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Author: WeBalkans

Superschools Youth Camp 2026 brings together over 100 young people in Zlatibor under the 4th Open Call

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

As part of the 4th Open Call of the Superschools programme, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) brought together more than 100 young people from across the Western Balkans for the Superschools Youth Camp 2026, held in Zlatibor from 14 to 19 May.  

Building on five years of Superschools and a decade of RYCO’s work in fostering regional cooperation, the Youth Camp served as a vibrant space where young people could connect , develop essential life skills, and experience firsthand the power of intercultural dialogue and cooperation. From the very first day, participants were immersed in a welcoming and inclusive environment, engaging in structured activities designed to help them get to know each other, build trust, and establish a strong sense of group belonging, setting the tone for a week centered around collaboration and shared experiences.  

Throughout the programme, the Youth Camp combined interactive workshops with experiential learning, placing a strong focus on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Through a series of group-building sessions, participants worked together on practical challenges that strengthened cooperation, improved active listening, and fostered mutual trust, while daily reflection sessions provided space to process experiences, share insights, and deepen learning.  

Reflecting on the programme, Teodora Vučković, a student from Montenegro, said: 

“Superschools is a great opportunity to meet new people, have a good time, connect with others, and create new experiences.” 

Echoing this spirit, Gabriela Gjoreska student from North Macedonia added: 

“Superschools gives young people the chance to step outside their everyday environment, take on new challenges, and learn from peers with different perspectives. It is a space where friendships are built through shared experiences, and where young people can grow, connect, and better understand one another.” 

A key highlight of the camp was the combination of Adventure Park challenges and Sports for Development (S4D) activities, where participants were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, test their limits, build resilience, and rely on one another to complete both individual and group tasks, reinforcing a strong sense of solidarity and collective achievement.  

In parallel, the programme placed a strong emphasis on values-driven learning through dedicated RYCO thematic workshops focusing on identity and intercultural understanding, where participants explored diversity, reflected on their own perspectives, and engaged in meaningful discussions on shared values and coexistence in the region.  

For Noara Isufi from Albania, this sense of connection became one of the most meaningful outcomes of the programme: 

“Superschools helped me find a new family. It truly helped me connect with people whom I didn’t think I would ever connect with. So now I could positively say that I have three sisters”

The Youth Camp reached its peak on 18 May with the Superschools Regional Education Conference, which brought together participants, educators, and stakeholders to reflect on the achievements of the programme and discuss its future impact, providing a platform for young voices to be heard and for experiences from the exchanges to be shared more broadly across the region. The camp concluded with evaluation sessions, certificate distribution, and a collective farewell, marking not just the end of a programme, but the beginning of lasting connections and continued collaboration among participants, who return to their communities as ambassadors of dialogue, cooperation, and positive change. As part of the 4th Open Call of Superschools, this Youth Camp once again reaffirmed the programme’s role in building bridges between young people and contributing to a more connected, inclusive, and cooperative Western Balkans. 

About the Superschools program  

“Superschools” is a program for school exchanges in the Western Balkans. Its objectives are to support peacebuilding, reconciliation, and intercultural learning and dialogue among schools, students, and their communities. The program is part of the multi-donor project “Western Balkans School Exchange Scheme,” co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). 

Albania one step closer to the EU after meeting fundamentals benchmarks

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Albania has reached a defining milestone on its path to EU membership. At the eighth meeting of the Accession Conference, held under the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU, Member States confirmed that the country has, overall, met the interim benchmarks for Cluster 1: Fundamentals, covering the functioning of democratic institutions, public administration reform, the rule of law chapters and economic criteria.

The decision means Albania becomes the second candidate country, after Montenegro, to meet the interim rule of law benchmarks. With this step, the EU and Albania are now in a position to start closing negotiating chapters, opening a new, more demanding phase of the accession process focused on implementation, solid track records and lasting results.

“Today’s milestone for Albania confirms the fulfilment of the interim benchmarks for the fundamentals cluster. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to further advance its path towards EU membership,” said Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, speaking on behalf of the presidency. “Enlargement is a geopolitical necessity for the EU and a top priority for the Cyprus presidency. It is a merit-based process, in which determined reforms lead to concrete progress towards accession.”

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos described the moment as the result of more than a decade of work by Albania and its people. “Albania adopted laws to protect fundamental rights and vulnerable groups. It strengthened the right to a fair trial. It vetted hundreds of judges and prosecutors. It built new judicial institutions to reduce political influence in the justice system,” she said. “It’s a moment to celebrate. But it is also a moment for Albania to double down on reforms, involve all political forces, listen to civil society and deliver changes that matter to people’s daily lives. A big step forward. And now, back to work.”

