The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, visited Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia on 22–23 May 2025.
“The Western Balkans are of strategic importance to the European Union. EU enlargement in this region is our most significant geopolitical project and also my personal priority”, said Kallas. The key messages she delivered during each meeting underlined that the EU expects accession – but that the path comes with clear obligations.
Serbia: No shortcuts on the path to the EUIn Belgrade, Kallas met with the country’s political leadership – President Aleksandar Vučić, Speaker of Parliament Ana Brnabić, and Prime Minister Đuro Macut – as well as opposition parliamentary groups, representatives of active youth organisations and civil society.In her statements to the media, Kallas stressed she had made it clear to government representatives that the EU wants to see Serbia making progress towards accession–this requires political leaders to implement reforms, clarify their strategic direction, and work on normalising relations with Kosovo, recalling that “There are no shortcuts.”, adding that “the best results come from restoring trust and relying on democratic principles”.After meeting with civil society representatives and hearing their calls for aspiration for justice and accountability – which are essential for Serbia to reach its full potential, she added that “their energy is needed to find the way forward.”Kosovo: EU has begun to gradually lift measures
In Pristina, Kallas met acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, leaders of major political parties, and civil-society representatives. She encouraged authorities to overcome the political deadlock and swiftly form a government.
“Leaders must set aside their divisions and prioritise Kosovo’s future. It is encouraging that EU membership is supported by the majority of Kosovars across the political spectrum. Kosovo belongs to the European family – but there are no shortcuts to EU membership”, stressing that Kosovo needs functional institutions capable of effectively implementing reforms.
“A key priority remains the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. You are equal partners at the table. As the European Union and as High Representative, I will continue to support this process. The dismantling of Serbia-supported structures in the north undermines efforts towards de-escalation”, Kallas emphasised.
She confirmed that the EU had begun to gradually lift the measures introduced in June 2023, explaining that this decision opens the door to greater opportunities for Kosovo’s development and closer ties with Europe – but she also underlined that continued progress is conditional on sustainable de-escalation in the north.
The EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, she added, offers Kosovo “a major opportunity for gradual integration into the single market
During her brief stay in Kosovo, she also visited EULEX forces stationed there.
“Our EULEX mission continues to support the rule of law in Kosovo, but the current political framework and stalemate are holding Kosovo back. The European Union is ready to support you – but political leaders must set aside their divisions and focus on Kosovo’s future”, she reiterated.
North Macedonia: “You are a reliable partner”
After meeting the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, Kallas reassured the country belongs to the European family and the EU stands by it on its path to integration. She highlighted that North Macedonia was the first in the region to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU and the first to benefit from the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
“You are a reliable partner, and although the road to membership is not easy, my message is: stay the course. We know there are obstacles, but we discussed ways to overcome them. North Macedonia is the first regional beneficiary of the Growth Plan and the first to sign the Security and Defence Partnership with the EU. This partnership promotes joint action on Ukraine, hybrid threats, and counter-terrorism – and it shows that gradual integration works in practice. But we both want more, that is very clear. Your contribution to EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a clear example of your role as a reliable partner in regional security. I commend the strong efforts your government has made on its reform agenda”, Kallas said after the meeting.
Kallas pledged to North Macdonia that the EU would offer even greater support going forward – whether in strengthening the rule of law, fighting corruption, or modernising public administration.
In North Macedonia, together with the Minister of Defense, the Chief of General Staff of the Army of North Macedonia, the EU Ambassador and the EU Defense Attaché, Kallas visited the Balkan Medical Task Force (BMTF).
This was Kaja Kallas’ second trip to the Western Balkans since assuming the role of High Representative – in April she visited Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Throughout this tour, she once again emphasised the need for regional stability and, in Serbia, stressed Serbia’s important role in ensuring regional stability, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Civil society actors from five Western Balkan countries have come together around a project, united by a shared commitment to advancing the green and digital transition through circular economy and eco-innovation.
