IRI Survey Shows Strong Support for European Union Membership in Four of Five Western Balkans Countries

Washington, DC – A five-country survey conducted by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research shows strong support for European Union (EU) membership across much of the Western Balkans. 89 percent of citizens in Kosovo would vote to join the bloc if a referendum were held today, followed by 73 percent in Montenegro, 70 percent in North Macedonia, 66 percent in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 39 percent in Serbia. 

“Each Western Balkans country is facing internal challenges that threaten regional stability,” said Stephen Nix, Senior Director for Europe and Eurasia at IRI. “EU membership would go a long way towards increasing stability, and the people of the region are ready to join.” 

Domestically, citizens across most of the region reported cost of living and high prices as their top concerns, ranging from 23 percent in Serbia to 45 percent in Kosovo. This is line with IRI’s 2024 Western Balkans poll, which showed similar levels of concern in most countries. 

“With elections on the horizon in Kosovo and North Macedonia – and others on the radar as well – governments and political parties need to be responsive to their constituents and address the cost-of-living challenges driving their concerns,” stated Nix. 

Methodology  

The survey was conducted on behalf of IRI’s Center for Insights in Survey Research by Ipsos between May 10 and July 7, 2025. Data was collected through CAPI administered face-to-face interviews in respondents’ homes through a multistage probability method designed to yield nationally representative samples in each country. Response rates range from 22 to 38 percent. Sample size by country varies between n=1,020 and n=1,221 and the margin of error ranges from 2.8 to 3.5 points.