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Author: WeBalkans

Sara Kënuti

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania Interests: Health and Sustainability, Human Rights

Sara Kënuti is a medical student at the University of Medicine in Tirana, dedicated to combining clinical knowledge with empathy and a strong sense of social responsibility. Known for her compassionate approach, she brings understanding and openness to both her academic pursuits and community engagement.

Sara’s journey in activism began at the age of 12 through her involvement with “Voice 16+,” an NGO affiliated with Save the Children Albania. Since then, she has actively participated in numerous youth and volunteer initiatives, including “Leader for a Day” and “Be an Entrepreneur” by Junior Achievement Albania, as well as programs such as “Solidarity Action Movement Day,” “Youth for Roma Health,” and various ESC projects focused on human rights. She is also an active member of the Albanian Committee of Medical Students, contributing to health-related advocacy efforts.

Alongside her academic and volunteer work, Sara enjoys reading personal development books, traveling, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. Through both medicine and activism, she is committed to building a more equitable and inclusive society where empathy, dignity, and care guide every action.

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Sibora Sejdini

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania Interests: Art Media and Culture & Human Rights

Sibora is a photographer from Albania, committed to using visual storytelling as a powerful tool to raise awareness about social issues, sustainability, and education. Through her lens, she captures meaningful moments that reflect the diversity and depth of human experience, aiming to inspire empathy and understanding.

Her artistic approach combines photography, language, and emotion, with a focus on expressing the individuality of each subject and scene. For Sibora, photography is not only a form of self-expression but also a medium for connection—bringing untold stories to light and creating space for broader social reflection.

Driven by the belief that every person has a story worth sharing, Sibora uses her creative work to amplify voices and promote positive change. Her dedication to visual impact underscores her passion for both artistic expression and social engagement.

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Rixhers Dëngo

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania Interests:

Rixhers Dëngo is a digital architect, computational designer, and researcher from Albania, dedicated to advancing sustainable architecture that enhances human interaction and well-being. He is the co-founder of ArchDisciple, an experimental architectural studio exploring the integration of biotechnology, such as mycelium-based materials, into environmentally conscious construction practices.

In addition to his professional work, Rixhers is actively engaged in academia, focusing on research and teaching that explore innovative design methods at the intersection of spatial psychology and urban living. His work aims to understand how architecture can foster social cohesion and improve quality of life in complex urban environments.

Driven by a forward-looking vision for Albania’s place in Europe, Rixhers advocates for ecological responsibility and interdisciplinary collaboration. He sees architecture not only as a tool for sustainability, but also as a platform for connecting diverse disciplines and communities, contributing to a more resilient and united European future.

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Antea Bega

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania Interests:

Antea Bega is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi.” Alongside her academic commitments, she works as a Talent Acquisition Specialist in the Human Resources department of a BPO company in Tirana, showcasing her ability to balance professional and academic responsibilities with dedication and focus.

Actively engaged in the youth sector, Antea serves as a board member of the youth center “Atelie,” where she contributes to the design and implementation of initiatives that strengthen community ties and promote youth participation. Her creative approach and commitment to volunteerism help foster an inclusive space for young people to express themselves and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Antea is passionate about continuous learning and youth empowerment. Her engagement in various local initiatives reflects a strong dedication to positive community impact and the belief that young voices play a crucial role in shaping the future.

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Project ‘We can do better – Možemo bolje’ – The easiest way is by connecting people

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

Dedicated to peace, unity and human connection, the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with the United Nations in BiH, the OSCE Mission to BiH, and the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo, has launched the initiative ‘We Can Do Better’, aimed at building trust and strengthening ties between communities.

Launched in 2022, the initiative has brought together individuals, civil society organisations and local authorities from 27 towns and municipalities: Bosanski Petrovac, Čelić, Doboj, Glamoč, Goražde, Gornji Vakuf – Uskoplje, Gradiška, Jablanica, Jajce, Kalesija, Lopare, Maglaj, Novi Travnik, Prnjavor, Prozor-Rama, Sapna, Teočak, Teslić, Tešanj, Travnik, Ugljevik, Vareš, Vukosavlje, Zvornik and Žepče. A total of 27 local initiatives have been supported, involving over 2,300 participants from 42 communities.

To provide some context – many of these communities were severely affected by the war in the early 1990s, which significantly disrupted interethnic relations. Some people were forced to flee their homes, and even after the peace was restored and returns enabled, many never again crossed the entity line that now administratively divides Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today, a growing number of civil society groups and activists are designing initiatives to reconnect people, rebuild trust and facilitate peaceful coexistence and cooperation.

“Our goal is to build an environment that supports a stable and peaceful society, and we believe this can be achieved by strengthening the coherence of civil society, empowering local communities, developing advocacy policies and creating space for positive narratives about peacebuilding and trust in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the heart of this project are community-led initiatives that, through cooperation between individuals and organisations, lay the foundation for sustainable change to benefit all people in BiH,” the EU in BiH explains.

Supported activities have ranged from construction projects – such as the fire station in Čelić, the cultural centre in Sapna, and the expansion of the kindergarten in Lopare – to the renovation and equipping of youth centres in Maglaj and Vareš. The initiative also backed numerous workshops, educational programmes, arts and folklore festivals, concerts, camps, study visits, equipment purchases and the refurbishment of shared spaces used for dialogue and collaboration. Many of these efforts have been implemented thanks to ‘We Can Do Better’.

For example, at the end of July 2025 around 1,100 people enjoyed the Spirit Weekend Festival held at the Old Fortress in Maglaj. The event opened with the WeBalkans Sport Photo Contest exhibition, attended by Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to BiH. Over two evenings, the festival featured screenings of the films Blum by Jasmila Žbanić and That’s It for Today, followed by live music performances.

“When we started with the idea of the Festival, it was to breathe new life into the old town and fortress, to offer people the experience of open-air cinema. Now it is all of that and conversations about the future of the region and confronting the past — not only the recent, war-related past, but also the more distant one, which is addressed in the film Blum. Our goal is to provide tangible input for the development of the entire Western Balkans region, because we genuinely believe we can do better. This is the fourth edition of the Festival, and we are truly honoured to be part of the We Can Do Better initiative. Hosting the WeBalkans Sport Photo Contest exhibition was a special honour and recognition for us”, said Adi Softić, the Festival organiser.

Ivana Miočević, a traffic engineer from Vareš who took part in activities run by the association Moja prva nota (My First Note) said that, with the support of the ‘We Can Do Better’, they organised a music camp, concerts, theatre performances, and workshops on project writing and reporting to donors…

“I think it meant a lot to all of us to meet people from different areas, to see what they do and how they do it, to learn from their experiences – but above all, it is important that we meet and work together, and stop living in the past, burdened by events we were not even part of”, says Ivana.

The importance of encounters and cooperation is also emphasised by Jovo Đurić, commander of the Territorial Fire and Rescue Unit from Lopare.

“Since our founding more than 20 years ago, we’ve provided fire-fighting and rescue services across entity lines. In 2022, during the major flooding in Čelić, we were the first to respond. Through the We Can Do Better initiative, we organised training sessions for people from Čelić, Sapna, Teočak, Ugljevik, Lopare – and even the Brčko District – sharing knowledge because we must work together and help one another regardless of religion, ethnicity, entity or skin colour”, says Đurić, announcing upcoming training focused on tackling fires involving electric vehicles and solar panels, which are increasingly common on rooftops across BiH.

But, this project also brought other experiences as well – Duška Mitrović from Lopare has, in cooperation with the Municipality of Lopare, succeeded in obtaining geographical indication protection for her product – cheese ‘Zarac’.

“For centuries, this cheese has been made in the Majevica area in the same way – we’ve only added packaging. It’s important that we preserve the recipe and its origins – geographical protection will help its placement on the European market while preserving the identity of our region, wherever in the world it may be”, Mitrović explains.

Some of the upcoming activities include the Summer School of Theatre – organised by Studio Theatre from Zenica for youth aged 15 to 25 from Bugojno, Goražde, Gornji Vakuf – Uskoplje, Jajce, Kalesija, Prnjavor, Teslić and Tešanj.

The ‘We Can Do Better’ initiative is funded by the European Union’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI).

Light in Remembrance: Art That Keeps Memory Alive

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Naida and Emina Odobašić, Young European Ambassadors, Bosnia and Herzegovina

On July 7th, in the quiet halls of the City Museum in Zenica, an art exhibition came to life- a space where memory, grief, and hope intertwined. Alongside my fellow Young European Ambassador, Emina, I had the honour of co-creating this exhibition in commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide. What started as a shared idea between two young people searching for meaning in the echoes of war became a deeply emotional journey- for us, and for everyone who walked through that space.

