Western Balkans (Photo: Nevena Zaric)
Price hikes and inflation remained by far the biggest problem for citizens of the Western Balkans, according to the latest Balkan Barometer survey that was presented in Brussels on Dec. 11.
As many as 66 percent of participants in the survey cited these two things as most concerning, which is slightly higher than last year’s 64 percentage points. The overall economic situation was ranked second with 44 percent, while corruption is viewed as the key challenge by 35 percent of citizens.
One of the most important findings of this year’s Barometer is a notable increase in support to European Union membership. This support increased to 64 percent, compared with 54 percent in 2024 – making this the highest level in ten years.
The biggest support to EU membership was expressed by the citizens of Albania (86 percent) and Kosovo (78 percent). Meanwhile, optimism regarding the accession time frame is growing: 26 percent of those interviewed believe that accession is possible by 2030 (up from last year’s 20 percent), while 25 percent believe this could take place by 2035.
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