On May 14, 2024, Belarusian state TV host Maria Petrashko reported that Moldovans don't support EU membership.
“It would seem that the times are changing, and if you look at things realistically, it is unprofitable to strive for the European Union. This is also the opinion of the majority of the population of Moldova. But their attitudes are ruthlessly suppressed as the country is led by the leader appointed by Washington.
European integration for Moldova will create conditions for its Romanianization. A poll conducted by the IMAS company in Moldova showed a slight change in the republic's population opinion: 'The popularity of the pro-European idea is declining, the popularity of unification with Romania remains at the level of 5%. 42% of respondents say they would rather prefer a balanced orientation in politics towards Russia and the West.' It turns out that Sandu is working to please the West and... Romania. But not Moldova?” the host said.
The WTF journalists' fact-checking exposed that, in the video, Petrashko quoted the article published on the CIS web portal, which refers to the “Nezavisimaya Gazeta”.
In addition, the WTF team discovered the whole IMAS survey data, and it tells a different story. It states that 54% of the Moldovan residents surveyed supported the country's accession to the European Union. When asked about foreign policy orientation, 35% supported a pro-European direction, while 13% favored a pro-Russian approach, and 42% preferred a balanced approach. About 41% of respondents supported joining the Eurasian Economic Union (with Russia), while an equal number opposed it. Just over a third of respondents favored a union with Romania.
The survey, conducted in February 2024, showed that Moldovans' attitudes haven't changed much.