EU programme for young politicians and activists as a perfect opportunity to discuss Bosnia and Herzegovina's steps towards the EU

Sarajevo, 23 April, 2024 -As part of the EU's Generation Change Youth Political Academy (YPA), three modules for young politicians and activists have been successfully completed in Sarajevo, following sessions in Banja Luka and Mostar. YPA brought together 20 young individuals from across the country, representing various political parties, civil society organizations, and different local communities.

This multi-party programme, which also included young CSO representatives was organised by the European Union in BiH with an aim of introducing a new generation of future leaders with the steps BiH will need to take on its EU path, especially after the recommendtion by the European Coucil on opening accession negotiations. The programme also introduced the group to different topics that could be in the focus of their joint work in the months to come, such as environmental protection, education, tourism potential, brain re-gain, youth entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and innovation. Through theoretical and practical learning and by developing advocacy approaches that are different, innovative, and in line with European values, participants could also learn about how policy development on concrete topics is done.

Throughout the Academy, participants engaged in discussions with numerous experts from various fields as well as several representatives of the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, participants also visited the National Assembly of Republika Srpska in Banja Luka, the Technological Park Intera in Mostar, and the Office of the European Union to BiH, Europe House, the Parliament of BiH, and the Museum of War Childhood in Sarajevo. These visits provided participants with new experiences, knowledge, motivation, and encouragement for action.

"I was skeptical at first about the Youth Political Academy because it was my first experience with such type of programme, but in the end I loved it. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge from outstanding lecturers, what really impressed me were the gatherings after the lectures where we exchanged our views on various topics. I realized that together, as a generation, we are focused on positive changes in BiH and towards the EU. I was proud to be part of this inspiring group of young people from different parts of the country who share the same vision for improving the quality of life in BiH", said Ena Matošević, a member of the HDZ 1990, Travnik.

"The Youth Political Academy is an extremely good activity that has definitely exceeded my expectations. Very relevant topics and quality lecturers came at a great time for BiH, which received the green light to start EU membership negotiations. I am glad that the training brought together young people with different experiences and gave us the opportunity to learn, reflect, and work together on drafting policies for implementation through our political and social engagement. I believe it is important for young people from different political parties and local communities across the country to sit together and shape their opinions in order to avoid unnecessary tensions", added Amar Imamović, member of the party Narod i pravda, Goražde.

In addition to the new knowledge gained through discussions with inspiring lecturers and a series of visits, participants opened up the opportunity to become part of a team competing for a study trip to Brussels.