Today’s meeting builds on the opening of all negotiating clusters with Albania, concluded with the cluster on Resources, agriculture and cohesion on 17 November 2025. The EU has also set benchmarks for the provisional closure of the chapters under cluster 1, and the Accession Conference will return to this cluster at an appropriate moment. Monitoring of Albania’s alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis and European standards will continue throughout the negotiations.

About the cluster system

Under the revised methodology for accession negotiations introduced in 2020, negotiating chapters are organised into six thematic clusters: Fundamentals; Internal market; Competitiveness and inclusive growth; Green agenda and sustainable connectivity; Resources, agriculture and cohesion; and External relations. The fundamentals cluster is the first to be opened and the last to be closed, and progress under this cluster determines the overall pace of negotiations, making today’s confirmation a particularly significant signal of Albania’s momentum on its European path.

My experience at the European Youth Week

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

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

Escape to Shebenik National Park: Mountains, maps, and ultimate adventure

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Written by Sara Kenuti, Young European Ambassador from Albania

If you’re looking for your next epic weekend getaway, you need to add Albania’s largest national park to your bucket list immediately. Esti and I just got back from exploring the Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park, and let me tell you, it was the perfect mix of nature, good vibes, and amazing food. Here is a quick recap of our trip and everything you need to know to plan yours!

Our journey started in the city of Librazhd. We got a warm welcome from the Mayor, Mr. Mariglen Disha, who really set the tone for the day. We had an awesome chat about how much potential the mountainous area of Fushë-Studën has for tourism. He highlighted how important local projects and cooperation with the EU are for unlocking the magic of this area while protecting its wild beauty.

Pumped up and ready to explore, Esti and I teamed up with Alen, Head of the Department of European Integration and Foreign Aid, and we made our way up into the mountains. The drive was absolutely stunning. We were heading to Fushë-Studën, a village famous for its postcard-perfect lake and endless beech forests.

Our main destination was the Visitor Center. Honestly, calling it an “information desk” doesn’t do it justice, this place is a super modern hub sitting right in the heart of the national park! The center was recently restored thanks to funding from the European Union under the project: “Strengthening national capacity in nature protection- preparation for Natura 2000 network.” And you can totally tell! It’s the ultimate starting point for any adventure. 

Here is why this place is so cool. The ultimate adventure base: If you are looking to go hiking this is your starting point. You can grab brochures, trail maps, and even check out some cool historical photos of local traditions or information about what animals you may be privileged to meet during your hike, before you head into the wild.

Cozy sleepovers: This was the biggest surprise! The second floor of the center actually has fully equipped rooms that can host up to 8 people. If you want a quiet, cozy stay right in the middle of nature, this is the spot. A hub for learning: It’s not just for tourists, it’s a massive educational center! They host a lot of school expeditions where students get out of the classroom to learn about biology, geography, and history right in the middle of the forest.

So coming to an end, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to hike, a nature nerd, or just someone who wants to chill in a cabin for the weekend, the Fushë-Studën Visitor Center has you covered. Gather your squad, pack your bags, and go check it out!

Media literacy safeguards democratic processes and trust

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

Nearly 25,000 people across Kosovo took part in a range of media literacy events held between October 2025 and February 2026 in Pristina, North Mitrovica, Podujevo, Gračanica and Gjakova, with the support of the European Union and organised by the European Union Office in Kosovo in cooperation with Purple Consulting.

“The European Union’s engagement in media literacy in Kosovo is part of a broader commitment to supporting informed, resilient and democratic societies. In today’s complex information environment, the ability to engage critically with information is essential for meaningful participation in public life,” explains Enisa Rashlanin Kasemi, Communications Officer at the European Union Office in Kosovo. She emphasises that, from the EU’s perspective, media literacy empowers citizens by fostering critical thinking and contributing to trust in democratic processes.

“In Kosovo, media literacy and online safety are not part of formal education, although there are initiatives in this area. At the same time, awareness is growing of the risks posed by disinformation and digital manipulation, as well as the need to better equip young people with critical thinking skills. As a result, these topics are most often addressed through external projects, workshops and civil society activities,” says Rashlanin Kasemi.

