Ukraine: the majority backs joining the EU

These are the results of a poll conducted by the Ukrainian research institute IFAK (Kiev) on behalf of Deutsche Welle (DW) in June 2013, six months before the planned signing of an association agreement with the EU. One thousand people between the ages of 18 and 65 were personally interviewed in Ukrainian cities with more than 50,000 residents.

Among the supporters, 37 percent are in favor of EU accession within the next five years - an increase of 11 percent compared with six months ago. According to DW-Trend, 42 percent of the survey participants welcome the planned association agreement between Ukraine and the EU. Fourteen percent hope the agreement will strengthen democracy, while 42 percent would like to see it result in boosting the economy. Another 14 percent oppose the agreement, and 11 percent believe the country is not yet ready for establishing closer relations with the EU on a large scale.

When asked about the EU's most important goals, 54 percent of the respondents cited economic development. Nearly one third named strengthening democratic values (30 percent) and creating a common security structure(29 percent) as important goals. It was possible to give multiple responses.

The portion of those who consider strengthening democratic values importantdoubled from 18 percent in November 2012 to 36 percent in June 2013. This is the highest level recorded since DW began commissioning polls in Ukraine in 2011. The respondents no longer see the EU primarily as a means to economic prosperity, but rather as a guarantee for democratic values and stability in their country.