By: Andrea Darabašić 

The lack of structured career guidance is a major challenge contributing to high youth unemployment across the Western Balkans. But thanks to dedicated YEA initiatives, we now have a starting roadmap to change it.

The project, “Career counseling in the Western Balkans: Accessibility, gaps, and future directions,” successfully concluded its four-month run (July–November 2025) with the delivery of comprehensive research and an advocacy event, setting the stage for improvements across the region.

A voice for 1,300 young people

Spearheaded by Young European Ambassador from Serbia, Andrea Darabašić, the project’s core achievement was mobilizing the voices of the region’s youth. The regional survey exceeded its ambitious goal, successfully gathering input from 1,306 young participants across Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia.

The project delivered not one, but two key reports:

1. An objective overview mapping existing career counseling services and identifying systemic challenges.
2. A detailed youth perspective report analyzing what young people actually need to transition successfully into the job market.

This rigorous, dual-perspective approach was supported by 12 career professionals, including psychologists and youth workers, who ensured the research instrument was grounded in real-world expertise.

Advocacy event drives action in Belgrade

The findings culminated in an advocacy event held at the Europe House Belgrade on November 6th. The event brought together over 30 key participants, including high-level professionals from the HR, corporate, and education sectors.

The session featured a presentation of the research and an engaging panel discussion among regional representatives, focused on leveraging cross-country collaboration and creating institutional linkages. Crucially, the event launched the final report, which contains 10 specific, actionable recommendations designed to improve career services for young people across the Western Balkans.