Written by Kejvin Jaku, Young European Ambassador from Albania

On 24 April 2026, Young European Ambassadors from the Western Balkans took part in the European Youth Week in Brussels. The event brought together more than a thousand young people from across Europe, along with policymakers, youth workers, activists, and representatives of European institutions. From the beginning, it created a space for real dialogue, exchange, and reflection on the role of young people in shaping Europe’s future.

The opening session set a strong tone for the day. With messages from European leaders and a clear focus on solidarity and fairness, it highlighted the importance of youth participation in European democracy. Throughout the event, the discussions reflected issues that matter deeply to young people today, including democratic participation, social inclusion, trust in institutions, and equal opportunities across Europe. The atmosphere at the European Parliament showed how powerful it can be when young people are brought together to share ideas and perspectives.

One of the highlights of the day was the workshop “Generation enlargement: How youth can shape the future of enlargement and democracy,” jointly organised by Young European Ambassadors from EU Neighbours East and WeBalkans. This session connected two subjects that are central to the work of the network: the future of enlargement and the role of youth in strengthening democracy and making it more inclusive. It was a space for listening, contributing, reflecting and collaborating with others who share a commitment to European values.

As part of the workshop, the discussion group on Security and Prosperity explored a topic that is often discussed in political terms, but which has very real consequences for people’s lives. The conversation examined how enlargement can contribute to a safer, more connected, and more opportunity rich Europe. It also looked at what prosperity means beyond economic growth, how security is linked to trust and stability, and why a larger European Union can create more space for cooperation, mobility, and shared progress.

What made the discussion especially valuable was the diversity of perspectives in the room. Young people from different backgrounds brought their own experiences, questions, and ideas, which helped make the conversation more grounded and practical. Rather than speaking only in general terms about the future of Europe, the discussion focused on the realities young people face now, such as the need for stronger institutions, better opportunities, greater civic participation, and wider public understanding of what enlargement actually means. That exchange showed how important youth work is when it creates space for honest conversation and collective thinking.

The workshop also showed that enlargement should be understood as more than a technical or institutional process. It is a shared European project that depends on trust, communication, and public understanding. If young people are to believe in enlargement, they need to see how it connects to their own lives and communities. They need to understand that it is about democracy, rights, opportunities, and long-term stability, not only about negotiations and formal criteria. In that sense, the discussion was not only about the future of the Western Balkans or the European Union, but about the kind of Europe that young people want to help build together.

The experience also reinforced something that remains clear across youth engagement efforts: participation matters most when it creates real impact. It is not enough to invite young people into the room; they must also be given the chance to influence the conversation, challenge assumptions, and bring forward new ideas. The European Youth Week created exactly that kind of space, and the Generation Enlargement workshop showed how powerful such spaces can be when young people are trusted to lead, speak, and collaborate.

Looking back, what stood out most was the sense of common purpose that connected everyone in the room. Despite coming from different countries and contexts, participants shared a belief that Europe’s future should be built on fairness, openness, and democratic values. There was also a shared understanding that youth engagement is essential to making that future possible. If Europe wants to be stronger, more united, and more resilient, it must continue to invest in the ideas, energy, and leadership of young people.

European Youth Week was a reminder that meaningful change often begins with conversation, and that these conversations matter most when they lead to action. The workshop on Generation Enlargement showed that young people are ready to engage with complex issues, think critically, and contribute constructively to Europe’s future. It left a stronger sense of connection, responsibility and motivation to continue this work