Led by Montenegro’s Community Impact Accelerator – Zid (ADP-Zid), EICEE – Western Balkan Eco-Innovation and Circular Economy Ecosystem is a forty-month intervention carried out in collaboration with organisations from Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim to create a strong regional network for the circular economy and raise awareness in the region about the importance of circular economy through educational programmes.
Up to now, five country reports have been published each providing knowledge on each respective country’s situation in relation to circular economy but also shedding light on the importance of an adoption of circular economy practices as the countries’ path to cultivating European values.
EICEE is particularly important in line with the 2020 Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, signed by WB leaders in Sofia, which is a testament to EU’s commitment to support circular economy development in the Western Balkans through policy alignment, funding, and technical assistance. The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans’ focus areas include: circular economy, decarbonization, pollution reduction and biodiversity and ecosystem protection, which in essence, mirror the EU’s Green Deal.
With an EU support of over one and a half million euro, the EICEE project has already intervened in each respective country, making steps forwards to matching the EU’s good practices when it comes to eliminating waste and promoting the continual use of resources.
National baseline reports have been completed in all partner countries, offering a comprehensive analysis of the circular economy. In addition, legal analysis as well as policy papers have been developed, outlining strategic recommendations for the alignment of Western Balkan economies with European Green Deal principles and the Circular Economy Action Plan. All these steps have laid ground for five innovation spaces that are currently being established or equipped across the partner countries, each tailored to national needs but operating within a unified regional concept.
These spaces are envisioned as physical nodes of the EICEE ecosystem and will serve as platforms for prototyping, training, community
12 Makerspace – Montenegro
Run by ADP-Zid in Podgorica, Montenegro, I2 Makerspace functions as the national center for the development of eco-designed and upcycled products. This space offers access to tools, equipment, and expert mentoring for innovators and social enterprises aiming to develop 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) solutions. It also serves as an educational and co-creation hub, especially for youth and emerging entrepreneurs.
3R Space – Kosovo
Established by LENS in Peja, Kosovo, 3R Space is a facility dedicated to the recycling and creative re-use of electronic waste. The center combines practical innovation with digital tools and training, empowering local communities to understand and engage with e-waste management, while contributing to the development of sustainable digital products.
Ništo Novo – North Macedonia
Campaigns, exhibitions and learning programs that engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from students to decision-makers, are at the core of Ništo Novo run by ARNO in North Macedonia. This regional awareness center serves as a national platform for education, visibility and public promotion of circular economy practices.
Deli Center – Serbia
In Serbia, Deli Center expanded its existing coworking model into a space that integrates digital solutions for circular economy processes. This center supports both product development using natural materials (such as clay) and experimentation with digital fabrication and eco-design. It is also a point of convergence for creative professionals, green entrepreneurs, and educators.
Matchmakers Center – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Launched by the Green Building Council, the Matchmakers Center in Bosnia and Herzegovina acts as a national coordination point linking producers from the social and green economy with the mainstream industry. It facilitates partnerships, technology transfer, and the scaling of circular products, while also supporting market access and visibility for small enterprises.
Each center has a clearly defined focus and function, avoiding duplication of services, while at the same time contributing to a shared regional ecosystem. Together, they form a living infrastructure for innovation, education, product development, and policy support in the circular economy sector. Through their collaboration, the centers foster cross-border partnerships, promote exchange of good practices, and enable testing of new models for sustainable production and community development.
These spaces also serve as anchors for broader project activities, including mentoring, study visits, prototyping, and capacity-building for civil society organizations, social enterprises, and SMEs. As such, the regional infrastructure developed through EICEE represents both a practical and symbolic step toward a greener, more integrated, and innovation-driven Western Balkans.
By Selda and Martin – Young European Ambassadors from the Western Balkans
Europe Day in Brussels? At first, it might sound like it’s all about red tape and serious faces behind glass offices. But in reality, it’s quite the opposite. Imagine 15,000 people walking through the doors of EU institutions, live music playing in the background, hands full of sweets and brochures, and curious minds exploring everything from quizzes to VR stations. That’s the Europe Day we experienced, and this is the story of how six Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) from the Western Balkans spent three unforgettable days in Brussels.