The Glass Room is an internationally recognised exhibition concept focused on making complex digital issues accessible to the public. Developed by Tactical Tech in Berlin, it helped organisers in Kosovo avoid building the project “from scratch” and instead adapt proven models to the local context. They explain that the concept offers an innovative and engaging way to address topics such as disinformation, online behaviour and the protection of personal data through interactive and visual formats that encourage reflection and critical thinking. Organisers believe this approach enabled visitors to better understand how the digital environment influences their choices and how to navigate it more responsibly.

In addition to multimedia exhibitions, the project included a series of interactive workshops, discussions and digital engagement activities delivered by a team of experienced journalists and media literacy experts, including Kreshnik Gashi, Darko Dimitrijević and Visar Prebreza, who provided practical and locally relevant guidance on recognising disinformation and protecting personal data.

The workshops lasted around two hours and used interactive modules such as “Facts vs Feelings” and “Spot the Design Tricks”. They included hands-on exercises, group discussions, games and real-life case analysis, while tablets, video content, quizzes and digital installations were used to actively engage participants.

“Visitors included pupils, teachers and educators who play a key role in developing critical thinking, as well as journalists, media professionals, representatives of civil society organisations and NGOs, along with institutional representatives and members of the wider public. The audience was truly diverse, which enabled meaningful discussions and an exchange of perspectives,” say Florina Bajraj Salihu and Ardian Jashari from Purple Consulting.

They highlight that the exhibition opening alone attracted 1,200 visitors, while more than 300 people attended the DISICON conference dedicated to media literacy, nearly 200 participated in workshops, and over 10,000 people saw content produced within the project on social media. Visitor reactions were engaged and participatory, demonstrating a high level of reflection and involvement.

“Above all, participants were introduced to practical tools for fact-checking and verifying sources, equipping them with skills applicable in everyday life. They learned how to recognise disinformation and common manipulation techniques, as well as how emotions can shape the way information is perceived and shared. The exhibitions and workshops helped them identify phenomena such as deepfakes, clickbait and misleading content, while also raising awareness about how personal data is collected, used and often misused online,” says Bajraj Salihu, while Jashari adds that visitors asked numerous questions and shared their own online experiences and habits, turning sessions into open discussions rather than one-way presentations.

“Many expressed a willingness to pass on what they had learned to colleagues, friends and family members. There was particular curiosity about why people believe misinformation, how algorithms and digital design influence behaviour, and what concrete steps individuals can take to better protect their personal data,” says Jashari.

Both Bajraj Salihu and Jashari note that they, too, learned from these encounters.

“Gaps in media literacy are widespread across all age groups, even when it comes to basic concepts such as verifying sources. This highlights the need for foundational education in this area, as disinformation has the power to distort facts, undermine public trust and ultimately harm democratic processes. At the same time, many citizens do not understand how their personal data is used or how to protect it,” they explain, adding that the project showed strong public interest when topics are presented in a visual and interactive way. They also stress that local context is crucial for ensuring understanding and engagement, and that interactive formats are far more effective than traditional lectures.

The activities were implemented in close coordination with the European Union Office in Kosovo, ensuring quality, reach and consistency. Organisers emphasise that it would have been difficult to achieve the same scale and quality without EU support, as the EU provided funding, facilitated cooperation with Tactical Tech and supported the overall implementation of events across Kosovo.

The EU is Kosovo’s strongest and most reliable partner and its largest provider of financial assistance – €3.7 billion since 1999.

Commission releases €158.9 million to Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia under EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The European Commission has today made available €49 million to Albania, €44.2 million to Montenegro, and €65.7 million to North Macedonia under the Reform and Growth Facility. This follows the third request for payment and the Commission’s positive assessment of reform steps implemented in the areas of business competitiveness and innovation in Albania and Montenegro, and education and digitalisation in North Macedonia.

With today’s release, the total amount released under the Facility under their respective envelopes reaches €212.8 million for Albania, €89.3 million for Montenegro, and €142.1 million for North Macedonia.

Progress under the Reform Agendas

In Albania, the reforms assessed by the Commission include measures to improve the business environment, facilitate investment and innovation, and expand access to finance, including for start-ups and companies active in the green and digital sectors. Of the €49 million disbursed, €22.8 million will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds are made available for investment projects through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), subject to the applicable approval procedures.

In Montenegro, the Commission assessed reforms in the area of research and innovation, including support for scientists, businesses and research institutions, as well as further strengthening of the national innovation ecosystem. Of the €44.2 million disbursed, €20.6 million will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds are made available for investment projects through the WBIF.

