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Author: WeBalkans

Block the Hatred, Share the Love 2.0 – Youth leading the way forward

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Written by YEA Mila Mihajlović Young Leaders walking the talk – knowledge, expertise and leadership as main tools for democratic change During March of 2026, Young European Ambassadors from the regions of the Western Balkans (WeBalkans), Caucasus and Eastern Europe (EU NEIGHBOURS East) had a chance to learn, exchange good practices, and build up on action plans for upcoming projects at the Block the Hatred, Share the Love 2.0 closing workshop in Venice, Italy, organized by the Council of Europe. The participants were joined by experts coming from different walks of life in order to discuss strategies to combat hate speech in both in-person and virtual settings. The activity lasted for 3 days, from 18th to 20th March, and it was a wrap-up of the program for this cohort. Beyond expanding knowledge on diverse national contexts of their colleagues in the given field, YEAs were able to visit a country globally renowned for its historical and cultural heritage, and a city that’s one of a kind worldwide, which has further shaped a perfect environment for building connections, sharing perspectives and showcasing leadership. Main activities The kick-off activities of the event were held in a vibrant educational hub of Venice – CFZ (Cultural Flow Zone) Zattere – Biblioteca Area Linguistica. From getting to know each other to the official welcome delivered by Mr Mario Schwetz, the Director of the CoE Office in Venice, the day was off to a bright and promising start. Mr Schwetz extended his warmest regards to everyone present and delivered a remarkable speech concerning the history of Venice, from the times of the Republic to what’s now one of the most visited cities in the world. Subsequently, Mrs Angela Longo, Head of the Anti-discrimination Cooperation Unit at the Council of Europe shared insights about the unit’s work and mission, as well as the ‘’Block the Hatred, Share the Love’’ initiative, which was followed by speeches of Mrs Selena Tasić, Public Diplomacy Manager at WeBalkans and Mrs Ana Kuprava, the group leader of the East. They spoke about the respective networks, their working mechanisms, and the participation of young people in change-making processes at both the local and regional levels. This was consecutively followed by exchanges of YEAs in a couple of small groups, where we discussed our previously undertaken initiatives that had the sole purpose of combating hatred through counter and alternative narratives and were implemented as an integrated part of the program. The initiatives were diverse, ranging from organised workshops to social media campaigns, but most importantly, all were efficient in delivering concrete results, building impact, and therefore showcasing that the power of love will never be defeated. Alongside that, we had an opportunity to discuss the challenges we face on a daily level due to our activist engagements that are often overlooked, misinterpreted, or even undermined. This part of the day was facilitated by Mr Claudio Tocchi, Consultant, Council of Europe. Right after that, we had the pleasure of receiving a highly inspiring and educational lecture tackling the international and European legislative tools on equality and combating hate speech, which was delivered by Professor Sara de Vido from the Ca’ Foscari University in Venice and Marija Andreeva, Project Officer, Council of Europe. We had the opportunity to dive deeper into how the circulation of hatred and hate speech is monitored and sanctioned by the responsible organs of the EU and the international framework, which is a must-know in the field. However, what happened after that was more than just networking, but rather the beginning of connections that felt closer. YEAs were joined by the students of Ca’ Foscari University to expand the dialogue and explore different viewpoints. We shared perspectives, listened to the new ones, amplified the existing educational grasp of countering stereotypes, building online campaigns and leading the change, but most importantly, we’ve built friendships that might last a lifetime if cherished properly – which is a huge win! Seeing how many commonalities we possess, how many similar experiences we have gone through and how much of a yearning passion to change the world into a better place we collectively and wholeheartedly cultivate, this workshop felt like the right place to be. Followed by a short voyage we grouply embarked on, we have arrived at the Centro don Lorenzo Milani/Youth Centre in Mestre, Venice. Besides being greeted in an incredibly kind and welcoming manner by the members of the Centre’s staff, we had the chance to encounter a completely new standpoint on what it truly means to be a youth worker and a young person who engages in activities of this particular youth centre. As of what we’ve heard, the Centre has a history of a strong philanthropic base. Explained by one of the leading faces of the facility, Mrs. Irene, they offer a space for young people to access informal education activities, but also seek psychological support and help in combating hard times caused by any sorts of inconveniences – which shapes it into a second home for everyone who uses the services or feels like the environment that promotes learning and growth is the right fit for them. This conversation felt beyond enriching. What followed, however, was a cherry on top of the pie – a workshop curated by brilliant four youth workers: Gaia, Giulia, Fabrizio and Francesco, in which we joined three different learning games that had an aim to make us step out of our roles for a moment and switch the roles with those who aren’t socially included and are denied of practicing their fundamental rights.  