Serbs growing increasingly skeptical about EU integration

The Serbian population is growing increasingly skeptical about European Union (EU) membership, according to a poll released on Wednesday, reported Radio Television Serbia. Less than half of those surveyed by the Center for Security Policy in Belgrade indicated they were in favor of Serbia joining the EU, while roughly one-third stated they were "explicitly" opposed to membership. The results indicate a steady increase of those opposed since 2002 when the survey began, matched with a gradual decline in support. The greatest opposition to EU membership was demonstrated by students and those in the 18 to 29 age bracket, with 41.5 percent against. The greatest support came from those with college or university educations (53.4 percent). On the question of Kosovo's status -- an issue seemingly tied to Serbia's EU aspirations -- 62 percent said the southern province should not be recognized under any circumstances. Approximately 65 percent opposed NATO membership, while one-third of respondents said the military alliance should pay war reparations for the bombing of Serbia in 1999. Serbians said they regarded Russia (47 percent), Greece (23 percent) and China (21 percent) as their closest allies, with the United States (43 percent) considered the most antagonistic country toward Serbia.