In North Macedonia, the reforms assessed include measures to improve the financing of primary and secondary education and measures in order to expand access to digital infrastructure and IT equipment in schools. Of the €65.7 million disbursed, €30.6 million will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds are made available for investment projects through the WBIF.

The funds that are earmarked for the WBIF will, once approved by the WBIF board, support infrastructure projects in sustainable transport, clean energy, digital and human capital development. Projects will be implemented in close cooperation with Western Balkan partners and international financial institutions.

Background

The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, adopted in 2023, aims to bring partner countries from the region benefits of membership ahead of their accession to the EU. It seeks to integrate partners into the EU’s Single Market, advance regional economic cooperation, deepen EU-related reforms and increase pre-accession funding. This in turn accelerates the enlargement process and the growth of partners’ economies.

The Plan is supported by the Reform and Growth Facility, its financial instrument with an envelope of €6 billion. Every six months, partners report on their progress on reforms implemented with the support of the Facility. The latest financial release relates to the third half-yearly reporting period, covering reforms implemented until the end of December 2025. The overall financing released under this instrument since 2024 amounts to €673.6 million.

The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is instrumental in implementing the Reform and Growth Facility. It is channelling €3 billion in grants and loans under the Facility to support priority investments in transport, energy, digital and human capital. Established 15 years ago, the WBIF is a joint financial platform, bringing together the European Commission, financial organisations, EU Member States and Norway. It contributes directly to the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.

For More Information

Growth Plan for the Western Balkans webpage

Reform and Growth Facility Scoreboard

Western Balkans Investment Framework

Projects approved under the WBIF in January 2026

WeBalkans launches the ‘EU With YOU’ campaign, bringing together communicators and entrepreneurs from the region

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

For two days at the end of April 2026, the ‘Content Creation Hub’ event in Belgrade organised by WeBalkans became the meeting point for journalists, communicators, entrepreneurs, and EU representatives from across the Western Balkans. The Economic Development Creative Hub, organised under the EU With YOU campaign, brought together voices from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia around a single question: how do we make the EU’s support to the region visible, concrete, and connected to the people who live it?

“EU support is not abstract — it shows up in the streets of our cities, in the businesses our neighbours run, in the opportunities our young people pursue,” said Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, opening the plenary. The framing set the tone for everything that followed: moving from policy language to lived experience.

Marie Brancaleone from the Directorate General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood reminded participants that the EU accession process is, at its core, a process of transformation that affects daily life, from the air people breathe to the markets their products reach. Raluca Costache, Team Leader of the WeBalkans programme, and Selena Tasić, Public Diplomacy Manager, then introduced the EU With YOU campaign as the connective tissue between regional reforms and the citizens whose lives those reforms are meant to improve.

From research labs to the global markets

The morning’s lightning talk came from Oskar Marko, Head of the Center for Information Technologies at Serbia’s Biosense Institute. His message was simple: EU opportunities work when institutions know how to use them. Biosense has built a track record of turning Horizon Europe research grants into agricultural innovation that reaches farmers across the region, proof that the path from EU funding to real-world impact is shorter than it often appears.

Three conversations, one message

The thematic talks that followed mapped the economic landscape of the Western Balkans from three different vantage points.

In the WBIF-powered session moderated by David Piegazki of the WB6 Chamber Investment Forum, six speakers traced how the Western Balkans Investment Framework has deployed nearly €9 billion and supported over 600,000 businesses across the region. Benedykt Klimowski from the European Commission put it plainly: “When your local bank offers you a better deal, there is EU support behind it.”

Edina Hadžić, founder of the Bosnian circular fashion brand ‘Sugar on Top’, reframed the region’s small scale as an advantage: “You have to be honest about where you stand. It comes down to true transparency.”

Tina Mihajlović, who co-founded the Serbian solar AI startup Solarise Technologies, spoke about the gap between technical talent and market readiness, and the role mentorship plays in bridging it.

The EBRD-powered talk, moderated by Aleksandra Vukosavljević, Director for Financial Institutions for Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, focused on green and competitive SMEs. The conversation made clear that sustainability is no longer optional for businesses in the region, but it is rather driven by buyer requirements, rising energy costs, and access to finance. ESG standards are now part of how banks and investors decide where capital flows. With SMEs representing 98 to 99% of companies in the Western Balkans, the question of how to help smaller firms align with EU standards while competing in larger markets sits at the heart of the region’s economic future. Speakers including Kujtim Gjevori of PowerPack in Kosovo and Tomi Pikuli of AgriNet in Albania shared how regional integration is shaping their growth.

