ECE Brussels, FNF and IDUEP Publication titled “Countering Youth Euroscepticism in the Western Balkans: The case of North Macedonia
About the Publication
The policy paper “Countering Youth Euroscepticism in the Western Balkans: The Case of North Macedonia” was authored by Bojan Kordalov and Teodora Stavrova, with Ivaylo Tsonev as editor. It was jointly published in October 2025 by the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels), the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), and the Institute for Good Governance and Euro-Atlantic Perspectives (IDUEP).
The publication is based on extensive research, including an online survey of more than 1,000 young people. It explores the roots of youth Euroscepticism and proposes evidence-based recommendations for national governments in the EU candidate countries, the EU institutions and EU offciails, as well as youth organisations to keep and increase the trust in the EU integration process and full membership of the EU candidate countries in the European Union. The paper highlights key factors such as corruption, media influence, and limited opportunities, while emphasising the need for youth-centred communication, digital and AI literacy, and direct dialogue with EU institutions.