Day 1 – Open Doors, Open Minds
Every year on May 9th, the EU celebrates the anniversar y of the Schuman Declaration- when, in 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed a new form of European cooperation to prevent future wars. That idea became the foundation for today’s European Union. To mark this day, EU institutions in Brussels open their doors to the public to bring EU citizens closer to the decision-making bodies that shape their lives.
This year, we. YEAs from Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo* were right there in the middle of it all. At our joint stand inside the European Commission’s Berlaymont building, we presented the Young European Ambassadors Network in a “Living Library” format. We spoke with visitors of all ages about our home countries, the work we do as YEAs, and how our region contributes to the European story. Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib even stopped by to see our activities!
Yes- on that day, we basically worked for the European Commission like it was no big deal! It was a surreal yet empowering experience. Across the institutions, various EU agencies set up engaging, interactive booths filled with games, installations, and quizzes, turning a day of civic engagement into something that felt more like a festival.
Day 2 – Museums, Stories, and Lightbulb Moment
We began the second day at the House of European History. Now, we’ll be honest- some of us usually only visit museums when it rains. But this one was something else. It’s not your classic dusty exhibition hall; instead, it takes you on a stunning visual journey through Europe’s past—from revolutions and wars to unity and modern-day challenges.
Our favorite moment? A towering installation that stretches across all the museum’s floors. As you walk up, you move through the layers of European history, discovering how ideas, people, and events have shaped the continent. Standing there, it rea lly hit us: the Western Balkans have always been part of this story- culturally, historically, and humanly. We may not be “inside” the EU just yet, but our place in the European narrative is undeniable.
Later, we headed to the Parlamentarium, the European Parliament’s interactive visitor center. Available in every EU language, it offers virtual tours, simulations, and multimedia exhibits that explain how the Parliament works, how decisions are made, and how citizens are represented. It’s designed for everyone- from kids to policy nerds- and honestly, we didn’t want to leave.
Day 3 – Behind the Scenes of Enlargement: A Love Story in the Making
On our final day in Brussels, we traded museums for something equally eye-opening- a deep dive into the EU’s enlargement machinery. The Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood takes forward the EU’s Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood policies (DG ENEST), we had the chance to meet with some of the people who quite literally think about the Western Balkans every day. Among them was Agathe Nowak, a Policy Officer working on the EU enlargement process, who helped us understand how this journey has evolved from 1957 to today. We also spoke with Anja Nagel, who leads the private sector team within the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), and Klara Orlowska, who focuses on energy and manages programmes like EU4Energy in the Eastern Neighbourhood.
Together, they gave us an inside look at what’s coming next, from the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans to efforts around digital transformation and the EU’s Green Agenda. What stood out most was how concrete everything felt. These weren’t just policy ideas on paper- these were real people working on real projects that are already shaping reforms in our home countries, paving the way for future membership. If you’re curious about what that looks like in practice, keep an eye on WeBalkans channels- it’s all happening there.
Our meeting with the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) left a lasting impression on us. Inspired by everything we learned- from funding instruments to real-life impact- we decided to create a digital booklet highlighting WBIF funding opportunities in the Western Balkans. It’s our way of sharing the knowledge and opportunities we gained with the rest of the YEA network, helping more young people understand how they can get involved in shaping the region’s future
From meaningful conversations and official meetings to spontaneous laughter, chocolate breaks, and snapping photos in front of every EU flag we could find, these three days reminded us why we do what we do as Young European Ambassadors. The Western Balkans are not just future members of the EU; we’re already part of its heart and story. And celebrating Europe Day right in Brussels? That just made it feel a little more real.
From Brussels, with love.
Dimitar Atanasovski is our Young European Ambassador from Bitola, North Macedonia. With a strong passion for civic engagement and youth empowerment, Dimitar has been actively involved in activism from a young age. His dedication to creating positive change in his community has earned him the respect of his peers and positioned him as a leader among young people in Bitola and beyond. Over the years, Dimitar has taken on numerous leadership roles, most notably serving as the president of the student assembly at the University of St. Kliment Ohridski in Bitola. In this role, he advocates for student rights, organizes initiatives to improve campus life, and ensures that the voices of young people are heard in decision-making processes. In addition to his university involvement, Dimitar is also a committed member of his municipality’s Local Youth Council. Through this municipal platform, he works closely with local authorities to address issues affecting youth, propose innovative solutions, and promote greater youth participation in public life. His experience in both academic and municipal structures reflects his deep commitment to strengthening democratic values, fostering active citizenship, and building a more inclusive society for future generations.
Dimitar Atanasovski is our Young European Ambassador from Bitola, North Macedonia. With a strong passion for civic engagement and youth empowerment, Dimitar has been actively involved in activism from a young age. His dedication to creating positive change in his community has earned him the respect of his peers and positioned him as a leader among young people in Bitola and beyond. Over the years, Dimitar has taken on numerous leadership roles, most notably serving as the president of the student assembly at the University of St. Kliment Ohridski in Bitola. In this role, he advocates for student rights, organizes initiatives to improve campus life, and ensures that the voices of young people are heard in decision-making processes. In addition to his university involvement, Dimitar is also a committed member of his municipality’s Local Youth Council. Through this municipal platform, he works closely with local authorities to address issues affecting youth, propose innovative solutions, and promote greater youth participation in public life. His experience in both academic and municipal structures reflects his deep commitment to strengthening democratic values, fostering active citizenship, and building a more inclusive society for future generations.
Serbia joined the geographical scope of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) following the positive decision by the European Payments Council (EPC). This is a practical example of the impact of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, an EU initiative to accelerate the socio-economic integration of the Western Balkans and its citizens into the EU, including through progressive access to certain areas of the EU single market based on alignment with the EU acquis Communautaire.
As a result of the European Payments Council decision, the payment service providers of Serbia will have the possibility to adhere to the various SEPA schemes that are managed by the EPC.
This step paves the way for the facilitation of financial transfers in euro and for the reduction of the cost and processing time of these transactions between their citizens, businesses and other SEPA members. It is therefore contributing to a sustained economic growth, with direct benefits for Serbian citizens.
The European Commission will continue to support the preparation of Serbia’s payment service providers and the country’s further alignment with the EU acquis in the area of financial services, which, among other important policy areas, is fundamental to Serbia’s path to accession.
Background
The European Payments Council (EPC) is an independent, international not-for-profit association formed of 83 members who are payment service providers (PSPs) or associations of PSPs. The EPC was created in 2002 by the European banking industry to develop European instruments for electronic euro payments. Today, close to 4,000 banks and other payment service providers participate in SEPA schemes.
In close dialogue with the stakeholder community, the EPC has developed, among other things, “schemes”, such as the SEPA Credit Transfer, the SEPA Instant Credit Transfer and the SEPA Direct Debit scheme. These schemes, which facilitated over 50 billion transactions in 36 countries last year, are regularly updated and enhanced by the EPC to help realise easy cross-border euro payments.
The fifth meeting of the Accession Conference with Albania was held today in Brussels. The meeting served to open negotiations with Albania on the so-called cluster 3: competitiveness and inclusive growth.
This cluster includes the following negotiating chapters:
Chapter 10 – Digital transformation and media,
Chapter 16 – Taxation,
Chapter 17 – Economic and monetary policy,
Chapter 19 – Social policy and employment,
Chapter 20 – Enterprise and industrial policy,
Chapter 25 – Science and research,
Chapter 26 – Education and culture,
Chapter 29 – Customs union
The EU also set benchmarks for the provisional closure of these chapters.
This follows the opening of the first cluster on ‘Fundamentals’, the sixth cluster on ‘External relations’ and the second cluster on ‘Internal market’ at the Accession Conferences with Albania held on 15 October 2024, 17 December 2024, and 14 April 2025, respectively.
Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis and relevant European standards will continue throughout the negotiations.
The Accession Conference will return to this cluster at an appropriate moment.
The European Union delegation was led by Ambassador Agnieszka Bartol, Permanent Representative of Poland to the EU, on behalf of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, with the participation of Commission Director General Gert Jan Koopman. The Albanian delegation was led by Mr Igli Hasani, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania.
