Through sport, we build trust. Through teamwork, we grow stronger. Through diversity and unity, we shape our future 

Pristina, 24 April 2025 – The Europe House in Pristina hosted the launch of the WeBalkans Regional Youth Photo Contest. Under the title “Ready. Steady. Our Europe!”, the dynamic initiative will run until September 2025. It invites young people from across the Western Balkans to tell their stories through the lens of sport and photography.

Launched by the WeBalkans initiative funded by the European Commission, the Contest underscores sport’s power to transcend borders and foster connection. As shared during the opening event, it is open to youth aged 18 to 29, encouraging them to capture moments that reflect inclusion, respect, and unity—values that are at the heart of sport but also are core European values. Whether it’s a dusty village pitch or a vibrant street game, the goal of the Contest is to highlight how sport connects us all.

„I am happy Pristina is hosting the launch of this regional competition since there is so much talent and creativity in Kosovo — and I have no doubt that many of the most inspiring submissions will come from its young people. Sport is a unique way of telling the story of who we are, and what are the true values that connect Western Balkans and the European Union“, said Ambassador Aivo Orav, Head of the EU Office in Kosovo / EU Special Representative.

The Contest enjoys the support of prominent athletes such as Arineta Mula—mountaineer, runner, and Everest climber—and Valbona Bytyqi, professional basketball player. Their participation reminded the audience that while every sport has its rules and champions, its true strength lies in teamwork, fairness, and the belief that no goal is too far.

The launch gathered more than 50 young people, EU representatives, influencers, and media from Kosovo and the wider Western Balkans.  The WeBalkans team used this opportunity to present past successful campaigns and outline their wider communication efforts aimed at youth engagement and regional cooperation.

The Contest aims to gather over 100 photo submissions from the youth of Western Balkan. A regional jury of six experts will select 18 winning photos that will be featured in a traveling exhibition across six regional cities. Each stop will include local events featuring athletes, Young European Ambassadors (YEAs), and journalists, creating spaces for community dialogue and sport celebration.

The photo journey will conclude with an online vote hosted on webalkans.eu web and social media, where the public will select the top three winning photos. The winners will be awarded a trip to an EU capital—a symbolic step on their journey toward Europe.

“This campaign is not just about visuals. It is designed to connect, uplift, and inspire. Through this contest, we want to show that together we play, we grow, and together we shape the Europe of tomorrow,” said, Sibora Sejdini, WeBalkans Young European Ambassador.

To learn more about the WeBalkans Photo Competition, please visit the campaign’s dedicated landing page.