Since 2016, the Institute for Democracy (IDSCS) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) have been conducting a national survey with a representative sample of issues relevant to the integration process of North Macedonia into the European Union (EU). The survey includes questions that are repeated every year in order to identify questions and trends over the years that relate to current political developments.
This edition of the survey examines public opinion on current issues related to the European integration process, including the commitments that have been undertaken and are necessary to continue the negotiation process with the EU, citizens’ views on economic priorities and global geopolitical strategic actors. The data allow us to make a comparative analysis of the trends present in public opinion, and at the same time to understand the general attitude about the most current issues in a particular year. For a purpose of more detailed analysis, each question is monitored, among other parameters, from the perspective of the political orientation and ethnicity of the respondents.
The findings of the analysis are summarized in three categories:
1) EU integration and reform processes
2) Economic priorities and partnerships
3) Global geopolitics and strategic partners.
The survey was conducted through fieldwork carried out between October 25 and December 4, 2024, using a sample of 1056 respondents prepared by the State Statistical Office based on addresses.
Key findings:
- The EU remains the country’s most desired economic partner (33%) and donor (40%), followed by the US (22% in terms of economic partner and 17% in terms of donor).
- Citizens remain divided in their views on the next steps in the European integration process. Only 20% of citizens believe that constitutional amendments should be the necessary next step, and 21% of citizens believe that the process should be stopped.
- There is a decline in optimism about the European Union’s readiness to accept the Western Balkan countries as members by 2030 (from 50% in 2023 to 33% in 2024).
- Albanian respondents are more oriented towards the West (62%), while Macedonian respondents are more divided (33% for the West, 46% neutral).
- The majority of respondents see judicial reforms (34%) as a priority in EU accession.
- Citizens see European integration as the most important foreign policy priority (35%), followed by regional cooperation (26%).
- The US continues to be seen as the most influential factor in the country (41%), but its influence is declining compared to 2023 (60%). At the same time, the EU’s influence is increasing significantly (from 19% in 2023 to 37% in 2024).
- The EU remains the most important ally (39%), followed by the US (19%). Young people (18-24 years old) this year show openness towards China (19%), while respondents over 65 (65+) express support for Russia (15%).
Full report: EU Integration in 2024: From European dream to Macedonian reality