EPI presented the results of the Deliberative Poll in the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia

The European Policy Institute (EPI) – Skopje presented the results and recommendations of the Deliberative Poll on national positions in international relations in the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The meeting in the Parliament was organized in cooperation with the Commission for Defense and Security and the president of the commission, General Pavle Arsoski. The views of the citizens and the changes in their thinking expressed during the research conducted according to the Deliberative Polling method were presented to the MPs.

It is a unique form of political consultation that combines the techniques of public opinion polling and public debate. It aims to present what public opinion would look like on a certain topic, if citizens had the opportunity to become more familiar with the topic.The initial survey was conducted on a representative sample of 1001 respondents from the entire country, while the debate event was held in Skopje with 135 respondents.

The deliberative poll showed that there is a need to develop communication strategies that translate foreign policy decisions into their practical impacts on the daily lives of citizens, emphasizing how international efforts, such as EU integration and NATO membership, affect economic opportunities, security and social services. Public consultations and educational campaigns focusing on specific foreign policy issues that directly affect citizens, designed to be accessible and relevant to the general public, as well as implementing strategies to combat disinformation regarding EU integration and NATO membership.