This public opinion analysis on the Macedonian process of accession to the European Union conducted in 2024 is a continuation of the research done in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023. It applies the same theoretical and analytical model of the determinants of support for North Macedonia’s EU membership, and at the same time it compares its empirical findings with the findings of the previous surveys.
The primary data used in this analysis come from public opinion survey research conducted in the period October-December 2024 on a sample of 1056 respondents. The sample is nationally representative according to gender, age (over 18 years of age), ethnicity, and it also covers respondents from all six electoral districts in the country. Results are presented in percentages and are subject to a statistical error of ±3%.
This research uses the same methodology and questionnaire as the surveys conducted in the previous years. This approach creates conditions for a longitudinal analysis of the support for North Macedonia`s accession to the European Union over the past ten years.
Summary of results:
- 62% of the population supports North Macedonia’s membership aspirations. This puts a stop to a four-year decline in the support for EU integration.
- The Eurosceptic population remains very low at 11%.
- The undecided and apathetic respondents comprise a quarter of the population.
- 56% of the ethnic Macedonian respondents support North Macedonia’s EU membership aspirations.
- 82% of the ethnic Albanian respondents support North Macedonia’s EU membership aspirations.
- Educational achievement is the most stabile determinant of support for EU membership.
- The youngest and the oldest segments of the population are the least enthusiastic about the idea of EU membership.
- 43% of the population think that the obstructions from the neighboring countries are the biggest impediment to North Macedonia’s EU accession progress.
- Economic expectations continue to be the main determinants for the support of EU membership.
Full report: Analysis of public opinion on North Macedonia’s accession to the European Union (2014-2024)