Brussels, 6 September 2021 (MIA) – The European Commission encourages everyone in North Macedonia to participate in the Population and Housing Census, adding that the census is part of the EU accession process, MIA’s Brussels correspondent reports. In response to MIA, European Commission spokesperson Ana Pisonero said Brussels was pleased that the census was underway in North Macedonia. According to Pisonero, accurate data on the population are vital for the implementation of appropriate social, demographic and economic policies for the benefit of all citizens. She stressed that the European Union expects the authorities in North Macedonia to conduct the census in line with EU standards and regulations, as part of the EU accession process. “We’re counting on all parts of society to positively contribute to the census operation in an inclusive and constructive way,” Pisonero told MIA. North Macedonia has not held a population census for almost 20 years.