The Association for Rural Development “Local Action Group AGRO LIDER” is an organization that promotes and contributes to sustainable rural development on the territory of the Municipality of Dolneni, Krivogaštani and Kruševo through initiatives, partnerships and use of existing potential.
“EU scepticism vs. EU optimism in rural areas” is a project implemented by LAG AGRO LIDER whose main goal is to improve the awareness of citizens, but also to raise public awareness in rural areas to understand the necessary reform processes for the judiciary and fundamental rights, through education.
Rural areas in the Republic of North Macedonia cover 90% of the country’s territory inhabited by 42.2% of the total population. Lack of information in rural areas is greater, and the flow of information, as well as all activities that would contribute to better information in these areas, is lower. This is a serious problem that prevents the improved functioning of rural structures and the involvement of the population in making important decisions both locally and at a state level.
More and more young people, especially from rural areas, do not trust the EU. They face difficulties in understanding its principles, values and functioning. The democratic deficit in EU processes has been detected as one of the reasons for the growing Euroscepticism among young people. It is therefore especially important to ensure equality for young people in urban and rural areas.
According to the findings, there is an obvious need to educate, involve and research the opinion of the population from rural areas on the overall process of RNM’s accession to the EU. All this will contribute to a better understanding of the overall process of change that the Republic of North Macedonia should do as soon as possible in order to join the European Union.
“EU scepticism vs. EU optimism in rural areas” through the planned activities will try to encourage, educate and expand the awareness of citizens in rural areas of the Municipalities of Kruševo, Dolneni, Krivogaštani and Prilep for the overall accession process. Special emphasis is certainly placed on the reform changes that need to take place, as well as the changes that would follow in the process for the Republic of North Macedonia to become a member of the European Union.
“EU scepticism vs EU optimism in rural areas” is one of 15 projects of CSOs fully supported by FOSM to implement activities that will contribute to a better understanding of the process of EU accession of the Republic of North Macedonia.
For more information on the work of LAG AGRO LIDER and the activities of the project, follow them on their Facebook page.
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13 June 2020