TBILISI, DFWatch–A new survey shows that the number of Georgians who consider Russia a threat has increased by nine percentage points since March.

The survey was organized by National Democratic Institute (NDI) and shows that 37 percent think Russia is a threat, while 26 percent thought so in March. 34 percent think Russia is a threat, but that the threat is exaggerated. 42 percent thought so in March.

20 percent think Russia is no threat at all. 23 percent thought Russia was no threat in March. 9 percent doesn’t know the answer to this question, the same number as in March.

NDI’s new public attitudes survey also shows that 79 percent support the government’s goal to become a member of the EU. 73 percent support the government’s goal to join NATO.

In March 58 percent thought that Georgia is going in the right direction. This number has fallen by 13 percent and now 45 percent think Georgia is going in the right direction.

63 percent doesn’t like Georgia’s current relations with Russia, while 25 percent likes it and 10 percent say they don’t know.

Is there democracy in Georgia? 38 percent says yes, 46 percent said no.

The top three problems for the population remains jobs for 61 percent, territorial integrity with 34 percent and access to health care for 30 percent.

The NDI survey was carried out June 12-26 and 2 338 people were questioned.