Both the 2nd and the 3rd day activities took place at the Council of Europe Office in Venice and were followed by the presentation of studies and interactive lectures delivered by Mr Stefan Manevski, Senior Project Officer, Council of Europe. Mr Manevski shared tips and tricks on how to make effective campaigns that go beyond generating views – but actually inspiring change and building legacy. What’s the right way to send a message? How to curate a campaign or an initiative that invites the target groups to act? And most importantly, what’s the effectiveness of the counter-narratives to hate speech? Another presentation was held by a Serbian influencer, activist and founder of Tampon Zona, Mrs Iva Parađanin Lilić, who took us through her work. In her podcast, she features different guests with whom she addresses various topics through an intersectional, feminist lens. Being one of the leading female voices regarding menstrual poverty in the Western Balkans, she told us about the reality of her journey, mentioning the struggles of female creators who are more commonly exposed to hate speech. Besnik Baka, Communication Officer, Council of Europe, spoke about the design and implementation of communication and awareness-raising activities. He demonstrated the importance of attracting and building an audience or target group, as well as paying attention to visual and other details when implementing projects, especially ones that are meant for online publication. For the concluding activity, YEAs were split into 4 groups with a mission to generate audio-visual content during specifically assigned tours of different parts of the city. Some of the locations included in the tour maps of groups were the Jewish Ghetto, Santa Maria della Salute, the Accademia Bridge, and the local green market. The luggage is unpacked and ready for a new journey – what have we brought home that stays? In a time that flies mercilessly, it’s incredibly hard to even keep memories close to your heart. They fly away with the wind into the unknown, and you usually have to dig through your memory lane just to remember that single sentence you were told you must remember. However, I believe it was a slightly contrasting case this time.
  1. The importance of listening:
Being a change-maker isn’t a mission for those who are not ready to hear what others want to share. Predisposition for success isn’t knowing everything, but understanding how much knowledge you lack. Different lives, countries, and realities might equal different realities and experiences. However, the sure equation is listening = learning. There are a lot of temporary riches in this world, whilst knowledge remains the permanent wealth and door to the world that embraces differences. As you are reading this, just imagine how far we’d go if we only knew a bit more about the people that we share this planet with. Right?
  1. Another LinkedIn connection or an actual person you’d love to meet again?
Attending conferences and any sort of formal gatherings might be the reason why our social batteries are in decline. Prioritising speed up networking to maximise the number of your LinkedIn connections isn’t a way to stay in touch with colleagues and opportunities, but a method for the substitution of true, human connections. Let’s imagine it together – you plant 20 beautiful seeds in your garden, and you’d love for all of them to bloom. The first 5 are closer to you, so you water them every day, while you let the rest figure it out on their own. Within 2 months, out of 20 seeds, you’ll have 5 beautiful flowers and 15 that didn’t even bloom. To avoid such a loss, plant 5 and give them as much attention and care as they need. You’ll end up having 5 of the most beautiful flowers ever, without feeling exhaustion or pity that the rest have died. It’s the same with people – 20 LinkedIn connections might raise that number under your profile, but will you stay in touch with all of them, even if you really wanted to? Hm… The good news is that our groups were more than happy to escape this loop and truly connect!
  1. Agree to disagree
This one is quite connected to the first point. Agreements are nice, but disagreements might be way more helpful. Tuning in to what people, or in this case, your fellow activists, have to say will open a path you might not have ever found out about earlier. Being raised in neighbouring countries with narratives that might not align isn’t a reason to hold grudges. Analysing, deconstructing and understanding the reason why behind it is something that Young European Ambassadors do.
  1. The power of being united
Each person in this world indeed is one of a kind, or as said in my mother tongue: ‘’Ni prsti na rukama nisu isti, a kamoli ljudi’’ – eng. neither are the fingers of the hands the same, let alone people. What’s way harder than judging and putting labels is understanding and accepting. Our daily agendas should revolve around practising kindness. The differences are there to make us see the beauty of life through the eyes, skin and shoes of the other. Would mosaics be such a breathtaking form of art if they were monochromatic? Once understood that differences aren’t gaps to be filled but bridges to be taken, many will understand how the power of love truly works. And this is why so many of us have met in Venice to ‘’Block the Hatred, Share the Love’’!  Until next time…