The idea was simple, yet powerful: memory lives in everyday objects. We wanted to explore how the trauma of war, especially one that shaped the very fabric of our country, doesn’t just linger in history books or official dates, but continues to live in our homes, in our conversations, and often, in our silence. As members of a post-war generation, we have not witnessed the horror firsthand, but we live with its consequences. We felt a responsibility to remember, to reflect, and most importantly, to create a space where others, especially young people, could do the same.

The exhibition was shaped by this sense of responsibility. We carefully selected a collection of seemingly ordinary items: household tools, children’s toys, pieces of clothing- each carrying a story, a fragment of a life interrupted. Some of these objects reminded us of stories passed down from our parents and grandparents, while others symbolized the absence of those who could not tell their stories. It was through these small, personal items that we sought to show the weight of memory, and how it quietly endures.

To bring the voices of our generation into the space, we created a video installation featuring children and youth from our community. They shared what they know about war, how they learned about Srebrenica, and how this collective memory has shaped who they are. Listening to them speak, some uncertain, some emotional, we were struck by the complexity of being both distant from, and deeply connected to, a tragedy that happened before we were born. Their words gave the exhibition a heartbeat.

One of the most moving parts of the exhibition was a photo collection created by two talented young photographers: Uvejz Bektaš and our fellow YEA, Tesnim Karišik Spahić. Through their lenses, they explored themes of absence, identity, silence, and resilience. These images weren’t just photographs; they were emotional interpretations of remembrance, each frame capturing the tension between what was lost and what endures.

What mattered most to us was not just that people looked, but that they felt. That they reflected. That they spoke. We wanted the exhibition to be more than a static display- we wanted it to be a conversation. And as visitors moved through the space, many shared their own stories, their own memories. In those moments, we understood that remembrance is not about the past alone. It is about how we carry it into the future.

Working on this exhibition was one of the most meaningful experiences of our lives. It was emotionally difficult at times, confronting grief, loss, and injustice, but it was also a reminder of how important it is to give younger generations the space to express history in their own way. Not just as passive listeners, but as participants in the ongoing act of remembrance.

Our hope is that this exhibition was not only a tribute to those we lost in Srebrenica, but also a call- a call for empathy, awareness, and a more compassionate future.

We are deeply grateful to WeBalkans for their support, to the City Museum of Zenica for opening its doors to us, to the photographers who trusted us with their work, and to every visitor who stepped into the exhibition with an open heart.

Memory lives on- not only in monuments, but in the everyday. In us.

From Classroom Dreams to Real Impact: Our Visit to “Vladimir Nazor” School in Podgorica

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Marija Blažević and Selda Jahjagić, Young European Ambassadors, Montenegro

As Young European Ambassadors (YEAs), we often talk about the importance of education, youth empowerment, and the positive role the EU plays in the Western Balkans. But sometimes, we get to experience it all firsthand, and that’s exactly what happened during our recent visit to the newly built “Vladimir Nazor” Primary School in Podgorica, Montenegro.

As part of the Follow-Me Club, we had the opportunity to explore this beautiful school, which was built with support from the European Union through the European Investment Bank (EIB). We were joined by Mr. Damien Sorrell, Head of the EIB Regional Representation to the Western Balkans, whose presence added a special significance to the visit.

From the moment we arrived, we felt incredibly welcomed. Ms. Ljiljana Marković, the school’s director, greeted us with warmth and pride, showing us around the new facilities. With nearly 1,000 pupils, the school now offers bright, modern classrooms and vibrant learning spaces – the kind of environment that inspires both students and teachers every single day. Walking through the halls, we could truly feel the energy of possibility and the promise of future success.

One of the highlights for us was spending time with the students. We talked about our roles as YEAs and shared what it means to be active in our communities and take initiative. The conversations were honest, lively, and full of dreams – from future astronauts and scientists to young artists and athletes. It was inspiring to hear how these young people see their future and how much they value education.

Mr. Sorrell also joined the discussions and reflected on how meaningful it is to witness EU-supported projects in action. Seeing happy, engaged students and dedicated teachers reminded us all of the real impact that cooperation and investment can have, not just on buildings, but on people’s lives.

For us, this wasn’t just a school visit. It was a moment to connect, to listen, and to celebrate how far we’ve come – and how much further we can go when young people are given the space and support to thrive. Education is more than lessons and textbooks. It’s about building futures, shaping leaders, and creating a better tomorrow.