Background
Following the introduction of the revised methodology for the accession negotiations in 2020, negotiating chapters are divided in six thematic clusters:
Fundamentals
Internal market
Competitiveness and inclusive growth
Green agenda and sustainable connectivity
Resources, agriculture and cohesion
External relations
Negotiations on the Fundamentals cluster are the first to be opened and the last to be closed, and progress under this cluster will determine the overall pace of negotiations.
The European Union, like most democratic countries around the world, marks 17th May as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). Protecting the rights of members of the LGBTIQ+ community is one of the EU’s key priorities.
Since the end of the 90s of the last century, the EU has been advocating for the equality of lesbians, gay men, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer individuals, and other sexual minorities, in line with its strong commitment to promoting and protecting fundamental human rights for all. Yet, these groups still face discrimination across the world, including in the Western Balkans. The EU works to raise public awareness of LGBTIQ+ rights, while also taking practical steps to improve protection and social inclusion for these communities, both in member states and in candidate countries. One such practical example is a safe house for LGBTIQ+ victims of discrimination which located in Sarajevo, at a confidential address and operated by the Wings of Hope Foundation.
“The house opened in 2024, and in April we celebrated its one-year anniversary. We were able to create this safe space thanks to the understanding and support of the EU and the Council of Europe. Many LGBTIQ+ people experience various forms of abuse, including physical violence, even in their own homes after coming out. For some persons their families may withdraw financial or emotional support, making continued schooling impossible, or schools themselves may refuse reasonable accommodation. For them this shelter is crucial to have a space where they can find protection”, says Nejla Zejnilagić, a coordinator at Wings of Hope.
This safe house operates on the same principles as shelters for women survivors of domestic violence.
“We are offering a roof over their heads, food, hygiene products, and psychological support, which we provide in cooperation with the Sarajevo Open Centre. Adults over the age of 18 can stay for up to six months or less if they become self-sufficient sooner”, says Zejnilagić. She adds that the safe house can host up to six residents and currently serves only people from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At the time of the interview with WeBalkans four people were staying at the house, all saying that “this free and safe space has changed their lives”.
Coordinator Zejnilagić also mentions a visit from a like-minded organisation in Serbia, which expressed interest in implementing a similar project. In addition to the safe house, the EU is supporting several training courses and educational initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina aimed at recognising and combating hate speech, including those targeted at civil servants. Similar activities are taking place in North Macedonia and Albania.
In North Macedonia, the first national helpline for members of the LGBTIQ+ community was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a project promoting diversity and equality. However, the helpline has since been shut down. Currently, members of the LGBTIQ+ community in the country can access counselling services provided by the organisation EGAL, and a new SOS line is expected to be launched soon.
“Thanks to EU support, we will be launching a green line with the number 0800-66666, which will operate 24/7 in Macedonian. We will also provide psychological support and one-on-one sessions for LGBTIQ+ victims of violence. Additionally, we are seeking funding to reopen the LGBTIQ+ safe house we were forced to close a few months ago”, said Ivana Kostovska, director of the now-closed safe house in Skopje.
In Albania 2024 saw the first symbolic same-sex wedding, made possible through the efforts and support of the EU. However, same-sex marriage is still not legally recognised in the country. Through the “Proud of Rights” project in Albania, the EU has focused on promoting equality, social inclusion, and non-discrimination of women and LGBTIQ+ individuals. This project includes youth training, awareness-raising campaigns, and capacity building for civil-society organisations in cities such as Tirana, Shkodër, and Lezhë. Albania also has a national action plan for the LGBTIQ+ community for the period 2021–2027, supported by the EU’s efforts at the UN, especially through UNDP.
The EU also strongly supports the LGBTIQ+ community in Serbia and Montenegro. In Montenegro, the project “Combating Hate and Intolerance” backed the development of the National LGBTI Strategy for the 2024–2029 period, as well as an evaluation of the previous strategy (2019–2023). In Serbia, awareness-raising efforts are ongoing. In both countries, EU delegations actively support Pride events. Every year, to mark Pride, the EU Delegation to Serbia is lit up in the colours of the LGBTIQ+ flag.