EU starts EUR 61.8 million pre-financing for Kosovo under the Growth Plan

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Following the ratification of the Growth Plan-related Agreements by the Kosovo Assembly and the submission of the necessary documentation by the Government, the European Commission has started transferring EUR 61.8 million to Kosovo in pre-financing under the Growth Plan’s Reform and Growth Facility, providing an important incentive to advance reforms.

The pre-financing represents 7% of the total EUR 882.6 million in grants and favourable loans available to Kosovo under the Growth Plan until the end of 2027. The funds will support the implementation of Kosovo’s Reform Agenda and key infrastructure projects under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), bringing Kosovo closer to the EU.

Out of the EUR 61.8 million, a EUR 28.74 million in loans has been transferred today to Kosovo’s budget, while the remaining amount — EUR 33.04 million (17.73 in grants and 15.31 million in loans) — will be channelled through the WBIF.

In its Reform Agenda — the basis for the allocation of EU Growth Plan funds — Kosovo has committed to implementing 111 reform steps, covering key areas such as the rule of law, governance, economic development, the green and digital transitions, and human capital.

Each reform step is linked to a specific financial allocation. Payments under the Growth Plan will be made progressively as Kosovo implements the agreed reforms. If certain reform steps are not completed by the set deadlines, the corresponding funds will not be disbursed.

A first final deadline lies ahead for 13 reform steps, collectively valued at EUR 90.8 million, which are due by 30 June 2026. Moreover, the end of this year marks the final deadline for another 27 reform steps, valued at EUR 165.9 million.

“The European Union stands by Kosovo on its EU integration path. The Growth Plan offers a concrete opportunity to accelerate EU-related reforms and bring Kosovo’s economy closer to the EU’s single market. Through this support, the EU aims to help Kosovo strengthen the rule of law, advance its green and digital transitions, and foster sustainable economic growth,” said Acting Head of the EU in Kosovo Eva Palatova.

“Kosovo is committed to the timely implementation of the Reform Agenda and to making full use of the opportunities offered by the Growth Plan. While some time has been lost, we will do our best to accelerate reforms and deliver on our commitments. This is a demanding task, but an achievable one,” said Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

The European Union is Kosovo’s largest provider of financial assistance and most reliable partner, with more than EUR 3.7 billion in grants invested across sectors since 1999, and an additional EUR 421 million in IPA (Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance) grants currently available to Kosovo.

On top of this, through the Growth Plan, the EU continues to support Kosovo’s reform efforts and its progress on the path toward European integration.

For more information on Kosovo’s 111 reform steps and payments made through the EU’s Growth Plan, please see the Reform and Growth Facility Scoreboard.

Education for the EU market: Digital communication is not self-promotion but a tool

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

The vast European Union market is open to everyone, primarily to young people with knowledge and ideas from member states, but also from candidate countries, and in this context EU institutions support education and empowerment, particularly of young people. With EU support and in cooperation with Jasna Pejović, Director of DigitalBee and Flourish, the Europe House in Montenegro organised the workshop “Career Skills for the Future of Europe” as part of the broader educational programme for young people and start-up businesses entitled “Digital Communication, LinkedIn and EU Opportunities”.

