Centre for Public Opinion and Democracy, Canada
Jan 4 2005

Armenians Look Forward To European Union

(Angus Reid – CPOD Global Scan) – Many adults in Armenia want their
country to join the European Union (EU), according to a poll by the
Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS). 64
per cent of respondents support Armenia’s accession into the
continental alliance.

Since 2001, Armenia has been a member of the Council of Europe. The
country has officially set a goal of “progressive integration into EU
models and standards.” There is currently no timetable for the start
of accession talks.

As far as the benefits the EU could bring to Armenia, 29.4 per cent
of respondents expect an improvement to the economic situation, while
16.7 per cent look forward to a just resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.

The Nagorno-Karabakh region is controlled by ethnic Armenians – who
consider the area an independent republic – but is claimed by
Azerbaijan as part of its territory. A war broke out in the early
1990s between both nations, ending in an unofficial truce negotiated
by Russia in 1994.

Polling Data

Are you in favour of Armenia’s accession to the European Union (EU)?

Yes
64.0%

No
11.8%

Difficult to answer
24.2%

What are your expectations from Armenia’s accession to the EU for
state and society as a whole?

Improvement in economic situation
29.4%

Just resolution of the Karabagh issue
16.7%

Development of education and science
in accordance with European standards
9.7%

Decrease of corruption
8.7%

Establishment of irreversible democracy
8.1%

Raising the level of national security
7.3%

None
11.9%

Difficult to answer
8.0%

Other
0.2%

Source: Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS)
Methodology: Interviews with 2,002 Armenian adults, conducted in
December 2004. No margin of error was provided.

Other poll highlights: Armenia-Diaspora Agenda, Foreign Policy
Agenda, Minorities, Youth Matters, Education.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress