YEAs meet EU Commissioner Marta Kos in Bosnia and Herzegovina

From 22–25 September, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos paid a three-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, reaffirming the EU’s support for the country’s European future. Her agenda included meetings with state officials, representatives of institutions, civil society, and young people, with a special place reserved for members of the Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) network.

One of the highlights of her visit took place on the very first day, when YEA Amina Hadžić welcomed Commissioner Kos in an informal setting at Trebević, in Brus. Against the backdrop of Sarajevo’s mountains, they spoke about trust between young people and EU institutions, the value of openness and dialogue, and how youth activism can shape the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For Amina, it was both an inspiring encounter and a chance to share her own experiences as a youth leader within the YEAs network.

The following day, the conversation continued in a more structured format at Europe House in Sarajevo. YEAs Amina Hadžić, Alen Kubat, and Ena Proča joined Commissioner Kos for an exchange on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession process, the challenges of enlargement, and the transformative role of young people in building a democratic and inclusive society. The YEAs shared examples of their initiatives in local communities, showing how youth-led projects strengthen regional cooperation and promote EU values among their peers.

Commissioner Kos emphasized the importance of youth engagement in the enlargement process, underlining that young people’s voices must be heard and included in decision-making. The YEAs, in turn, reaffirmed their commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation, and to keeping alive the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

These encounters showcased how the Young European Ambassadors are helping to bridge the gap between institutions and citizens, reminding us that enlargement is not only about political negotiations, but also about empowering the next generation to build a shared European future.