The third thematic talk, powered by EU Delegations across the Western Balkans and moderated by Marie Brancaleone, looked at the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans as the framework guiding the region’s economic transformation. Delegation representatives joined from each of the six economies, online and in person, to discuss what the next phase of integration looks like on the ground.

The messages we send out

The first day closed with a wrap-up that made the event’s purpose explicit. Journalists Greta Topjana from Albania and Višnja Višnjić Milić from RTS Serbia joined the WeBalkans team for a conversation about how EU stories travel, and where they get lost. A recurring theme: programmes and financial instruments for young people and entrepreneurs exist, but remain underused because communication is fragmented and outreach is not as present as should be. Closing that gap is exactly what the Creative Hub was built to do.

Day two: from talk to product

The second morning shifted from discussion to production. In a Content Creation and Production Lab led by Samra Lučkin, Arian Rexhepi, Vullnet Gacaferri, and Stanislava Marojević, participants split into working groups to turn the previous day’s conversations into shareable and engaging content, social media posts, photographs, short statements, interviews with multipliers, and plans for longer-form videos and feature articles to follow in the weeks ahead. In a parallel room, the WeBalkans Multipliers Network gave participants five minutes each to introduce their work and find collaborators across borders.

The output of those few hours will travel further than the room itself: across the WeBalkans website, partner channels, and the social platforms where the next generation of Western Balkans citizens encounters the EU a partner in the everyday.

EU With YOU

The Belgrade Creative Hub is the first event in a series of events that WeBalkans, under the EU with YOU campaign, is planning around the region. EU With YOU, is a regional public diplomacy campaign that connects EU support across the Western Balkans to the people, businesses, and communities living the transformation. More stories and activities from the campaign will be published on WeBalkans digital communication channels in the coming weeks.

My first Adria Future Summit: Finding perspective in the conversation

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Written by Kristina Perović, Young European Ambassador from Montenegro

Attending the Adria Future Summit 2026 for the first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found instead was a dynamic and welcoming environment, bringing together ambitious people, from experienced professionals to young individuals who are still shaping their paths and exploring where they fit in a rapidly changing world.

Being there with other Young European Ambassadors from across the region, including Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo, made the experience even more meaningful. It created a strong sense of connection and shared purpose, and it felt less like simply attending an event and more like being part of an ongoing regional conversation.

One of the sessions that stood out to me was the Youth Policy Lab on disinformation and media literacy. In today’s digital environment, where information is constantly available but not always reliable, the discussion emphasized how important it is for young people to think critically, question sources, and understand the impact of the content they consume and share.

Another important part of the experience was the roundtable “Democratising Data Access and Accountability for a Just Transition”, where we had the opportunity to actively participate and exchange ideas with speakers such as Catherine Atkin and Goran Svilanović. The conversation explored how different regions approach innovation and development, and how the Western Balkans has the potential to design solutions that reflect its own context rather than simply replicating global models. A brief reference to the idea of “not yet” ,in the sense that timing in life is not always linear, added a simple but thought-provoking perspective on how progress and achievement can unfold at different stages.

On the final day, the panel “The Borderless Workforce: Responsibility, Compliance and the Future of Labour”, featuring Young European Ambassador from Serbia, Andrea Darabašić, addressed the challenges young people face when navigating labour rights, opportunities, and expectations in today’s labour market. It also highlighted the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and understanding the systems we are entering.

Overall, the Adria Future Summit was not just about innovation, investment, or policy discussions. It was about perspective, exchange, and the realization that young people are not just participants in these conversations, but active contributors to them. It was a valuable reminder that staying engaged, asking questions, and being part of such spaces truly matters.

TAIEX 30th anniversary: Reflections from the Institution Building Days

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Written by Teodora Danilović, Young European Ambassador from Serbia

Attending the DG ENEST Institution Building Days in Brussels, marking 30 years of TAIEX and Twinning, offered a rare opportunity to step into a space where technical cooperation meets political vision. TAIEX and Twinning serve as bridges between the European Union, Candidate Countries, and the MENA region, presenting tangible cooperation in enhancing public administration, the green transition, fight against corruption, among many areas in which the EU is leading by example. TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange) is an EU instrument that provides short-term, targeted expertise to help public administrations align with EU legislation and standards. Twinning, by contrast, is a long-term partnership between institutions in EU Member States and partner countries, focused on building sustainable administrative capacity through ongoing collaboration and knowledge transfer.