“The programme has been designed as a practical educational cycle that introduces young people to how the modern EU ecosystem functions – from projects and mobility opportunities to start-up initiatives and international partnerships. Many participants emphasise that the programme helped them define their professional goals more clearly and improve the way they present themselves in an international environment,” says Ana Barada from Europe House Montenegro. She explains that the focus of the training is on skills that are essential for professional development in the European context, but which are often not part of formal education: digital communication and clear presentation of ideas, building professional identity and credibility, strategic use of LinkedIn, content marketing and communicating values and projects, networking and initiating cooperation in an international environment, and understanding how EU organisations select partners and projects.

The Europe House Montenegro programme consists of four interconnected workshops combining theory, practical exercises and work on concrete examples, while the acquired skills enable young people to present their ideas and initiatives in a way that is relevant and understandable within the EU context. Although these topics may seem familiar, the implementation of this series of workshops highlights the difference between the everyday use of digital tools and their professional application.

Among other things, participants in this programme learn how to clearly articulate their professional story, how to build a high-quality and authentic LinkedIn profile, how to create content that builds trust and visibility, and how to establish first contact with EU partners and organisations,” Barada emphasises, adding that the workshops are part of the regular format of free educational events at Europe House called “Chat Thursdays at Europe House” which aims to bring relevant topics closer to young people and the wider public through an interactive approach. She notes that the lecturers are experts in digital communication, work on EU projects and the development of the start-up ecosystem, with practical experience in international cooperation. Participants in the training sessions are primarily young people – students, young professionals, entrepreneurs and all those wishing to develop their skills and better understand EU opportunities – who apply through a public call announced on social media, with selection made on a “first come, first served” basis.

Workshop leader Jasna Pejović, Director of DigitalBee and Flourish, says that particular emphasis was placed on LinkedIn as a tool important for professional visibility, networking and opening up new opportunities.

“It was important for me to present digital communication not as ‘self-promotion’, but as a tool for building trust, credibility and professional development. My goal was for the workshop to be practical, modern and useful to young people who are at the beginning of their careers or building their professional path, and that is precisely why I focused on how to use LinkedIn to present more clearly who they are, what interests them, what they are building and in which direction they want to develop,” says Pejović. She explains that she prepared the workshop based on her own long-term professional experience in digital transformation, leadership and entrepreneurship as the founder of the start-up Flourish and as someone who actively builds a professional presence and community on LinkedIn, while she also drew information and inspiration from many years of teaching experience in Marketing and Digital Marketing, from working with students and young professionals, and from a very concrete understanding of how professional visibility, networking and trust-building function today in the digital and international context.

“What I noticed was that many arrived feeling that they lacked sufficient experience or that they ‘had nothing to say’, especially when it comes to LinkedIn and professional communication. During the workshops, this changed significantly – they began to recognise that they too, whether students, young professionals, representatives of the NGO sector, entrepreneurs or start-up founders, have valuable stories, experiences and development paths that they can communicate effectively and authentically. There were many questions, much interaction and very strong engagement, which for me was the best indication that the topics were relevant and well chosen,” Pejović explains.

Barada says that participants were highly satisfied and left the workshops with concrete results such as improved LinkedIn profiles.

“Many highlighted that the programme helped them define their professional goals more clearly and improve the way they present themselves in an international environment,” Barada explains, adding that participants in the workshops gained practical and applicable knowledge, a better understanding of EU projects and opportunities, and greater confidence in professional communication.

Alongside free educational opportunities such as this one organised by Europe House in Montenegro, employment services in many EU countries and candidate countries offer vouchers for free education in this field.

