Introduction
Since the disintegration of Yugoslavia and the collapse of the Eastern bloc, youth participation in activism has steadily increased across the Balkans. In the region, young people are caught between various influences: the European one, driven by geographical proximity to the European Union (EU) and its perceived attractiveness, the Russian one, rooted in religious and historical ties, and the Chinese one, notably through infrastructure investments as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Despite these competing influences, the EU remains the most appealing project for many in the region. A survey conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI) in February 2024 revealed that, with the exception of Serbia, most Western Balkan countries would vote overwhelmingly in favour of EU accession if a referendum were held (Albania – 92%, Kosovo – 89%, Montenegro – 79%, North Macedonia – 68%, Bosnia – 68%)[1]. However, the accession process is both lengthy and complex. To date, from the Balkan region, only Slovenia (2004) and Croatia (2013) have successfully joined the EU, while Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia remain candidate countries, and Kosovo[2] is considered a potential candidate. The rapid granting of candidate status to Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia in 2022 (2023 for Georgia), in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has sparked frustration in the Western Balkans, where some countries have been waiting for decades to progress toward membership.
Joining the EU requires important reforms, primarily aimed at aligning national legislation with the acquis communautaire (EU legislation). The stagnation of the accession process in the Western Balkans can be attributed to the complex political, economic, and social legacies of the post-Yugoslav era, marked by widespread corruption, deep ethnic divisions, and weaknesses in the judicial system. For example, Albania is currently reforming its democratic institutions, judiciary, and public administration, while Serbia faces ongoing challenges related to judicial independence and trial fairness.
Citizens play a pivotal role in shaping their societies. Through their votes, they influence its political direction and can act as a rampart against democratic backsliding. In this context, it is crucial to examine the role of citizens – particularly young people – in shaping the future of Western Balkan societies.
EU integration: An opportunity for youth employment
Young people in the Western Balkans are well aware of the employment opportunities that EU membership could bring. The chance to work freely across member states would significantly enhance their professional prospects – particularly in countries like Kosovo, where the unemployment rate hovered around 30% in recent years[3].
The Western Balkans already enjoy some of the benefits of EU integration. Their participation in the Erasmus+ programme allows students to study and train abroad, fostering mobility and cross-cultural understanding. Additionally, the creation of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO)—a joint initiative notably supported by France and Germany—aims to bring young people together, promote reconciliation, and raise awareness about how the EU could facilitate their integration into the labour market[4].
The region still suffers from some of the highest unemployment rates in Europe. In 2024, North Macedonia topped the list with an unemployment rate of 11.9%, followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina at 11.7%, with Kosovo and Montenegro not far behind[5]. These figures underscore the importance of EU accession for the younger generation, who increasingly sees membership as a path toward economic stability and mobility.
Youth participation in public debate
Support for EU integration is nonetheless not unanimous among young citizens everywhere. Serbia stands out as the most divided in this regard. In response to this polarization, pro-European students have initiated public demonstrations – such as the “One in Five Million” movement in 2018-2020 – protesting against government authoritarianism and calling for democratic reforms aligned with EU standards. Similar demands are currently mobilising thousands of students in Serbia, following the collapse of the canopy of the Novi Sad railway station, which has become the largest contestation movement in the country’s history.
In Kosovo, too, students are mobilizing to promote the EU integration of their country. A debate club has been established in Pristina to foster dialogue about EU accession and to inform young people about its potential benefits. Social media are also a powerful tool used by the youth in this effort. In Montenegro, the “Why Europe?” campaign uses comedy in its videos to communicate serious messages about the EU value and the benefits of integration, helping to spark conversations and encourage civic engagement. The youth thus plays a central role in shaping public debate and educating their societies on the matter of EU integration.
Youth at the forefront of the fight against climate change
Environmental reform is a key criterion for EU accession. Here, too, young people are leading the charge. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, youth-led environmental marches have drawn attention to illegal waste dumping and its harmful impact on rivers.
Initiatives like EcoKosovo[6]—a youth-run organisation dedicated to raising awareness of environmental issues—use social media campaigns and creative projects to engage the public. One of their recent initiatives, a photography contest, highlighted the environmental degradation occurring across the region[7]. The international “Fridays for Future” movement is also active in the Balkans, with young activists urging governments to take decisive action against climate change.
Conclusion
The future of the Western Balkans within the European Union remains uncertain, yet the question is increasingly central in youth-led discourse in the region. Many young people—particularly students—are actively involved in promoting EU integration and the values that surround it, striving to educate their communities and raise awareness of the benefits that accession could bring.
While numerous challenges remain, particularly in the current geopolitical context marked by the war in Ukraine, the engagement of young citizens offers hope. Their activism, creativity, and determination suggest that the next generation could play a decisive role in advancing the region’s long-awaited path toward EU membership.
[1] https://balkaninsight.com/2024/05/14/balkan-support-for-eu-accession-high-except-in-serbia-survey/
[2] This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
[3] https://fr.tradingeconomics.com/kosovo/unemployment-rate
[4] https://www.rycowb.org/about/
[5] https://fr.tradingeconomics.com/country-list/unemployment-rate?continent=europe
[6] https://www.instagram.com/ecokosovoofficial/
[7] https://www.undp.org/kosovo/press-releases/ecokosovo-4-photography-contest-winners-announced
