To support the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia's efforts for greater openness and transparency, qualitative research was conducted to ensure that the specific needs of groups at-risk-of-social-exclusion are adequately addressed. Six targeted at-risk groups were the primary focus of the research: unemployed people, youth (age 18-29 years), Roma, women, people with disabilities, and poor people1 . The qualitative research was aimed at assessing how these groups perceive the openness and transparency of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia (Parliament). The qualitative research was conducted by GfK on behalf of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI). The research was made possible with the financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.