More Romanians Fear Ukraine-Related War

Security in Eastern Europe is a growing concern among Romanians, while the number most worried by unemployment and low salaries has fallen slightly, a new poll has revealed.

Around 10 per cent of Romanians are worried about the possibility of a conflict in the region, compared to just 1.4 per cent one year ago, the report from INSCOP polling company said.

On the other hand, around 24 per cent of the people are worried about rising prices, down from 29.5 per cent recorded in 2013. Loss of jobs most worried 22.7 per cent of the respondents.

The Romanian Orthodox Church, which has seen a revival since Communism fell in 1989, remains the most trusted public institution, according to the poll. Some 63 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in the Church. The universities ranked second, with 44.4 per cent.

Romania fears that after annexing the peninsula of Crimea from Ukraine, Russia may extend its operations in Ukraine to link up with the break-away pro-Russian region of Transnistria in neighbouring Moldova. Russian troops are already stationed in the self-proclaimed republic of Transnistria.

Moldova was once part of Romania, which cherishes ties with the Romanian-speaking country.

With a 694km-long border with Ukraine, Romania has been among the strongest regional backers of Western sanctions against Russia since it annexed Crimea.

NATO-member Romania is one of the Alliance’s strongest supporters among the ex-Communist countries of Eastern Europe.

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