Skopje, 24 October 2024 (MIA) – Young people in North Macedonia express the strongest desire to leave the country compared to all other countries in Southeast Europe, citing poor social, living and economic standards. A study conducted by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation revealed that 42.67 percent of young people in North Macedonia wish to emigrate abroad.

Albania ranks second in the region, with 36.95 percent of young people expressing a desire to leave, followed by Greece at 31.26 percent, Bosnia and Herzegovina at 31.18 percent, Kosovo at 27.83 percent, and both Serbia and Slovenia at 25 percent. In Croatia, this figure is 21.26 percent, while Montenegro has the lowest at 2.59 percent.

According to the study, young people in Bulgaria and Romania have the least desire to emigrate.

The most common motivation for young people to leave their home countries is economic factors and opportunities.

“More than two-thirds (67.13 percent) of respondents cited financial and professional advancement as reasons for emigration. The desire to improve living standards was mentioned as the main reason by 27.78 percent of respondents. Other reasons for young people deciding to leave the country include better employment opportunities (11.44 percent) and more education opportunities (7 percent),” as stated in the study.

For 62 percent of respondents, corruption is viewed as the biggest problem their countries will face in the next decade, followed by unemployment and emigration. Young people often first encounter corruption in the education system, with as many as 61 percent of respondents believing that grades and exams can be purchased at universities in their countries.

According to the study, women demonstrate a greater desire to improve their own living standards (29.97 percent) and place a higher emphasis on education opportunities (8.46 percent). In contrast, men are more concern about corruption and clientelism in the state.

Confidence in democracy as a political system is declining throughout the region, however, young people still largely support democratic values.

Nevertheless, young people living in the non-EU member countries show greater willingness to participate in voting during elections.

"The prospect of EU membership continues to inspire optimism in non-EU member countries of the region, with many young people linking the EU to a brighter future. Conversely, youth in EU countries are growing increasingly pessimistic about their current economic conditions and labor markets,” as noted by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

The study highlights that for Southeast Europe to achieve substantial economic advancement, it 'must heed the voice and choices of young people, who are pivotal in this regard.'

Additionally, the findings indicate that country-specific factors, such as economic circumstances, political stability, and social conditions, are critical in shaping the emigration intentions of young individuals.

Conducted with a sample of 8,943 young people from Southeast Europe, aged 14 to 29, the study revealed that 23 percent consider better salaries one of the main reasons for leaving their home countries.

Photo: MIA archive