Poll: Georgians support EU, Euro-Atlantic aspirations, consider Russia a threat

Public support for the European Union (EU) in Georgia has risen to 80 percent compared to 72 percent last year, yesterday’s poll results released by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) said.

According to the results, the reasons for supporting Georgia’s membership "are largely related to economic and employment concerns, although supporters also believe membership would strengthen security and democracy”.

For those who do not support EU membership believe it would cause conflict with Russia. 78 percent report Russia as a threat to neighbouring countries and has a negative impact on Georgia’s economy, security and politics.

92 percent of Georgians are aware of the recent visa liberalisation to most EU countries. 64 percent say they have enough information on the rules and procedures related to visa-free travel.

• It’s official now: Georgians no longer need visa to EU

NATO support is also strong with 68 percent of Georgians approving membership. However, those who disapprove NATO membership said it will bring high risk of Russian aggression.

It is important and impressive that Georgians look internally for defense of the nation’s security, indicating a belief in the country’s need for strong democratic institutions, self-sufficiency, and domestic resilience,” NDI Senior Director Laura Thornton said.

NDI poll results reflect data collected from April 7 to April 28 through face-to-face interviews with a nationwide representative sample of Georgia’s adult population, excluding the Russian occupied territories of Georgia – Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) that included 2,493 completed interviews.