FOREWORD With this study of Macedonia's population between 18 and 30 years of age, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the Institute for Democracy“Societas Civilis” Skopje wish to fill a gap in the existing scientific research of public opinion in the Republic of Macedonia. Though many useful studies are conducted which differentiate according to gender, ethnicity, age and geographical structure, there was no representative survey examining the expectations and opinions of the young population, i.e., those who represent the future of the Republic of Macedonia. Why is it so important to ask specifically how the young population views the situation in and the development of the Republic of Macedonia? Their responses show their understanding of the general situation, the economy, migration, education, and interethnic relations, and they present a detailed image of how this young population sees its own country, as well as the opportunities they see for their future in the given circumstances. This age group represents the generation of those who especially await the implementation of the political, social and economical reforms, but also those who will be the most and the longest affected by these reforms – if they stay in Macedonia. This means that stable interethnic relations, good regional and international relations, a competitive education system and economic reforms, which are supposed to guarantee stable development, will decide if and how many of these young, hardworking, but also idealistic people will want and be able to engage in their own country and its development. The expectations represented herein will be an indicator for politicians of all parties of what this generation expects from them, in which areas this population sees a specific need for reforms, and which direction to follow. Some results were partly expected, but this study reveals some unforeseen results as well, be this positive or negative. We hope that the representatives of the political and economic spheres, as well as employers, will carefully read the results from this survey in order to examine their strategies and programs in light of their future prospects, and, if needed, to correct them. The young generation is the hope of each country, but it is, at same time, the most mobile population group. If the framework of circumstances differs excessively from their expectations, young people will search for a better life abroad. That should not be a model any longer for the Republic of Macedonia.. Stefan Dehnert Friedrich Ebert Foundation Friedrich Ebert Stiftung 7