error is 3%.