The Value Orientations of the Population of "Old" and "New" Europe as Factors of Integration

Abstract

The article provides a comparative analysis of the value orientations of the inhabitants of the "old" and "new" Europe that are considered as an important factor in the choice of the integration vector of Ukraine. It is proved that the public opinion in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine have a lot in common, which may contribute to the successful cooperation between these countries. Differences in the value orientations and attitudes of inhabitants of the new independent states and "old" Europe are considered. It is emphasized that these differences are not mental barriers for cooperation between these countries. It is proved that under certain conditions, needs and expectations of the population of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus may be more in line with the cooperation with the EU than the development of relations between the countries of the former Soviet Union . At the same time it is suggested that the integration of Ukraine in any direction (East or West) will not face fundamental attitudinal barriers .