We left “Vladimir Nazor” School with full hearts and renewed motivation to keep working toward a future where every young person in the Western Balkans has the chance to grow, learn, and dream big — in classrooms just like this one.

Empowering Youth Voices: My Journey as a Young European Ambassador at EYE2025

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

 By Vuk Stanojev, Young European Ambassador, Serbia Do you know that feeling when you want to be somewhere where you can experience something special that happens every two years, something that is considered the biggest event for young people in Europe? Well, I just did!  Hi, my name is Vuk, and I was part of the European Youth Event that happened in Strasbourg, France, from the 12th to the 14th of June 2025, with over 9,000 participants from all over Europe. 

What is so special about this event?

If we don’t consider the number of young people in the same place eager to speak, discuss and reshape Europe, then be ready to be amazed even more. This event is held every two years in Strasbourg, and this year it was the sixth edition, which hosted an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 young people in person. All the participants were aged 16 to 30 representing around 160 different nationalities across the EU and beyond. This is the way to make sure all are included, so you can imagine massive participation in more than 450 in-person activities like panels, interactive workshops, quizzes, tours, networking opportunities, and artistic performances. Every activity happened right in the European Parliament, where, besides taking part in the activities, you could roam around Parliament and see for yourself how magnificent it looks both inside and out. Beyond activities in the European Parliament, you also had the opportunity to participate in the dedicated EYE Village, where, at the end of the day, people were enjoying different local performances at the EYE concert. Unfortunately, not all people had the opportunity to come, but even then there was an opportunity to be part of the event online, where it was estimated that there were 1,000 people following talks livestreamed from the Hemicycle. 

From the airport directly to the European Court of Human Rights

Who says you can’t be active after a long travel morning? Right after we stepped foot in Strasbourg, we already had the security check at the Human Rights Building. We heard a presentation from one of the lawyers at the Court’s Registry on the role and work of the Court. Do you know what kind of cases go before the Court? Who are the applicants? As of the end of 2024, the European Court of Human Rights had over 60,000 applications pending before it! While this number had decreased from previous years, it still shows the immense volume of human rights complaints it handles.   After the Court, we headed straight to the Delegation of the European Union to the Council of Europe, where we discussed EU enlargement with the exchange of thoughts on the topic. Speakers on this panel discussion were Ms Vesna Kos, Ambassador of the EU to the Council of Europe; Mr Claus Neukirch, Director of Programme Co-ordination of the Council of Europe; and Mr Cristian Urse, Deputy to the Director of Political Affairs and External Relations at the Council of Europe. After a fruitful discussion on the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the context of EU enlargement, we had the opportunity to talk about protecting media freedom and combating foreign information, manipulation and interference (FIMI) with Mr Tobias Flessenkemper, Head of the Youth Department at the Council of Europe; Ms Katarzyna Sumislawska, Policy Officer and Lead on Awareness-raising on FIMI and Disinformation in the Strategic Communication Division of the European External Action Service; and Ms Elena Brodeala, Member of the Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI)’s Secretariat at the Council of Europe.

What did Young European Ambassadors do at the EYE?

I myself was one of the six inspiring young people representing the network of Young European Ambassadors from the Western Balkans at EYE2025. I am from Novi Sad, Serbia, and this was my first time participating in the event with so many inspiring and active participants. My role here was to support my fellow YEAs on the panel “The role of youth in EU enlargement: What’s at stake?” and participate in one of the 6 slots for the presentation of the “Made of Us” campaign. I was also involved in the “Youth Advisory Masterclass: learn from the YEAs”, where I spoke about my experience as a communicator and activist.  The panel we had as an activity was organised by YEAs and YEAs East. Through our joint efforts, we aimed to share the insights into the EU enlargement process and what the challenges and opportunities for young people in these countries are.  YEA from WB who participated in this panel are Olta Shehu from Albania, Danilo Bulatović from Montenegro and Hana Kulić from Bosnia and Herzegovina. What are your thoughts on the process of EU enlargement? Are you familiar with the accession process or the role of youth in shaping it? Next activity that we all participate in some way is “Made of Us – WB Roadtrip”, where people could get more information about the campaign itself. This campaign showcased how youth influencers from the WB and the EU had the opportunity to travel across the Western Balkans with the aim of showcasing cultural heritage, sustainable initiatives and shared values that are connecting all of us across Europe. Participants had the opportunity to hear about this story as many as 6 times over the 2 days at the EYE! Together with Gresa, we opened one of the workshops with a short quiz about the Western Balkans.  Finally, our Youth Advisory Masterclass, which was a hands-on workshop led by YEAs. This masterclass had the aim to equip participants with knowledge to enhance their skills for youth advisory, advocacy, policy dialogue and youth participation in decision-making processes. Speakers on this masterclass were Katarina Marinković, Gresa Boshtraj and myself, Vuk Stanojev. One of the perks for participants was the real-life examples of interactive activities they learned about and how they can influence policies and drive change in their local communities. I personally shared my journey as an activist at the local level and communicator as YEA with practicalities on how to advocate for young people in your community and beyond. What you could hear from me are:
  • the importance of authenticity and personal stories in direct communication with youth audiences, as your narration needs to resonate with both them and you. 
  •  the importance of understanding that there are differences in communication styles and platforms to reach diverse groups of young people.
  • that active listening is the key for understand the needs and concerns of young people
  • that collaboration and co-creation with your peers is positive thing for a more effective communication strategy.