Kavadarci’s Youth Incubator: From classroom ideas to the municipal budget 2027

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Written by Gjorgji Ristov, Young European Ambassador

What happens when students from all three high schools in a small Macedonian town sit down with their mayor, without speeches or podiums, and just talk? Kavadarci gave the answer on 7 April 2026: a new kind of participatory democracy, a direct pipeline from youth ideas to the municipal budget, and a model that the whole region can follow.As a Young European Ambassador, I have always believed that meaningful youth participation is not about listening to young people once a year – it is about giving them a real seat at the table where budgets are decided. That is why, on 7 April 2026, I organised the “Youth Incubator: From Idea to Municipal Budget 2027” forum in Kavadarci, North Macedonia. The event brought together 22 young participants, 18 students from all three high schools in Kavadarci (SOU “Gjorče Petrov”, SU “Dobri Daskalov”, and SOU “Kiro Spandžov – Brko”) and 4 representatives from local youth NGOs. We divided them into seven mixed teams, breaking the usual school boundaries so that students who normally never work together had to collaborate.

Three themes, seven teams, one goal. The young people worked on three thematic areas inspired by the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and the EU Youth Check: Digital and smart municipality, green mobility and urban development, youth infrastructure and culture. Each team developed concrete proposals, from bicycle lanes with LED lights embedded in the asphalt, to smart benches with solar-powered USB chargers, and a digital platform called “Kavadarci Smart City” where citizens can report problems and vote on youth projects. Under green mobility, students specifically proposed introducing electric tricycles and electric scooters as a sustainable and accessible way for young people to move around the city.

 

The most powerful moment was not a formal presentation. It was the coffee break. During that time, the 18 students sat down informally with the Mayor of Kavadarci, Mitko Janchev. No prepared speeches, no microphones. Just young people explaining their ideas directly to the person who signs the budget, and the Mayor listening, asking questions, and giving instant feedback. For many students, it was the first time they felt that their voice actually mattered. “This is not just a national reference. This is an international reference. A small town with a big idea.” – I said that at the closing, and I truly believe it.

 

So, what happens next? The ideas generated during the forum will now be reviewed by the Local Youth Council of Kavadarci. The best proposals will be developed into a formal project proposal with a realistic budget, to be submitted to the Municipality by November 2026 for inclusion in the 2027 budget. A working group composed of mentors, students, and youth council members will continue the work in the coming months.

 

Kavadarci is a town of about 40,000 people. It is not the capital, nor a big regional centre. But on 7 April 2026, it became one of the first municipalities in the Western Balkans to implement a structured, guaranteed path from youth ideas to an actual budget line. This is the essence of the EU Youth Strategy, making young people “architects of their own lives”, applied at the local level.

 

The event also directly implements North Macedonia’s Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies (Official Gazette No. 10/2020), which requires municipalities to allocate at least 0.1% of their budget to youth activities. According to 2024 monitoring reports by the National Youth Council of North Macedonia, only nine municipalities complied with this legal minimum. Kavadarci now has a chance to become a positive example.

 

Acknowledgements:

This initiative would not have been possible without the support of the Young European Ambassadors (YEA) network, the European Union, and the WeBalkans programme. I also extend my deepest gratitude to the Municipality of Kavadarci, Mayor Mitko Janchev, Director Zoran Milevski of SOU “Dobri Daskalov”, all the mentors and professors, and, most of all, the 22 young people who showed that age is not a barrier to shaping the future of your community.

Making a difference together: Cleaning Ćemovsko polje

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Matija Svorcan

As a Young European Ambassador in Montenegro, I had the wonderful opportunity to take part in a volunteer clean-up initiative at Ćemovsko polje, located just outside Podgorica. The clean-up action was organized by the Volunteer Fire Department of Podgorica, with the important goal of maintaining an area that is particularly vulnerable to wildfires. Their efforts highlight how community engagement can play a crucial role in environmental protection and risk prevention.

My colleague Aldo Vlahovljak and I were proud to contribute to this meaningful initiative, which aimed to raise environmental awareness among the citizens of Podgorica. The action brought together a large number of volunteers and members of the fire department, all of whom selflessly dedicated their time and energy to ensure everything ran smoothly. Volunteers from the NGO “Naša akcija,” which is primarily active in the Kotor and Tivat regions, also took part in the initiative, further emphasizing the power of collaboration across communities.

