The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has announced that it will host the EU-Balkan Youth Forum in Rome from 22 to 26 November. The Forum will gather students from all over Europe to discuss shared challenges of the future of Europe and membership of the Western Balkans.

Organised by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) as lead partner, other organising partners include the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) based in Tirana, the Centro Studi Politica Internazionale (Rome) and Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (Trento). The Forum will bring together 33 countries, 78 students, ten mentors and policy makers from across Europe, to gather new perspectives and chart a common path for further action. Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio will attend the final session and report the results to the Conference on the Future of Europe.

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will also set aside funds for the network to develop future projects based on the conclusions of the Forum on institutional, economic and social issues.

Applications are welcome from university students from all EU Member States and the Western Balkan region, with a proven interest in EU integration and social activism. The agenda and application form are available at www.eubalkanforum.org. The deadline for applications is 15 October.