Conclusion

Overall, my participation in EYE2025 was a nice experience, engaging with high-level officials on EU enlargement and media freedom to co-lead sessions like the “Made of Us” campaign and Youth Advisory Masterclass, which was incredible. This showed me that youth voices must be heard, and they are essential for shaping the future of Europe.  Find your platform, start locally, and build up to the European level; make your voice heard. Every small step you take counts; whether you contribute small things on the local level or make a big step for the better future of Europe, all of them are meaningful drives for change. 

Embracing Innovation, Diversity, and Community at Social Hackathon Umbria 2025

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Emina Balota, Young European Ambassador, Montenegro

This July, from 3 to 6 July, I had the privilege of participating in Social Hackathon Umbria 2025 (SHU2025) in Spello, Italy, as a Young European Ambassador (YEA).

It became one of the most enriching and intense experiences of my year. Our accommodation in Spello was beautiful, and the locals were incredibly kind and welcoming, which made the entire experience even more special.

SHU2025 gathered over 400 participants from 24 countries across different continents, transforming the medieval village of Spello into a living lab of social innovation, youth energy, and community spirit.

Spello: A Village Transformed by Ideas

Walking through Spello’s flower-filled alleys, cobbled streets, and historic gates each day, I felt inspired by how a small community can become a hub for youth-led innovation. Thanks to SHU’s community-based approach, our meal vouchers allowed us to explore Spello’s local trattorias, directly supporting local businesses while immersing ourselves in Umbrian culture through intense hackathon activities.

A Rich, Dynamic Agenda
SHU2025 was not just a hackathon; it was a four-day ecosystem of learning, creating, and connecting, with a packed and diverse agenda:
D-Village Learning Labs:
Coding for girls, VR escape rooms, 3D printing, drone piloting, digital journalism, and robotics workshops, providing hands-on digital skill development for young participants.
Young people of all ages explored how to use technology creatively and responsibly.

SHU Young Makers Programme:
Participants aged 16–30 designed, prototyped, and pitched solutions for social challenges, guided by mentors and facilitators, including myself.
It was inspiring to see projects addressing environmental sustainability, accessibility, digital inclusion, and heritage protection come to life.

Cultural Integration Activities:
Unmasking Parade in Spello’s main square, celebrating cultural diversity with colours, music, and local residents joining in.
A multicultural welcome aperitivo at the Biblioteca Comunale square.
Open-air cinema under the stars with a documentary on youth social impact stories.
Yoga and morning hikes in the olive groves to start the days with calm energy.

Evening Networking and Celebrations:
A lively SHU2025 party at Villa Fidelia gardens with music and intercultural dance.
Informal networking dinners with local and international changemakers.
The SHU Awards Night at Ca’Rapillo, where teams pitched their solutions and celebrated their accomplishments.

Workshops and Talks:
Pitching masterclasses, social impact funding sessions, and design thinking workshops for youth innovators.
Panel discussions on digital literacy, youth mobility, and community building in rural areas.

Community Engagement:
SHU2025 engaged Spello’s local community, with residents participating in open labs and parents bringing children to explore technology in a safe and inclusive environment.

The Power of Diversity and Collaboration

SHU2025 was a living example of diversity in action. Participants came from Kenya, Benin, Brazil, France, Italy, and the Western Balkans, bringing their perspectives and cultural experiences to every conversation.

