On November 10, there was an expert discussion “Integration of Ukraine in NATO: the level of public support in Sumy region”, which took place in Sumy press-centre. Nikolay Nazarov, a director of Research Center for Regional Security of Sumy State University, Sergiy Jerdj, a head of Public League “Ukraine-NATO” and Andriana Kostenko, a director of Centre for Social and Humanitarian Aspects of Regional Research reported on the Sumy region residents’ attitude towards cooperation between Ukraine and NATO.

Subject was based upon the survey "Study public opinion poll in Sumy region on the situation of urgent security challenges", which was conducted by a team of Research Center of Regional Security of SSU. During the study 2,000 residents of Sumy region over 18 years took part in the survey. The results indicate that 38% of respondents support the Ukraine's membership in NATO, while nearly 37% are against (most of them live in rural areas), and others were indifferent. According to Nikolay Nazarov, the study showed that most of the respondents, namely 40%, need more information about NATO. If we assess the results of the survey by age group, the majority of supporters of NATO are young people. In addition, the bundle opinion poll also happened on a geographical factor, the cities of Sumy region, located to the north, support NATO membership less and have somewhat stereotypical views on the organization.

According to Andriana Kostenko, people who, support NATO, have higher education, work and live in the city and pay taxes. There is an urgent factor of shifting public opinion over the years compared to 2014. In 2016 a public support towards Ukraine's cooperation with NATO increased significantly. The changes in Ukraine-Russia relations and the increasing danger factor impacted public opinion a lot.

According to Sergiy Jerdj, Ukraine's membership in the North Atlantic alliance is possible even now, because according to Fund "I. Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives” 74% of people who would come to a referendum on NATO membership, would have voted" for ". However, the referendum is not obligatory for an entry. Only three Allies countries (out of 28) conducted the referendum. Even if there is a need for referendum, according to experts, it could be held in the form of opinion polls. In order to join NATO only a request and a political solution are needed.

So, now there is a need to raise awareness of NATO among people. Of course, this government should do this. However, under current conditions the responsibility for this is taken by public organizations, including Research Centre for Regional Security of SSU, which conducts regularly introductory lectures among university and school students. Today the print of Centre ballots is being prepared, that will be distributed in city libraries, law enforcement, administration. Further monitoring will be conducted to research opinion poll on NATO, which eventually will assess the effectiveness of the Centre.

Yana Dyryavska,

Centre journalist