11 September 2024

Since 2003, the Western Balkans have been on a path toward European integration, yet the region continues to face significant and growing structural challenges that hinder youth cooperation and development. These barriers not only limit opportunities for young people but also create considerable disparities between the Western Balkans and their EU neighbors in areas like infrastructure, support schemes, accountability, and youth engagement in policymaking. Addressing these barriers is essential to unlocking the full potential of youth cooperation in the Western Balkans, enabling young people to contribute meaningfully to regional stability and EU integration.

In this context, National Youth Councils (NYCs) across the Western Balkans are seen as vital players in shaping youth policies that represent youth needs. They have become key advocates for youth engagement, but their effectiveness depends on the creation of stronger institutional frameworks, better collaboration with governments, and increased resources. By addressing these needs, NYCs can better support youth participation in policy development and foster meaningful contributions to regional growth.

To further explore these issues and find solutions, Connecting Youth (CY) partners gathered in Tirana on September 10, 2024, for the “NYCs of WB at the Forefront of Regional Cooperation” roundtable, hosted by the Albanian National Youth Congress. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss how NYCs from the region can promote more inclusive and impactful youth policies.

Representing the Hanns Seidel Foundation, supporting CY since its establishment, Klaus Fiesinger, Regional Director for South-East Europe, urged young people to persist in their advocacy efforts. He encouraged them to make their voices heard at the policymaking level and continue contributing to the implementation of various regional programs and policies. His remarks underscored the importance of youth participation in both the development and execution of initiatives.

Iva Naskova, from the National Youth Council of North Macedonia, introduced the upcoming policy paper titled “Enhancing Cooperation among National Youth Councils in the Western Balkans.” The paper, set to be published soon, delves into the structure, functions, and relationships of NYCs with their respective governments and stakeholders. It presents key findings and country-specific recommendations designed to strengthen cooperation among NYCs and improve their ability to shape youth policies more effectively.

Laurentiu Plosceanu, Vice President for Communication at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), reaffirmed the EESC’s commitment to collaborating with youth organizations across candidate countries. He highlighted initiatives like the EU Youth Test, a policy assessment tool aimed at ensuring that young people’s needs are taken into account when new EU policies and laws are formulated. By integrating this tool, the EU seeks to create impactful, long-lasting policies that reduce inequalities and address the concerns of young people, both now and in the future. He also underscored the Enlargement Candidate Members Initiative that EESC is implementing that bring civil society, including youth organizations, in the daily work of EESC. Kreshnik Loka from RYCO’s local branch in Tirana highlighted the role of youth exchanges as a vector towards building more trust and structured involvement of young people in regional cooperation and building a better region.

Mrs Dafina Peci from National Youth Congress highlighted that achievements in youth regional cooperation cannot be taken for granted, and that the challenges that young people face have multiplied. Concerted efforts and appropriate resources need to bake young people political participation.

The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment among participants to continue enhancing regional cooperation among NYCs. They emphasized the need for concrete actions and stronger partnerships to amplify the role of youth in decision-making processes. By doing so, young people can play an active role in driving the region’s path toward stability, growth, and further integration of the region in the EU.