The Young European Ambassadors network is growing, with 97 new members ready to get active in shaping the future of the Western Balkans. The recent Call for Applications, which ran from 1 October to 31 October 2024, successfully selected a new generation of passionate young people committed to promoting European values, integration, and cooperation. The Young European Ambassadors (YEA) platform is a creative communication network of future young activists from across the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia).

The 2024 Call for Applications attracted a remarkable response, with 1,347 applications initiated during the month. Of these, 341 were successfully submitted by young people across the Western Balkans.

The communication strategy for the new Call was supported by 50 media pieces across various platforms, including television, radio, and online outlets. Additionally, the YEA members selected during previous Calls helped organise 46 “Info Days” across the region, attracting over 1,300 young attendees. These events provided an opportunity to learn about the programme, ask questions, and understand of the role of YEAs in shaping the future of the Western Balkans within the European Union.

One of the key highlights of this year’s application process was the outreach campaign designed to engage young people from diverse and marginalised backgrounds. The initiative specifically targeted those from geographically isolated communities and minority groups, ensuring inclusiveness.

After an evaluation process led by the WeBalkans team, in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement (DG NEAR), we are happy to welcome :

· YEAs from Albania-Antea Bega, Rixhers Dengo, Kleo Bello, Kevis Beqo, Sibora Sejdini, Mateo Mecani, Geldon Hoxhaj, Maria Vathkruja, Ada Omuri, Sara Kenuti, Fiorela Hoxhaj, Debora Kolgega and Paola Pesjaka

· YEAs from Bosnia and Herzegovina-Amina Hadzic, Alen Kubat, Emina Pasanovic, Petar Spaic, Marija Malic, Mia Selena Lerch, Vanja Gojic, Adna Mujic, Teodora Ruzic, Naida Odobasic, Emina Odobasic, Nudzejma Karajic, Kenan Fehric, Tesnim Karisik Spahic and Azra Mehmedovic

· YEAs from Kosovo*-Aja Gashi, Fatlum Jashari, Mifeta Buhiqi, Embla Dana, Sara Ceshko, Tringa Thaqi, Eljesa Maxhuni, Armira Muqolli, Puhiza Shemsedini, Andrra Kelmendi, Shqiponje Kodraliu, Idea Peja, Visar Kukaqi, Almiea Ljaic, Dea Beslimi, Adriatik Llugiqi, Edlira Dibrani, Dea Barjaktari and Artiola Limani

· YEAs from Montenegro-Nevena Jovanovic, Anton Gjolaj, Danilo Bulatovic, Boris Vukotic, Elif Su Cakmak, Anastasija Dobrilovic, Ivana Martinovic, Bogdan Malavrazic, Vasilica Batricevic, Ivan Scepanovic, Milica Radinovic and Vuk Zizic

· YEAs from North Macedonia-Flori Imeri, Dimitar Atanasovski, Ramanda Shehu, Jana Andreska, Zlatka Kuvendjieska, Emilija Panovska, Antonio Grujevski, Mila Anastasova, Sedef Kjamili, Stefan Atanasovski, Artina Haziri, Katarina Marinkovikj, Bojan Ristovski and Teodora Jolakoska

· YEAs from Serbia-Aleksandar Vukovic, Nikola Slankamenac, Andrea Darabasic, Milos Vico, Dusan Simonovic, Marija Milicevic, Masa Cezek, Ugljesa Dimitrijevic, Aleksandar Petrovic, Teodora Danilovic, Suzana Maric Sejdija, Emilija Bojic, Kristina Jevremovic, Katarina Stojanovic, Anissa Ahmetovic, Vuk Stanojev, Dusan Popovic, Uros Sestovic, Nikola Murganic, Nevena Matic, Mihajlo Kovac and Bogdan Dimic

These new members will join the existing, expanding the network to 240. Together they will deepen their knowledge of EU policies, engage with local communities, and represent their peers on the European stage.

The new YEAs join at an exciting time for the Western Balkans as the region continues its path towards greater integration with the European Union. Through their work, YEAs will promote understanding, build networks, and encourage dialogue among youth from different backgrounds.

They will also champion EU like democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. By strengthening ties between the Western Balkans and the EU, they will showcase the benefits of regional cooperation and integration.

The selection of this new generation of Young European Ambassadors demonstrates the European Union’s commitment to investing in youth and equipping them to shape their future. As the YEAs prepare for the year ahead, the hope is to inspire even more young people across the region to engage in active citizenship, drive positive change, and support the EU’s vision for a united and prosperous future.

Congratulations to all our new YEAs. For those were not selected this time, we encourage you to join our activities and stay connected with the programme.