he online survey “For and Against the European Union” (18 May 2013, N=294) shows that most participants do not support Serbia’s accession to the EU: 54.42% are against, while 30.95% are in favour (11.56% undecided). Although they report being informed about the EU mostly “moderately” (42.86%) or intensively (26.87%), the dominant source of information is Serbian media (38.67%), followed by conversations (16.38%) and regional media (13.90%).
Scepticism is primarily linked to identity and interests: 56.12% believe that joining would endanger national identity, and 49.32% think Serbia would not be able to adequately represent national interests. Most do not expect economic benefits either: 57.14% do not believe membership would bring economic stability, 51.70% do not believe it would reduce unemployment, and 50.68% do not believe it would reduce corruption. Still, 59.86% expect greater opportunities for education and employment within the EU.
The most common view is that only the higher classes would benefit from membership (43.54%), while 19.73% believe no one would benefit. As many as 63.95% believe that major powers within the EU seek to subordinate and exploit less developed member states. Despite these divisions, 69.39% support holding a referendum, and 82.65% say they would turn out to vote.
Note: This was an online survey, so the results reflect the views of the participants rather than those of the overall population of Serbia.