Study: Half of Romanians believe the U.S. is Romania’s main ally

A recent INSCOP study reveals that almost 46% of Romanians believe that the U.S. is Romania’s main ally in case of possible security threats. Other answers were Germany (16.7%), France (4.9%) and the Republic of Moldova (3%). Over 43% of respondents say that the U.S. is currently the closest country to Romania, while 21.6% mentioned Germany and 6.6% indicated the Republic of Moldova. Respondents also chose France (6%), Italy (3.4%) and the UK (1.5%). Three-quarters of Romanians agree that NATO membership protects Romania of threats to national security. Only 10.8% disagree with this statement while 13.5% were non-answers. Some 64.4% of respondents consider Romania a rather Western country, than an Eastern European one. Only 20% see it as an Eastern country. When it comes to the recent harsh statements some Russian officials made to several Eastern European countries (including Romania), 57% of Romanians believe that Romania’s best option is to coordinate responses with NATO and EU allies. About a quarter think that Romania should ignore the statements/threats while 8% believe that Russia should be answered in similar terms. Over 58% of respondents believe that Romania should reintroduce compulsory military service. Based on age categories, 48% of those aged between 18 and 34 agree with this measure, as well as 57.2% of those aged 35-49, 64.4% of those aged 50-64 and 67% of those aged 65 and over 65. Most of those who agree with this measure have primary education (64.4%), followed by those with secondary education (59.7%) and those with higher education (48.1%). The study was conducted by INSCOP Research on a sample of over 1,000 people, at the request of the Adevarul newspaper. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com