Marking the 20th anniversary of Romania joining NATO, IRES released a study analyzing Romanians’ perceptions of the military alliance and their attitudes towards the overall climate in Romania and the region, in the context of the war in Ukraine.
Here are the conclusions of the study sent to SpotMedia.ro:
- NATO enjoys high notoriety in Romania, but the NATO theme is of relatively low interest to Romanian citizens. Although one in two Romanians claims to be informed about NATO's activities, there is actually a major lack of information.
- Romania's presence in NATO is perceived by Romanians as a correct and beneficial decision for the country, which is now seen as better defended, as a NATO ally, with a better-trained and equipped army and stronger foreign relations.
- Among the downsides of belonging to the military organization, Romanians mention the deterioration of the relationship with Russia and the need to spend more money on defense. The participation of Romanian soldiers in NATO's operational theaters is seen more as an advantage than a disadvantage.
- Romanians are mostly convinced that Article 5 will work if Romania is attacked, although 14% of respondents have reservations that the principle of "All for one, one for all" will work in Romania's case.
- The situation is relatively similar in the case where Romania would be asked to intervene for another NATO country, with the proportion of skeptics rising to nearly 30%.
- Concern about the possibility of a war breaking out in the region is present among Romanians. Over half of Romanians support the country's involvement in the event of a NATO-Russia conflict.
- 44% of respondents believe that mandatory military service would be a better solution.
- 38% of men say they would enlist as volunteers or reservists to defend their country in case of war.
- Only 7% knew the correct year Romania joined NATO - 2004.
- 64% are in favor of Ukraine joining NATO.
- Almost two-thirds (64%) of study participants are in favor of Ukraine joining NATO, but over a quarter (28%) are against.
The survey was conducted between March 24 - 27, on a sample of 1,058 adult individuals.
The maximum tolerated error is ± 3%.