New Russian Opinion Study on Democracy and Europe

The EU-Russia Centre’s* research project – Voices from Russia: Society, Democracy and Europe, conducted by leading Russian research organisation, The Levada Center, asked 1600 Russians for their views on democracy and Europe in the context of modern Russia. Its findings include:

Russians and Europe

- Most Russians (71%) do not regard themselves as Europeans

- Almost half think that the EU is a potential threat to Russia and its financial and industrial independence

- A third see Europe as a neighbour and partner with whom a long-term relationship should be developed and enhanced — and half that number think that Europe sees Russia in the same way.

- Nearly half believe that there are many useful things to be taken from Western democracy and culture

- Nearly one third think that Western-style democracy does not suit Russia

Democracy and Responsibility

- 65% of Russians find it hard to describe what democracy means

- 27% say that Russia has never been a democracy

- One in three prefer the Soviet system of government

- Just over a quarter of respondents consider democracy to be a fair governance system

- A third say that Russia currently is a democratic state, a quarter like its current system

- 94% feel that they have little or no influence over what happens in Russia

- The overwhelming majority of Russians (82%) feel little or no responsibility for what goes on in their country

Rule of Law & Human Rights

- A third of Russians are worried about serious human rights abuses

- Only 8% believe the judicial system to be completely independent from governmental control or corruption (31% gave no response)

- A majority does not feel protected by the law (68%)

- Nearly two thirds think that the authorities and state officials are above the law (60%)

- Only 4% believe that private property is secure

- Over a half (56%) believe that the judiciary should be wholly or partly controlled by the executive arm of the Government

*Launched in May 2006, the EU-Russia Centre has rapidly established itself as a unique forum for discussing EU-Russia relations, as well as an independent information and expertise resource. The Centre strives for a consistent approach to upholding common commitments and developing a ‘good neighbourly’ relationship that is guided by coherent EU policy, rather than by individual bilateral agreements. These have included staging round table discussions across Europe, co-hosting events and initiatives by policy think tanks, attending and participating in a wide range of conferences and seminars, developing original research, and publishing expert opinion and analysis.