In Kosovo the EU supports various activities commemorating IDAHOT including poetry nights and the promotion of the first LGBTIQ+ radio show “Lequ Zemër”. The EU also supports the Centre for Equality and Liberty (CEL) which works to strengthen the LGBT community by preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, raising public awareness of LGBTIQ+ rights and advocating for equal rights in accordance with the country’s constitution and laws. Over the years, this Centre has organised advocacy campaigns, promoted social change, and provided psychosocial support, free legal assistance, housing, and other resources. In 2024 alone, the EU supported a range of CEL initiatives aimed at empowering the LGBTIQ+ community, such as professional make-up training, media monitoring of hate speech, student advocacy scholarships, and legal aid workshops. The EU also gave strong backing to Pride Week in Pristina, which concluded with a Pride Parade.
On 17 May 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of diseases, and this date was subsequently designated as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). The EU and its member states are committed to key legal instruments including the Treaty of Amsterdam (1997), “the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (2000), and various anti-discrimination directives. The results of a 2024 survey conducted by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) revealed that 37% of LGBTIQ+ individuals had encountered some form of “conversion therapy” — a practice aimed at “curing” sexual orientation and/or gender identity which has far-reaching negative consequences.
All EU membership candidates in the Western Balkans region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) celebrated Europe Day with various festivities. Across the cities, concerts, exhibitions, theatre performances, interactive workshops, and quizzes took place, involving participants of all generations—primarily young people—as well as artists from the region and EU member states.
In Albania, much of May was dedicated to the EU through various artistic events held at multiple venues under the common theme of EU Weeks – A Space for Creativity. “The EU is a complex construct encompassing many different identities, pasts, histories, and cultures, and yet everyone lives together, connected by a sense of belonging to Europe and a shared desire for peace and a good life. I can’t think of a better way to live,” said Žaklina, one of the artists who took part in the activities.
To mark Europe Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina, secondary school students in four cities took part in workshops where they assumed roles such as EU leaders, diplomats, representatives of EU member and candidate countries, activists, and journalists, engaging in processes of negotiation and decision-making. Through active debate and teamwork, they explored the complexity of these processes.
Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative in the country, stated on the occasion that young people are not mere observers in the EU accession process.
“They are already shaping the conversation, and their voices will shape the future,” said Soreca. The EU Delegation noted that the young participants “demonstrated an impressive level of diplomacy, public speaking, critical thinking, and mutual respect and understanding in overcoming differences.”
One of the participants commented that it was not easy: “It’s really hard to always have solid arguments for what you want, and sometimes you need to let go of ideas that seem brilliant. But we need to learn how to act, because the EU is about compromise—and that is our future. The idea of human rights and travelling without borders, with the chance to live, study, and work in such a vast space, is very appealing,” said Amna from Mostar.
Europe Day is an official holiday in Kosovo, and to mark the occasion, citizens enjoyed a variety of events: creative workshops for children, traditional food from various EU member states, classical music and children’s choir concerts, films from European countries. In North Mitrovica, the student dormitory was decorated with a mural celebrating EU values, and participants said there was plenty of laughter, joy, and cheer.
In Montenegro, Europe Day celebrations included the Ministry of European Integration, in cooperation with local municipalities and with EU support through the EU4ME project, organising the European Tour – Games Without Borders from 9 to 20 May. The events took place in six cities (Nikšić, Žabljak, Pljevlja, Berane, Petnjica and Bar), featuring competitions for upper primary school pupils to showcase their knowledge of the EU. They were enthusiastically supported by parents, representatives of the Montenegrin Government, the EU Delegation and EU embassies, as well as famous athletes from the host cities. In general, the whole month of May in Montenegro was devoted to the EU through art, culture, education, games, and environmental activities across the country. Events also included a concert by the group Perper and performances by a symphony orchestra.
