In Podgorica, the official launch of the project “Youth Engagement for the Europeanization of the Balkans” took place. This project is funded by the Western Balkans Fund and implemented by the Balkan Institute for Regional Cooperation (BIRC) from North Macedonia, the Center for Innovation and Development (CFID) from Kosovo, and a non-governmental organization from Montenegro.

The executive director of the Montenegrin organization “NVO Glas,” Milica Dedić, said the aim is to empower young people and engage them in the European integration processes.

Following this activity, she said they would begin conducting a survey on young people’s opinions about the European Union.

At today’s event in Podgorica, young people had the opportunity to express their perspectives on Europeanization. In one of the panels, they also discussed the challenges and barriers they face in their respective countries.

The program director of the Balkan Institute for Regional Cooperation (BIRC), Lorik Idrizi, said the project aims to ensure youth inclusion.

Drenusha Latifi, representing the Center for Innovation and Development (CFID) from Kosovo, said that the role of the media, civil society, and other actors remains essential in fostering democratic values.

This project will last six months, with activities to be held in Skopje, Prishtina, and Podgorica—the capitals of the three countries involved.

The target group for the project includes 60 young professionals, representatives of civil society and media working on the EU accession process in all three countries. In addition, 15 journalists and other media professionals, 10 representatives from state institutions responsible for EU integration, and 15 civil society organizations will also take part.