Young European Ambassadors from across the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood joined the celebration, bringing together different regional perspectives that, despite their diversity, often converged on similar challenges and expectations. Early in the programme, the numbers set the tone: more than 1,100 TAIEX events and over 3,600 experts mobilised in just one year. Each of these events represents a concrete intervention: supporting legislative alignment, strengthening administrative capacity, or addressing specific institutional gaps. Across sessions, whether the focus was enlargement, cooperation with the Southern Neighbourhood, or partnerships with Africa, a consistent message emerged: institution-building is not an occasional effort, but a continuous process.

In regards to the Western Balkans, the data presented during the sessions reinforced how embedded the region already is within European cooperation structures. Countries such as Italy and Croatia consistently rank among the most active providers of expertise to the Western Balkans. On the one hand, this reflects how much significance cultural and geographical proximities hold, yet on the other, this shows how enlargement is never a one-ended process. Croatia, the newest Member State of the Union, following its transformation through the process of EU integration, is now playing a leading role in transferring its knowledge and expertise to others. This proves that in the future our region can also become a knowledge hub for others wishing to learn and expand their competencies in line with EU standards. This was further proved through the recognition of Albania and Montenegro as TAIEX Champions, acknowledging concrete reform progress rather than political commitments. Albania was recognised for advancing key judicial reforms, while Montenegro was highlighted for its strategic and consistent use of TAIEX in driving accession-related changes.

Amid these structural and policy discussions, one moment during the closing session shifted the tone of the event. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos explicitly acknowledged the presence of Young European Ambassadors and invited us on stage. The gesture was brief, but its significance was clear. It interrupted the otherwise formal structure of the event and introduced a different dimension: recognition of the role that young people from regions like the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood play in these processes. It also served as a reminder that institution-building is not only about systems and reforms, but about the people who engage with them, interpret them, and ultimately carry them forward.

 

Follow Me Club: YEAs’ visit at Heartefact

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Written by Anđa Stanojković, Young European Ambassador from Serbia

“Theatre has the power to make someone vulnerable…” – we heard these words from director Tara Manić during our visit to the Heartefact Fund House as Young European Ambassadors. As a non-governmental organization, Heartefact operates through project-based funding, with the European Union standing as one of its most significant partners.

Although Serbia has a long and beautifully developed theatrical tradition, Heartefact is a space that places special emphasis on what we might call, in everyday terms, difficult social themes. The play we had the chance to see “How I Learned to Drive”, is a powerful example of the socially delicate issues explored on this stage. It is based on the autobiographical work of Paula Vogel, which earned her the Pulitzer Prize.

The story follows the coming of age of a young girl, Li’l Bit, through her complex and deeply unsettling relationship with her uncle. Their dynamic unfolds through driving lessons, which he uses over the years to subtly manipulate and exploit her. Without taking away from the magic of the performance, we’ll leave it there. Spoiler alert: some of us walked out with a lump in our throat and tears in our eyes.

At its core, the mission of this theatre, and the people behind it, is to remind us that we do not all live the same reality. Everyone carries their own struggles, their own silent battles. And perhaps that is the true purpose of theatre: to reach you, to make you think, to change you. What makes Heartefact truly special is how it does this. Through its space. When you step inside, you’re not entering a theatre. You’re entering a home. You become one with the actors, one with the story. Suddenly, this is no longer something happening to someone else, somewhere far away. For that hour, you are living it. In the dimness of the house (I won’t call it a hall, because Heartefact is so much more than that), as you watch other people’s lives unfold, you are actually learning how to feel again.

You learn that your pain is not isolated, that your fears are universal, and that every tear is, in a way, a return to yourself. Theatre teaches empathy, that rare, almost forgotten ability to step into someone else’s shoes, to live another life for ninety minutes, and walk out just a little softer, a little kinder, a little more human. It reminds you that you are not alone.

Another thread we explored in conversation with the people working there was the relationship between theatre and democracy. Theatre teaches you to think critically. It shows you that there are no taboos, no fixed boundaries. It is the driving force behind both personal and societal change – a light at the end of the tunnel, a quiet promise of a better tomorrow. Perhaps that is why it endures through history. Because even when it seems like an escape from a harsh reality, theatre is, in truth, its reflection. A mirror held up to society. It doesn’t give you answers , it teaches you how to find them within yourself, instead.

And in the end, we must remember, the “earth” without “art” is just “eh.”