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#YEStoYEA

Discover the Young European Ambassadors network

Become a YEA!

What is the Young European Ambassadors network?

The Young European Ambassadors (YEA) network is a creative communication network of young people from across the Western Balkans – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. YEAs stand for unity, progress, and European values, using their voices and communication skills to bring the EU closer to young people in their communities.

YEAs come from different backgrounds, yet they all share a common vision: a Western Balkans united in diversity, where young people connect with each other and the EU, exchange ideas, develop new skills, and share opportunities. They use social media, storytelling, events, and local initiatives to communicate EU messages in a way that is relevant, accessible, and relatable to their peers.

The YEA initiative was established in 2020 as part of the European Commission’s Regional Communication Programme for the Western Balkans, WeBalkans.eu. Since then, hundreds of young people have joined the network, contributing their voices, creativity, and communication skills to strengthening connections between the EU and young people across the Western Balkans.

Young European Ambassador with flags

Who is a YEA?

Being a Young European Ambassador of the Western Balkans is a calling. It is not just a network, it is a path that ultimately becomes a part of your lifestyle and unique European identity. Each prospective YEA comes with a vision. Whether it is to make their community greener, more equal, advocate for an issue they care about, or create opportunities for their local community – all dreams matter, and all make our societies more vibrant and better.

  • YEA is a communicator.
  • YEA is a visionary.
  • YEA is a peer influencer.
  • YEA is a believer in progress.
  • YEA is an innovator.
  • YEA is a role model.
  • YEA is a relationship builder.
  • YEA is a connector.

What does a YEA do?

  • YEAs are communicators and trusted peers who bring the EU closer to their communities. They present EU messages in a relevant, accessible, and relatable way, helping their peers understand how EU support creates real opportunities and positive change. YEAs build trust and showcase the EU’s impact through real stories, experiences, and opportunities, helping make the EU with YOU a reality.

  • YEAs initiate and organise flagship initiatives such as “Follow Me Club”, creating spaces for young people to connect with EU beneficiaries, exchange ideas, and learn about EU support.

  • Through “YEAs take on EU”, YEAs travel across Europe to EU-funded projects, meet beneficiaries, interview local changemakers, and share the stories behind EU support and its impact on everyday lives.

  • YEAs design impactful communication campaigns, using social media as their main tool to engage peers with EU messages, stories, opportunities, and initiatives. 

  • They also organise local activities that connect young people and create spaces for dialogue and exchange. Through all of this, YEAs act as a bridge between the EU and young people in the Western Balkans, communicating, connecting, and showing that the EU is with YOU.

YEA group meeting

YEA is dedicated to the future of the interconnected, resilient, sustainable, and greener Western Balkans devoted to all its citizens.

Young European Ambassadors key areas

COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

MEDIA, ARTS AND CULTURE

SCIENCE

AGRICULTURE AND FARMING

BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

HUMAN RIGHTS

EDUCATION AND SPORTS

INFRASTRUCTURE AND ARCHITECTURE

HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY

CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT

OTHER

Your proposed campaign idea can be in any form or shape. Think events, communication and social media campaigns, workshops, concerts, fundraising initiatives, study tours, educational sessions, innovative practices, and much more. For more inspiration take a look at our YEA events section and go beyond!

Selection process

The selection of YEAs will be carried out by the WeBalkans team and the European Commission (DG ENEST).

Applications will be assessed based on the candidate’s motivation, communication skills, creativity, and understanding of the YEA role and its key messages.

To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Be 18–30 years old.
  • Reside in one of the six Western Balkan countries.
  • Submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Submit a short video presenting one idea for a YEA initiative, showing how you would implement a “Follow Me Club” project visit and interview with an EU-funded project beneficiary.

Once you become a YEA

As a new YEA, you will be introduced to other YEAs during an orientation session, where you will receive a welcome pack, an overview of the main communication tools, and a programme outlining the planned activities.

During the orientation, you will also be introduced to the YEA communication strategy and key messages, helping you understand your role as a communicator and bridge between the EU and young people in the Western Balkans.

To further develop your skills, you will participate in a social media webinar focused on effective communication, storytelling, and creating engaging content.

You will also receive the necessary guidance and materials to organise initiatives such as “Follow Me Club” and other local activities that connect young people with EU opportunities and beneficiaries.

As soon as you are selected as a YEA, you will be asked to sign a Volunteer Agreement setting out expectations, roles, and responsibilities.

Once you become a YEA