Support for NATO Membership in the Western Balkans

April 20, 2024-The Western Balkans region has long been a focus of attention for both NATO and the European Union (EU). These countries, some of which already members of NATO, are emerging from a history of conflict and striving for stability, democratic governance, and economic growth. Let’s delve into the recent data from the IRI Global Western Balkans 2024 Poll, which sheds light on the level of support for NATO membership in the region.

Kosovo: 88%

Kosovo shows strong support for NATO membership, with an impressive 88% of respondents favoring accession. This increase of 13 percentage points since 2022 reflects a positive trend.

Albania: 85%

Albania,who is part of the Alliance, also demonstrates robust backing for NATO, with 85% of its population expressing support. This unwavering commitment aligns with the country’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration.

North Macedonia: 52%

North Macedonia, as an existing NATO member, has made progress, with 52% of its citizens endorsing NATO membership. The modest increase of 3 percentage points indicates a gradual shift toward alignment with the Alliance.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: 50%

Bosnia and Herzegovina hovers at the halfway mark, with 50% of respondents favoring NATO membership. Although a slight decline of 1 percentage point occurred since 2022, efforts to engage the public remain crucial.

Montenegro: 39%

Montenegro, another current NATO member, faces challenges in garnering support, as only 39% of its population currently backs NATO membership. The decrease of 2 percentage points underscores the need for continued outreach.

Serbia: 3%

Serbia remains an outlier, with only 3% of respondents expressing support for NATO membership. The unchanged figure highlights the complexities of historical context and geopolitical considerations.

The data reflects the +/- changes from 2022, emphasizing the dynamic nature of public opinion in the Western Balkans.