Beyond the productive work, the event was also an opportunity for social connection and shared experiences. The day concluded with a joint lunch, where all volunteers gathered, exchanged stories, and celebrated the impact of their collective effort and collaboration.

Đorđe Pavlov

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Đorđe Pavlov is an undergraduate law student at the University of Kragujevac, where he currently holds the office of Head of the Department of Scientific and Academic Affairs, he’s also a member of the Faculty’s Education Quality Control Commission. His main fields of research are public law, international law, criminal law and international relations.

Đorđe is a published author, having written multiple scientific and policy papers. Besides his academic work, he has a plethora of professional experience, having worked in the public and private sector for over four years in roles mostly related to project management, consulting and stakeholder relations.

His activism is mostly tied to youth affairs, as well as Serbia’s European integration process. As a governing board member at the National Youth Council of Serbia, and a Deputy International Officer at the Youth Forum of the European Movement in Serbia and JEF Serbia, he has managed to work together with policymakers from the European Parliament, European Commission and the Council of Europe in a large number of initiatives.

Jana Djudjic

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My name is Jana, and I am a fourth-year diplomacy student. From an early age, I have seen diplomacy as a key pillar in creating a better future for my generation and those that follow. Alongside diplomacy, I am deeply engaged in environmental protection, climate justice, and climate action. My activism focuses on empowering young people, as I believe they are drivers of change. I strive to work across multiple fields, connecting important social issues. My main initiative, “Invisible, But Most Important’’ supported by the Council of Europe, raises awareness about air pollution in the Western Balkans. I define my work through: “One World, One Home”.

Teodora Petković

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Teodora Petković was born on January 3, 2001, in Leskovac, Serbia. She completed her primary education there and later graduated from Medical High School as a pharmaceutical technician. Throughout her early education, she actively participated in extracurricular activities and sports, with a particular interest in mathematics, visual arts, and handball.

In 2019, her artistic direction became central to her path, leading her to enroll in Graphic Design at the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad, where she continues her studies.

From 2020 to 2025, Teodora worked as a manager and content creator at Limbo Tattoo Studio in Novi Sad, developing skills in visual communication, branding, and creative direction within the tattoo industry. Alongside her academic and professional work in design, she has continuously pursued education in bodywork and therapeutic practices.

Currently, she combines her studies with freelance graphic design work and employment at Caffe Gallery Frida Kahlo, integrating artistic practice, visual storytelling, and holistic body awareness into her professional development. Her interest lies in exploring how physical well-being, identity, and artistic expression intersect.

Demir Mekić

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Country: Serbia

Interests:

I am Demir Mekić, a communicative and direct individual who believes in efficiency and concrete results without unnecessary complicating. I bring a solid background in activism gained through previous projects. Motivated by a desire to contribute to the community, I am joining this volunteer team fully prepared to provide practical support and be a valuable team member.

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Damir Hasanović

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Country: Serbia

Interests: International relations, Peacebuilding

Damir Hasanović is a second-year student of Political Science at the Faculty of Diplomacy and Security in Belgrade. An aspiring diplomat, he has developed experience across the multilateral policy space, with a particular interest in European affairs and foreign policy. He currently serves as Spokesperson of the Danube Youth Council within the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) and as Lead for Policy & Research at JEF Serbia, where he contributes to analysis and policy discussions on European integration and external affairs.

Damir is also a member of the global youth network Our Voices Our Future, implemented by the European External Action Service, which aims to strengthen youth engagement in EU foreign policy, cohesive policies and democratic processes.

His academic and professional focus lies in peacebuilding, conflict studies and foreign policy, particularly in the Western Balkans and the EU’s role in the region. Through his engagement as a Peacebuilding Fellow within UNDP’s Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality and Trust Fellowship, he has translated this focus into practical regional experience in dialogue and initiatives building social cohesion.

As a Young European Ambassador, he aims to contribute to constructive dialogue on peacebuilding and regional cooperation in the Western Balkans, while offering a pragmatic and realistic perspective on the EU’s external engagement and enlargement policy.

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