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Author: WeBalkans

Anduena Ibro

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: Health and sustainability, communications and social media

Anduena Ibro is a medical student from Albania with a strong dedication to youth engagement, civic participation, and social impact. Beyond her academic pursuits, she has represented Albanian youth in international Erasmus+ programmes, European conferences, and council-level meetings, tackling issues like peacebuilding, sustainability, and intercultural dialogue. Her collaborations span Finland, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Spain, fostering transnational cooperation and youth-led projects. 

Since 2019, Anduena has volunteered and advocated for initiatives on climate awareness, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion. A standout moment in her journey was receiving a mini-grant to combat stigma toward women cancer survivors. Passionate about empowering young voices, she works to build a generation that not only talks about change, but actively drives it.

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Luena Mullaj

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: Climate and environment, agriculture and farming

Luena Mullaj is an energy and climate expert with an academic background in Environmental Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Her work sits at the intersection of climate policy, sustainable energy systems, and circular economy solutions, combining strategic policy engagement with technical environmental expertise across national and international levels. She has contributed to multiple IFI-funded infrastructure and environmental projects in Albania, supporting EIA and ESIA assessments, national climate and energy strategy development, and alignment with EU decarbonization frameworks. 

Luena has been recognized through highly selective international programs, including as the only Western Balkans fellow of the BeVisioneers Fellowship by the Mercedes-Benz Foundation, a Youth Delegate within the Union for the Mediterranean Energy and Climate Cohort, selected from over 450 applicants, and a contributor to the YOUNGO Energy Working Group, shaping international youth-driven climate policy. She is also the founder of a circular economy platform helping Albanian businesses align with EU environmental standards, creating scalable and regionally replicable systems. Luena continues to advance climate policy and regulatory innovation across the Western Balkans, driving sustainable energy and environmental transitions that can serve as models for broader European efforts.

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Edit Babameto

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: Health and sustainability, communications and social media

My name is Edit Babameto, a Young European Ambassador with the WeBalkans, passionate about integrating the Western Balkans within the European Union step by step, and making EU topics a little less intimidating for young people. Having graduated summa cum laude, I hold a Master of Science in “Policies and Governance in Europe”. I have previously completed two traineeships at the European Parliament in Brussels, working with the Western Balkans Delegation. This experience gave me a close look at how European policy, diplomacy, and regional cooperation actually happen behind the scenes. Along the way, I became quite fluent in Brussels bureaucracy, although I have yet to learn how to navigate when a “final draft” is actually final, and how many cups of coffee it takes to get us there. Through my work and engagement, I am particularly interested in strengthening dialogue between the European Union and the Western Balkans and encouraging greater youth participation in European affairs. 

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Ritvana Hajdari

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: Health and sustainability, communications and social media

Ritvana Hajdari is a Clinical Psychology student at the University of Tirana and a youth policy analyst committed to strengthening democratic participation, social inclusion, and youth empowerment in Albania and the Western Balkans. Originally from Tropoja, she works to bridge local communities with national and European opportunities. 

As a Policy Analyst at Civic Resistance (Qëndresa Qytetare), she contributes to research and evidence-based recommendations focused on youth development, education, and mental health policy. She is a member of the U.S. Embassy Youth Council and serves as Senior Advisor at GLOW Club Tropoja, supporting leadership development and civic engagement among young people. Ritvana has represented Albania in international youth forums, including the British Council’s study visit program, and is a member of the United Nations Youth Advisory Group (UNYAG) in Albania. Through her work, she promotes European values, youth participation, and inclusive policymaking, with a strong focus on mental health advocacy and community resilience. 

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Dea Luleta

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Albania

Interests: Business and entrepreneurship, international relations

I am Dea, an engineering student at the Polytechnic University of Tirana driven by the belief that innovation must be guided by both logic and responsibility. My academic path has not only shaped my analytical thinking and discipline, but it has also strengthened my commitment to using knowledge in ways that serve society and create lasting impact. 

