A Dream or a Dread? Perceptions of the North Macedonian Youth on European Integration

Since the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM) has been on its way to the European Union (EU) since 2001, but there are no promising and concrete results in the Europeanization of the country, its citizens rightfully lose faith that the state will become part of EU. This chapter aims to get the opinion and perceptions of the students in the European integration process of the country with a particular focus on the perception of the EU integration, the current crisis of the EU project and the problems envisaged regarding the future of the EU project. The chapter will also elaborate on the notion of “state capture” and focus on how disbelief and doubts on the part of the youngsters on the sincerity of the country’s political management in carrying out the tasks set forth by the EU during the European integration process shape the perceptions of the EU integration.