Citizens believe that EU membership will improve the democracy and economy in Macedonia
At today’s press conference, the European Policy Institute – Skopje presented data from citizens’ views gathered from the Deliberative Poll® “Citizens Ask: How and why in the EU”, which focused on the benefits and challenges of Macedonia’s accession to the EU.
Some of the topics covered include the general views on the EU, the democratic and economic benefits and challenges, as well as citizens’ views on the name issue.
Folowing are basic perceptions of the citizens about the European Union and necessary reforms. The rest of the data can be found in the short report.
Conclusions
The change in the citizens’ perceptions after the National EU Debate is evident. Many citizens consider that the country’s membership in the EU is very important, especially in the areas of democratic and economic reforms. On the other hand, a very small number of citizens think that Macedonia meets the democratic criteria for joining the EU. A large number of them are for urgent reforms in the fields of the rule of law, judiciary, administration and media.
The name is a burning issue that seriously affects EU perceptions. However, a significant number of citizens would accept change of the constitutional name of the country if the Macedonian language and Macedonian identity are guaranteed.
About the method:
Deliberative Polling® is a unique form of political consultation that combines techniques of public opinion research and public deliberation to reveal what public opinion would be on a particular issue if citizens were given a chance to become more informed. The Deliberative Poll seeks to account for the preferences and opinions of citizens both before and after they have had an opportunity to arrive at considered judgements based on balanaced information and discussions with fellow citizens.
The European Policy Institute has implemented this methodology, in close cooperation with the Center for Deliberative Democracy at the Stanford University, United States, within the framework of the “National EU Debate” project. The project is funded by CIVICA Mobilitas.
Infographic
Short report of the Deliberative Polling in Macedonia (4 pages)
МК: http://epi.org.mk/docs/Rezime_debatna%20anketa_MK.pdf
AL: http://epi.org.mk/docs/Rezime_debatna%20anketa_AL.pdf
EN: http://epi.org.mk/docs/Rezime_debatna%20anketa_EN.pdf
Integral results from the Deliberative Poll
МК: http://epi.org.mk/docs/Celosni%20rezultati_debatna%20anketa.pdf
Infographic
МК: http://epi.org.mk/docs/Infografik_debatna%20anketa.pdf