The EU emphasised that Europe Day celebrations serve as a reminder of the Union’s founding principles and values, including stability, prosperity, and unity across Europe. Michalis Rokas, Head of the EU Mission in North Macedonia, stated at the Europe Day celebration there that “the EU has always been built by those who dared to think and act boldly.” “Bold action is still needed from all of us, including future member states. Let us continue to build a Europe that stands for peace, democracy, solidarity and shared values,” said Rokas, during an event where secondary school students from several towns played ElectionVille and demonstrated strong understanding of democratic principles.
In Serbia, the main celebration was held in Belgrade on the banks of the Danube. It featured exhibitions, singing workshops, visits to a pollinator garden, children’s performances, and cooking sessions with recipes from different EU member states. One of the silos was transformed into an artwork by NeSpoon, a Polish artist, who painted it with lace motifs traditionally handmade by Serbian women. “We had such a great time today. The EU seems even more beautiful and appealing now—perhaps not the perfect solution, but there’s no better one now,” said Dejan, whom we met along the Danube.
Europe Day is marked on 9 May in remembrance of the year 1950, when Robert Schuman, then French Foreign Minister, proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, stating that this would make war “not only unthinkable but materially impossible.” On that day, he proposed the Declaration on a United Europe, which is considered the beginning of the formation of the European Union.
“Europe will not be made all at once. It will be built through concrete achievements,” he said at the time. This year, 75 years later, the message Together we are stronger echoed through numerous events.
For years, Perugia has transformed into the world’s journalism hub every April. Thanks to the EU project aimed at public broadcasters in the Western Balkans, “Innovation. Media. Minds.” and the support for public service journalists, this year the trends and innovations from this prestigious event reached the O Radio newsroom.
Journalists, editors, and media researchers from all over the world gathered to exchange experiences with colleagues and learn about key challenges and directions for the profession’s development. The number one topic in Perugia this year was media sustainability, considering a series of decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump to cut funding for media and media projects. Significant attention was also given to reporting from war-affected areas.
My focus, however, was on new media formats, the use of artificial intelligence, and social media as a source of information. Among the many inspiring speakers was TikTok journalism pioneer and former BBC author, Sophia Smith Galer. For two consecutive years, she has won the British Journalism Award for innovation and was listed on Forbes’ list of the most influential women in England under 30. This TikTok author has over 140 million views, and in Perugia, she shared her insights on how to reach a younger audience and where, if at all, the boundary lies between informing through social media and traditional media.
The festival program was so diverse and rich that the most challenging part was deciding what to follow, as about ten sessions were held simultaneously every day, with at least 50 sessions in total daily. Given that young people are my focus, I attended several panels and workshops discussing new formats and ways to tell a story. Some examples include using humor in informative content, collaborating with influencers, and developing a specially designed communication channel with the audience.
When it comes to journalism, artificial intelligence is an unavoidable topic. Journalists from numerous global newsrooms already use various AI tools and shared their experiences. At the same time, it was a place where creators of certain AI systems presented their products, and I took the exclusive opportunity to register RTV and O Radio for a one-year free trial of the you.com system. This tool is intended for journalists and those dealing with information and data, and the package includes an AI agent service. The unanimous stance I bring from the journalism festival in Perugia regarding journalism and artificial intelligence is that the final decision on content must still be editorial and human.
The festival in Perugia confirmed that journalism is changing at an incredible speed, as are the ways of obtaining information and audience habits. New generations get informed on social media, and trends show that globally, by the end of this year, more than 80% of content will come from social media. Therefore, for traditional media, the key challenges are innovation and the readiness to adapt to new trends and conditions.
Participating in the Journalism Festival in Perugia was definitely one of the most inspiring events for me professionally. Besides the incredible number of lecturers and topics covered, meeting colleagues from around the world and exchanging concrete experiences was equally useful and interesting. I am grateful that the EU project “Innovation. Media. Minds.” recognized the important role of journalists and editors in public services and provided the opportunity and support for learning and professional development. The next step is to apply the acquired experience and knowledge, which I believe will soon be recognized in O Radio’s future projects.
Funded by the European Union, the Innovation. Media. Minds Program: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans, is managed by the Goethe-Institut on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with its implementing partner DW Akademie. The contents of this story are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
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