This year’s Europe Day celebrations brought the Western Balkans closer together through a shared language of creativity, learning, and community spirit. From vibrant city squares to school classrooms, citizens across the region took part in activities that not only marked the EU’s founding values, but also reflected their place in shaping its future.
Art took centre stage in Albania, where “A Space to Create” turned the country into a platform for artists to express how they see Europe – not as an abstract idea, but as something deeply personal and present. The same creative spirit echoed across the region, from film screenings in Bosnia and Herzegovina to musical performances under the stars in Kosovo, where the air was filled with both celebration and reflection.
Education and engagement were at the heart of many events. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, students stepped into the roles of EU negotiators and decision-makers, simulating the accession process through workshops in several cities. Meanwhile, in Serbia, young people explored European democracy firsthand through virtual reality, walking through the European Parliament and debating like real MEPs.
In North Macedonia, the celebration moved to the streets – literally. Citizens across seven cities laced up their sneakers for a humanitarian race in support of Kochani, showing how unity can take the form of collective action. The same energy pulsed through Montenegro, where children competed in Games Without Borders, turning play into a platform for learning about Europe.
Throughout it all, Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) were a common thread – participating, engaging, and helping bring these events to life. Whether sharing information with families at a fair in Prishtina, running shoulder to shoulder with peers in Skopje, or helping lead discussions in Sarajevo, YEAs stood as a symbol of connection, not only between youth and the EU, but between the countries themselves.
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