Page 22 - bne_August 2023_20230802

22 I Companies & Markets bne August 2023
Almost half Western Balkan citizens consider emigrating as EU accession hopes fade
bne IntelliNews
Enthusiasm for EU accession in the Western Balkans is waning, while almost half the citizens of the region want to leave their home countries, according to
the latest Balkan Barometer published by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).
The survey conducted by the RCC among 6,000 people in the region reveals that support for EU membership has declined to 59%, a 3% drop from the previous year.
While Albania stands out as the most enthusiastic supporter of EU accession, with 92% of respondents expressing the desire to join, other countries show varying degrees of support. Kosovans and Montenegins also display relatively high enthusiasm, with 66% and 60% of their populations respectively aiming for EU membership.
In contrast, Serbia exhibits the lowest level of support, with only 34% of respondents aspiring to join the EU. While Serbia is one of the frontrunners in the accession process – with only Montenegro further ahead – its progress is conditional on the
“While Albania stands out as the most enthusiastic supporter of EU accession other countries show varying degrees of support”
politically difficult step of normalising relations with Kosovo. Large swathes of the population favour Russia and are opposed to EU accession, a trend that has grown as hopes of a quick accession to the bloc fade. Moreover, MEPs and other European politicians have criticised Serbia over its refusal to join Western sanctions on Russia.
Bosnia & Herzegovina and North Macedonia fall in the
www.bne.eu
More than 40% of the Albanians polled in the Balkan Barometer survey considered leaving their country.
middle, with around half of their populations expressing
a desire for EU accession. Both countries have struggled to advance towards membership. North Macedonia’s accession aspirations have been repeatedly thwarted by conditions imposed by its EU-member neighbours Greece and Bulgaria, while in Bosnia progress is stymied by infighting among local politicians.
Depopulation continues
The survey also highlights a concerning trend of depopulation in the region, with 44% of respondents considering living abroad. This figure is a 5% increase on
the previous year, indicating an ongoing exodus, especially among the working-age population. Economic reasons largely drive this emigration, with individuals seeking better opportunities in wealthier countries, primarily within the EU.
Kosovans are most likely to consider emigrating, with 57% saying they have considered this option. Between 40% and 50% of respondents from Albania, Montenegro and Serbia have also considered leaving, but only 38% and 35% respectively from Bosnia and North Macedonia.
Various issues contribute to the sense of uncertainty and dissatisfaction among the citizens of the Western Balkans. Economic concerns are prominent, with over half of the respondents (51%) expressing dissatisfaction with the current economic situation. The war in Ukraine has significantly affected the purchasing power of 71% of respondents, as
told to RCC.
Corruption remains a major problem, according to 27% of those surveyed. 69% feel that the law is not applied equally to everyone, indicating concerns about fairness and justice. A lack of trust in political parties is evident, with 75% expressing scepticism.
45% feel threatened by illegal possession and misuse of weapons – an issue that has come to the fore since two mass shootings within days of each other in Serbia in May.