Despite language and background differences, we were united by a shared goal: using technology and creativity to build solutions for a more inclusive, sustainable society. Working late into the evenings with young participants, mentoring their pitch decks, and helping refine their ideas reminded me how empowered youth are unstoppable changemakers when given space and guidance.

A Space for Learning and Inspiration
Through the D-Village and hackathon, young people learned:
– How to design user-friendly digital tools for community challenges.
– How to pitch confidently in front of diverse audiences.
– How to collaborate across cultures and backgrounds.
– The importance of community-driven innovation.
It was moving to see young participants confidently demo their VR solutions or eco-friendly apps they had designed in just 48 hours, sharing their passion for impact.

 Gratitude
A huge thank you to the entire SHU2025 team for creating such a welcoming, dynamic, and joyful environment. Your commitment to empowering youth, supporting learning, and making innovation accessible is deeply inspiring.

As a Young European Ambassador, SHU2025 reinforced my commitment to youth mobility, digital skill-building, and fostering cross-cultural cooperation to create a more connected, resilient Europe and neighbourhood region.

Final Reflections
SHU2025 was much more than a hackathon. It was a celebration of community, creativity, and collective action, proving that even in a small village, big ideas can thrive when people come together.
For all young changemakers:
– Seek spaces like SHU.
– Dare to bring your ideas to life.
– Trust in collaboration, creativity, and your power to shape your communities.
If you ever get the chance to participate in SHU, take it! It is an experience that will leave you energised, connected, and ready to continue creating positive change.

Follow me Club: YEAs Experience Digital Innovation at INNOFEIT EDIH in Skopje

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By Stefan Atanasovski Trajkovic   The Follow me Club recently had the chance to step into the heart of digital innovation in North Macedonia. As Young European Ambassadors, we visited INNOFEIT EDIH (European Digital Innovation Hub) at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies (FEIT) in Skopje in May 2025. This visit gave us a close-up look at how one of the country’s most forward-looking initiatives is helping businesses and public institutions improve through digital tools. INNOFEIT EDIH is the first of its kind in North Macedonia, and it supports companies and public services as they explore and adopt technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics. To share this experience with others, we also created a short social media reel during the visit to showcase how the EU is actively supporting innovation in our region. A Hands-On Look at Europe’s Digital Innovation Network INNOFEIT EDIH officially opened in early 2025 and is now part of a larger EU-funded network of European Digital Innovation Hubs. This network exists to support the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and public services across Europe. What makes this hub important is that it brings access to high-level technologies right to our doorstep. We’re talking about real tools like cybersecurity systems, smart sensors, computer vision, and even digital twin technology, not just abstract concepts. While walking through the center, we learned how the hub provides “Test Before Invest” services, meaning companies can try out technologies in a safe and supported environment before deciding to invest in them. Alongside this, the hub offers technical advice, training, and help with finding financing for innovation. What really stood out to us was how the hub tailors its work to fit the needs of local industries. It focuses on key sectors from North Macedonia’s Smart Specialization Strategy, including smart agriculture and food processing, modern construction materials, advanced manufacturing, and energy solutions. It helped us see how EU support can connect global innovation with local challenges. Connecting the Western Balkans to Europe’s Digital Future INNOFEIT EDIH is part of a broader vision for the Western Balkans. Through the EU’s Growth Plan and Digital Europe Programme, seven EDIHs have been launched across five Western Balkan countries, with over €5.6 million in funding to support these hubs. They’re not just offices with tech – they’re one-stop shops where businesses and institutions can learn, grow, and connect to a wider European network. These hubs make support available in local languages and share best practices across countries. During our visit, we saw how INNOFEIT EDIH is also working to close the digital skills gap, which affects many people in our region. The hub offers practical training programs for everyone from students to professionals, covering everything from basic digital tools to advanced skills like AI and cybersecurity.

Why This Visit Matters to Us

This visit reminded us that the EU’s support isn’t just about policies or funding — it’s about creating real opportunities for people in our countries. At INNOFEIT EDIH, we saw how cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans is turning ideas into action. The hub is not only building technical capacity – it’s building confidence and opening doors for the next generation of innovators. We want young people across the Western Balkans to know that these kinds of projects are meant for them too. Whether you’re into tech, entrepreneurship, public service, or just want to build your digital skills – places like INNOFEIT EDIH are here to help. To get a feel for what we experienced, check out the reel we created during our visit. And stay tuned as we continue exploring how EU-supported projects are shaping our region’s future, one innovation at a time.