I thrive in collaborative environments where ideas develop through dialogue and shared effort. I am committed to amplifying youth voices by creating spaces where they are heard, valued and empowered. I see myself as a leader in service grounded in integrity and action. I believe meaningful change happens when young people work together with courage intention and a sense of collective responsibility 

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Helena Stanković

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Montenegro

Interests: International relations, media, arts and culture

Helena Stanković is a student at the Department of Political Science – International Relations at the University of Montenegro. A sense of mission to inspire young leaders to evolve through pursuing knowledge shapes her as an individual. Helena feels a strong connection to foreign cultures, languages, and philosophy, and believes that humanity will endure only by preserving the principles upon which nations were built: solidarity and curiosity. She is a visionary who loves mentally stimulating environments that gather creative people together. 

Helena′s main interests focus on cultural diplomacy and policymaking, with a deep passion for arts and crafts. Through the Young European Ambassadors network, Helena aims to promote human dignity, a more interconnected Europe and cultural dialogue. 

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Selma Teskeredžić-Krkbešević

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA.

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Interests: Arts & Culture, Human Rights

Selma Teskeredžić-Krkbešević is a piano professor, young activist, arts manager, and youth mentor based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She currently teaches piano at the Secondary Music School Sarajevo, where she guides young musicians in both technical mastery and artistic expression, fostering creativity, discipline, and confidence in the next generation.

In addition to her teaching, Selma serves as the Integrity Manager of the school, oversees its public relations and event coordination, and participates in organizational committees for national-level arts competitions, contributing to the development and promotion of arts education across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Selma holds a Master’s degree in Musical Arts – Piano from the Academy of Music, University of Sarajevo, where she received two Golden Badges in recognition of exceptional academic achievement and outstanding contributions to the field of music, two Golden pendant of the City of Sarajevo from our former major Benjamina Karić. During her studies, she served two terms as Student Vice-Dean and as Vice-President of the Student Association at the Academy of Music, demonstrating leadership, organizational skills, and advocacy for student initiatives. She has performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician at events including the celebration of Austria’s national holiday at the Austrian Embassy in Sarajevo, the Concert Season of the Academy of Music, the “Majske muzičke svečanosti” festival, “Students on Stage”, “Sarajevo Winter” festival, and the “Queen’s Platinum Jubilee”, among others. Her training spans classical and contemporary repertoires, and she has performed in a variety of national and regional concerts, competitions, and cultural events, demonstrating versatility and professional excellence.

She has participated in masterclasses with internationally recognized professors such as Boris Kraljević (Singapore), Ruben Dalbaltayan (Croatia), Philippe Raskin (Belgium), Konstantin Krasnitsky (Croatia), Katarina Krpan (Croatia), Jokut Mihailović (Serbia), Julija Gubajdulina (Croatia), and Bernhard Parz (Austria). Selma has won multiple first and second prizes in national competitions representing her school in solo and chamber music, and is a laureate of the 1st Cantonal Competition of the Secondary Music School Sarajevo.

Complementing her musical expertise, Selma holds a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Faculty of Political Science Sarajevo, reflecting her commitment to societal development, youth engagement, and international collaboration. Interdisciplinary expertise allows her to mentor students not only in music but also in leadership, personal development, and navigating opportunities in a globalized world.

In October 2022, Selma was selected and appointed by the European Commission, the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the jury to become a Young European Ambassador for the Western Balkans representing Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as a Peacebuilding Trainer on behalf of the UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Passionate about empowering young people, Selma actively supports initiatives that help Gen Z students explore their potential, connect with their communities, and envision meaningful futures within Europe. Through her teaching, mentorship, and collaborative projects, she promotes critical thinking, cultural exchange, and a sense of belonging, emphasizing that talent, creativity, and resilience can shape a sustainable and vibrant European society.

Selma’s work reflects a commitment to bridging education, culture, and societal impact, making her a prominent voice in discussions about youth development, retention of talent, and the opportunities and challenges facing young people in the Balkans and across Europe.

