“I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Law at the same university. During my studies in International Relations and Diplomacy, I extensively explored topics such as conflict resolution, international law, and global governance, providing me with a robust understanding of the complexities surrounding human rights issues. Transitioning to the field of Law has further has additionaly further equipped me with the legal knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for justice and equality, complementing my passion for human rights. My journey started with volunteerism during secondary school, broadening my horizons and fostering a passion for activism and youth work. Over the years, I’ve organized numerous youth events and projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad, honing my skills and gaining valuable insights into myself and my aspirations. As part of my commitment to making a tangible impact, I have actively participated in community outreach programs, legal clinics, and other initiatives aimed at addressing socio-legal challenges faced by marginalized communities. From my involvement in a local NGO to my role as National Vice President of AIESEC in Bosnia and Herzegovina, each experience has been a stepping stone towards my goal of advocating for human rights. My dedication lies in working with and for people, fueled by my educational background and years of activism. Looking ahead, I am eager to leverage my interdisciplinary background and practical experiences to pursue a career dedicated to promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals.”
My name is Ivan Durgutov and I am a graduate lawyer with a master’s degree in Law from the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. Since my secondary school days, I have been a vocal activist in the civic sector, being a member and part of different civic organisations then and now. They include the European Law Students’ Association, the Summer Work&Travel Alumni Association, the Macedonian-American Alumni Association and the European Democracy Youth Network. Right now I am holding the position of an Executive Director of the European Business Association in Skopje. One of my biggest achievements and most life-changing experiences was my participation in SUSI 2019, a leadership programme held in the USA, where I was chosen as a scholar by the US Department of State and participated as one of the eighty most promising leaders under-25 from Europe. Besides this, I have been participating in and facilitating various projects, been part of and completed short-term EVS. Some of my passions involve advocating for human rights, learning and practising diplomacy while representing my country and my peers, and travelling both nationally and internationally.
Interests: Health and Sustainability, International Relations
“Mila Mladenova is a Doctor of Medicine finishing her degree at the Faculty of Medicine at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. She is a founder & president of Youth Empowerment Association, a non-governmental civil society organization and an alumna of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung scholarship program.
Mila was selected as a Macedonian member of the Youth Advisory Group of the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) and was a participant in the School of Policies of the Presidential Center for Political Education & School of Public Policy “”Mother Teresa””, successfully completing the 2023 cycle of the Council of Europe Schools of Political Studies.
Mila has profound experience organizing and actively participating in numerous national and international development programs, initiatives and projects highlighting health and well-being, environment and sustainability, youth participation & promotion of EU values.”
Interests: Environment, Business and Entrepreneurship
I am a dedicated advocate for youth and environmental causes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With a diverse background in project management, I led initiatives such as Climathon and TEDx, providing platforms for innovative ideas to thrive. I am a committed promoter of entrepreneurial spirit among youth, emphasizing the importance of green entrepreneurship and the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s innovation sector as pivotal for the country’s future. My dedication to fostering positive change and nurturing new ideas continues to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in her community.
I’ve spent my career focused on helping people and serving as a role model for my country, all while championing the advancement of young people. My beliefs lean towards progressiveness and inclusivity, and I envision a united Europe that includes the Western Balkans. My passions lie in human rights, integration, and democracy, which have driven my involvement with various projects and NGOs in both Albania and Austria. Recently, I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with international organizations. As a young European ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with peers from the Western Balkans, fostering a strong network despite my frequent travels abroad for work. My academic background includes a Master’s degree in Economic Policy in Global Markets from the Central European University in Vienna. I’m particularly drawn to issues related to regional cooperation, human rights, democracy, and the ongoing process of European integration.
“Anđela Radulović completed her bachelor studies at the Faculty of Legal Sciences at the University of Donja Gorica, after which she continued her two-year master’s studies at the same Faculty in the field of Justice and Public Administration – Criminal Law field. As a Global UGRAD scholar, she spent her third semester of bachelor academic studies at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, USA. As a member of the “”Gavro Vuković”” team, she participated in the Regional Moot Court competition. She has recently completed a traineeship in the Political Section of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, after which she took an oath before the Montenegrin Bar Association and has started her legal traineeship at the law office “Veselin D. Radulović”. She speaks English and uses Italian.”
Olta Shehu is a recent graduate of University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania, with a strong commitment to pursuing a career in psychiatry and advancing the field of mental health. Her interests lie at the intersection of clinical practice, mental health advocacy, and the broader social determinants that shape well-being. Beyond her medical background, Olta is actively engaged in community initiatives and youth-driven projects focused on empowerment, inclusion, and social development. She approaches mental health not only as a medical priority but also as a fundamental human right, advocating for equitable access to care, dignity, and support for all individuals. Her work is closely aligned with values of human rights and European integration, reflecting a dedication to fostering resilient, informed, and inclusive communities. Through her involvement in regional and international initiatives, she contributes to strengthening dialogue, civic engagement, and youth participation, particularly in contexts that support the Western Balkans’ path toward EU integration.
