This public opinion analysis on the EU accession process of North Macedonia, conducted in 2025, is a continuation of the research done in the period 2014-2024. 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 between October 22 and November 5, 2025 on a sample of 1003 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 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. In addition, the questionnaire for the last three editions of the research has been slightly updated with the introduction of one completely new question and amendments to some of the existing variables. Thus, in line with the previously established analytical model, this study focuses on analysing general trends and basic determinants of support for North Macedonia’s membership in the European Union in the period 2014-2025.
Summary of results:
- 71% of the population is in favor of EU membership, almost 10% more compared to the previous year
- Eurosceptic attitudes have risen to 14% of the population
- The number of undecided and apathetic respondents has significantly decreased over the past year
- The long-lasting disparity in support for EU membership between the two largest ethnic groups, the ethnic Macedonians and ethnic Albanians, has narrowed
- 71% of the ethnic Macedonians are in favor of their country’s bid for EU membership, an increase of 15% compared to the previous year.
- EU membership remains important for roughly 70 % of the population
- For almost a third of respondents, EU membership carries little or no importance
- 40% of the population believes that the country is ready to become a member state
- Slightly above 60% of the population believes that the country has achieved progress in the accession process over the past year
- 46% of the population thinks that the obstructions from the neighbouring countries are the biggest impediment to North Macedonia’s EU accession progress
- The number of respondents who believe that the country will become a member of the EU in the next 3 to 5 years has increased to 30% in 2025
- A relatively high portion of the population (19%) remains pessimistic about North Macedonia’s prospects for EU membership
- 60% of respondents believe that EU membership would not stop the trend of emigration of young Macedonians/citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia
Full report:
Analysis of public opinion on North Macedonia’s accession to the European Union (2014-2025)
This is a joint publication of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies. This publication receives funding from the European Parliament. The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies and the European Parliament assume no responsibility for the facts and opinions expressed in this publication or in any subsequent use of the information contained therein. Sole responsibility lies with the authors.
This publication is intended for the purposes of information only. It may not be used for election advertising during an election campaign.