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The RCC and the ETF sign Memorandum of Understanding to formalise cooperation in human capital development

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Sarajevo, 19 March 2026 – The European Training Foundation (ETF) and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out a collaboration framework for the improvement of human capital development, economic integration, and social cohesion in the Western Balkans. The agreement formally recognises a shared commitment to address common challenges through coordinated action and the involvement of key regional stakeholders, with a focus on aligning standards with those of the European Union. Signed by Dr. Pilvi Torsti, Director of the ETF, and Amer Kapetanović, Secretary General of the RCC, the MoU emphasises knowledge sharing, policy alignment and joint initiatives in key areas of human capital and socioeconomic development. These include such core priorities as the digital and green transitions, labour market reform, skills development and portability, and research and innovation.
Pilvi Torsti, Director of the European Training Foundation, said: “The EU enlargement agenda continues to shine a light on the Western Balkans as they make strides in areas like higher education and human capital development. By signing this Memorandum of Understanding, the ETF and RCC demonstrate a sustained commitment to further progress, with tangible efforts to prepare the region’s population and economies for future labour market needs, towards EU integration and beyond.”
Amer Kapetanović, Secretary General of the RCC, said: “Human capital remains our most valuable resource and a key driver of sustainable growth, competitiveness and social cohesion. Strengthening skills, improving labour market participation and investing in education systems are not only economic priorities, but essential steps towards delivering better opportunities for citizens. By working closely with our partners, such as the ETF, we are contributing to advancing the reforms that support a more resilient, inclusive and future-ready region.”

A framework for action: skills, cooperation and integration

The MoU sets out a structured approach to collaboration, underscoring the need to raise awareness of the importance of skills and social inclusion among regional stakeholders. In addition, it lays the foundation for future synergies between both parties, as well as potential project consortia and engagement between RCC countries and the European institutions on topics related to human capital. Knowledge sharing and alignment with the European Pillar of Social Rights and EU enlargement priorities are also core components. The agreement acknowledges the RCC’s Common Regional Market as a crucial pillar of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, while highlighting the social dimension of accession. It enables consultations and the sharing of best practices between the ETF and the RCC, with a view to facilitating more effective policy design. On an annual basis, progress made in the implementation of the MoU will be jointly assessed.

About the European Training Foundation

The European Training Foundation (ETF) is the European Union agency based in Turin (Italy) supporting partner countries in reforming education, training and labour-market systems. The ETF works with nearly 30 countries — from Ukraine to the Western Balkans, from the Southern Mediterranean to Central Asia and the African Union — to strengthen the prosperity and stability of Europe and its neighbours. The ETF Governing Board, chaired by Mario Nava, European Commission Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, brings together representatives from all 27 EU Member States.

About the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)

The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is a regionally owned and led political cooperation framework, established in 2008 as the successor to the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe. Serving as the operational secretariat of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), the RCC provides the institutional structure and political space necessary to sustain dialogue across South-East Europe. Its Board brings together 25 participants, including 14 EU Member States and 5 G20 members, reflecting its broad international relevance. Headquartered in Sarajevo, with a Liaison Office in Brussels, the RCC acts as a bridge between regional priorities and European and global decision-making.

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EU and Montenegro provisionally close chapter on Trans-European networks in accession negotiations

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The 26th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed accession negotiations on chapter 21 (Trans-European networks). In the current geopolitical context, enlargement is more than ever a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability, and prosperity. I am delighted to see another negotiating chapter with Montenegro being closed today, in the second Intergovernmental Conference for Montenegro under the Cyprus presidency, bringing their total number to 14. Montenegro remains a frontrunner in the enlargement process and today’s progress confirms the strong momentum of its accession negotiations, which is based on own merits. Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU The EU may, if necessary, return to this chapter at an appropriate moment. This provisional closure follows less than two months after the previous accession conference on 26 January 2026, which provisionally closed chapter 32 on financial control. Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis will continue throughout the negotiations. Montenegro has opened all 33 negotiating chapters in its EU accession negotiations. With the provisional closure agreed today, a total of fourteen of these chapters have now been provisionally closed. According to the negotiating principles endorsed by the Accession Conference, agreements reached in the course of negotiations on specific chapters may not be considered as final until an overall agreement has been reached for all chapters. Background The European Union delegation was led by Ms Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU, with the participation of Commissioner for Enlargement, Ms Marta Kos. The Montenegrin delegation was led by Mr Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro.