Interests: Business and Entrepreneurship, International Relations
Gjorgji is a dedicated professional currently pursuing his master’s degree in business law at the International Balkan University (IBU). With a background in law and a passion for empowering others, he serves as a career services specialist at IBU, where he provides valuable guidance to individuals navigating their professional paths. Known for his commitment to excellence, Gjorgji is dedicated to both his academic and professional pursuits. Outside of his studies and work, he enjoys staying informed about legal and business developments and is always eager to expand and share his knowledge
The municipalities of Bitola, Gevgelija, Gostivar, Kocani, Kriva Palanka, Kumanovo, Ohrid, and Veles have been selected to participate in the second phase of the EU-funded Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD2) in North Macedonia.
The selected municipalities will be the primary recipients of financial assistance and technical support for this project. The project aims to enhance the capacities of municipalities and civil society organisations (CSOs) to engage in productive partnerships and contribute to improved service delivery and implementation of local priorities in line with municipal development strategies. Municipalities will be assisted in the introduction and institutionalisation of transparent mechanisms for financing CSOs from municipal budgets, which will ensure increased civic participation in decision-making processes and provision of public services.
The ReLOaD2 project team will work with local officials in implementing activities such as capacity building training to ensure full transparency in future funding of civil society from local budgets. The project will also promote youth engagement and support the implementation of youth initiatives to improve local economic perspectives.
The ReLOaD2 project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme.
EU funding has helped an entrepreneur from Bosnia and Herzegovina on her journey to build a business supporting the journeys of others
Azra Hodžić from Bosnia and Herzegovina has always been an enthusiastic traveller. Until the COVID-19 pandemic started, she travelled for business and for pleasure and visited numerous places. Travelling brings her joy, and a trip to Berlin a few years ago also became the unexpected starting point for a new business endeavour.
Azra was looking for a backpack that she could use on this trip but also when back home. She couldn’t find anything that would fit her specific needs, so as soon as she was back in Sarajevo she designed something that would serve her purpose, and sewed it together with her father.
”They all gave me compliments on the backpack and asked where I got it from. When I told them that I made it, a friend asked if I could make one for her.”
This first backpack that Azra designed and sewed with her father had a simple design, but it was just what she needed. It was immediately noticed by her colleagues at the company where she was working. “They all gave me compliments on the backpack and asked where I got it from. When I told them that I made it, a friend asked if I could make one for her,” says Azra.
After this first order, other requests followed, until Azra realised that this could be turned in to a good business. She launched a social media page where she advertised models in a range of designs. She also came up with a very creative idea how to call her business. Ranac means ‘backpack’ in Bosnian, and St stands for ‘saint’. That was the reason for the name of Azra’s company ST RANAC, but Azra also saw that when you connect the two words you get another meaning. Stranac in Bosnian means ‘foreigner’.
The business went well for two years, with Azra designing and her father sewing. But with a constant increase in orders, Azra had to find a solution to be able to expand further. She lacked proper business management training, equipment and support for marketing and advertising.
“Before, I could not buy a serious amount of raw material as I depended on cash flow. With the support from the EU, I moved to the next level. Now I can respond to higher demand from clients and am ready to become a big company “
About EU4Business
EU4Business aims to stimulate the development of entrepreneurship, export-oriented sectors, tourism and agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The programme is jointly funded by the European Union (€15 million from pre-accession funds) and the German government (€1.1 million). The project is implemented by GIZ (the German Corporation for International Cooperation), the International Labour Organisation and the United Nations Development Programme and will end in March 2022.
A friend told her about the EU4Business programme that supports young companies and aspiring entrepreneurs in business management and growth. Azra applied and received much-needed business management training, which lasted for over two months. She also received a new industrial sewing machine, which enables her father to produce more in a shorter period of time, and financial support to buy raw material in bulk in advance.
“Before, I could not buy a serious amount of raw material as I depended on cash flow. With the support from the EU, I moved to the next level. Now I can respond to higher demand from clients and am ready to become a big company,” says Azra.
As the world finds new ways to travel in the COVID-19 reality, Azra is expecting further growth of her business. She plans to increase her range of products and, in the near future, to offer employment for other people in her company. She has certainly had challenges, but with her passion and hard work – and a little help from the EU – she has managed to overcome them all.
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on our website.
Read our Privacy Policy.
