The overall impression is that year 2009 will be a difficult year for Macedonia as the state will have to face big challenges, primarily due to the global economic crisis. Despite this, Macedonia expects to make progress on its path to EU integration, and membership in EU and NATO remains the state’s highest priority.

Utrinski Vesnik carries the views of a number of renowned Macedonian intellectuals, politicians, and journalists about the year ahead. Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki expresses hope that people will be able to make a clear difference between national interests and petty political interests. Milososki believes that the elections in year 2009 will be the key test, emphasizing that passing this test will enable the state to move forward swifter.