The European Union recognises the genuine needs of citizens in candidate countries

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

On the basis of support from the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, thousands of households gain access to clean water, improved wastewater management and more reliable services. In this way, the EU helps to protect water resources and enhance public health.

One of more than 40 local communities to receive support is the city of Lukavac, with a population of around 54,000 and an annual budget of approximately €17 million. Mayor Edin Delić says that this assistance feels like winning the lottery, as the city has lacked drinking water for 30 years, while the authorities have been seeking a solution for more than a decade. “Most residents buy water or carry it in canisters, and through this project the city is addressing the most fundamental human rights issue and the essential needs of its citizens. I know that some of our fellow citizens will not live to see drinking water flowing from their taps, but many will. With the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Union, we will build a water treatment plant, replace the distribution pipeline, construct a reservoir and carry out many additional works. This is the largest investment we have ever undertaken, amounting to €15 million – €8 million in grants and €7 million in development loans. Previously, we estimated that the treatment plant alone would require €20 million, entirely financed through loans, whereas now we will repay only €7 million and deliver four times as much”, Delić explained.

He further clarified that Lukavac lost its continuous water supply because the city expanded rapidly in the early 1990s, while the water infrastructure failed to keep pace with that growth. “Personally, I was surprised that at this stage of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession process, and amid widespread Euroscepticism, when some politicians here question which direction we should take, we received such substantial support. This should serve as encouragement to all local communities, as it clearly demonstrates that someone is observing, monitoring and recognising the real needs of citizens, seriously assessing our plans and determining what is worthy of attention”, Delić said, stressing that his personal confidence in the EU has also been strengthened.

In the far south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trebinje — a city of around 30,000 inhabitants with a budget of approximately €33 million — is, with an European Union grant and a loan from the European Investment Bank, undertaking the reconstruction and expansion of its water supply network, increasing reservoir capacity, stabilising water supply to settlements distant from the city centre, and rehabilitating the wastewater treatment plant. “We have reduced losses in the network, improved the quality of treated wastewater discharged into the river and stabilised water supply across the city. These investments lay the foundation for a long-term, sustainable and efficient system. Going forward, we will continue with regular investment maintenance, digitalisation and enhanced network monitoring, reduction of technical and commercial losses, and strengthening public awareness of responsible water consumption”, officials from the City Administration stated.

They explained that problems in Trebinje developed gradually due to a lack of funds for regular investment maintenance and expansion of the network, and that the wastewater treatment plant was built more than 40 years ago, with no major reconstruction having been carried out since then. “Without the support of the EU and international financial institutions the benefits for environmental protection, public health and citizens’ quality of life would have been delayed. EU support has made it possible to address these issues in a systematic rather than a piecemeal manner”, they concluded.

The project also includes Široki Brijeg, with a population of around 30,000 and a budget of approximately €12.5 million. Two sewerage collectors and a wastewater treatment plant have been constructed to serve 10,000 residents, with the possibility of expansion to 15,000. “Through this project, we have been able to construct a system for the collection and treatment of urban wastewater. This has created opportunities for the city to further upgrade and refine the system in order to ultimately achieve good water status in this area. Without EU support, materialised through EIB loan funds and IPA grant funding, we would not have been able to implement this project”, said Boro Đolo from the Project Management Unit.

Since 2008, the European Union has been supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina through the Water and Sanitation Programme (WATSAN), with a total value exceeding €215 million. Through a combination of EU grants and EBRD loans, amounting to approximately €58 million, significant improvements are currently under way in municipalities across the country. The city of Sarajevo has also received EU and EBRD support for the modernisation of its outdated water supply network and for reducing water losses within the system.