Authors: Lorina Karemani and Berta Stojkovska, North Macedonia
The modernization of North Macedonia’s VET system is essential for bridging the gap between education and labor market demands. By aligning VET programs with industry needs, the country can enhance youth employability, foster economic growth, and create a more dynamic workforce. Strengthening vocational training will contribute to reducing youth unemployment and ensuring a more sustainable labor market.
Drawing inspiration from Slovenia’s dual education model and Germany’s apprenticeship system, this policy brief highlights practical solutions such as updating curricula, expanding workplace learning opportunities, and strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector. These reforms are not only feasible but also crucial for preparing young people with the technical and digital skills required in today’s competitive job market.
Berta Stojkovska, Master’s Student in International Relations and Diplomacy at the University American College Skopje. Focused on AI in policymaking, economic diplomacy, and international governance.
Lorina Karemani student at University of Tetovo, North Macedonia.
Collaboration between universities and businesses is a key driver of innovation and economic growth. This policy brief highlights the need for institutionalized Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs) and financial incentives to facilitate stronger partnerships between academia and industry. By creating structured mechanisms for knowledge exchange, Albania can improve research commercialization and support a more dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Encouraging the business sector to engage in research initiatives through tax incentives and targeted policies will enhance competitiveness and increase participation in Horizon Europe Calls. Learning from successful models in EU countries, this approach can foster a sustainable research and development (R&D) environment that benefits both universities and the private sector.
Authors: Mihajlo Kovač and Katarina Stojanović, Serbia
Digitalization is a critical step toward a more inclusive and innovative education system in Serbia. This policy brief explores how inter-school collaboration, free open-source tools, and volunteer initiatives can bridge the digital divide and ensure that all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to modern learning resources.
By optimizing resource-sharing among schools, investing in accessible technology, and fostering partnerships with NGOs and private organizations, Serbia can build a sustainable digital education framework that empowers students and educators alike.
By embracing digital transformation, Serbia can equip its students with the skills needed for a competitive global workforce. Integrating technology into education not only enhances learning experiences but also fosters innovation and critical thinking. A well-executed digital strategy can bridge socio-economic disparities, ensuring that every student, regardless of location or background, has equal opportunities to thrive in the digital age. Now is the time for policymakers, educators, and private stakeholders to collaborate and take decisive steps toward a more inclusive, technology-driven education system.
Mental health plays a crucial role in shaping the well-being and academic success of students. However, in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, primary and high school students face significant challenges related to stress, anxiety, and depression, with a lack of systemic support and school psychologists exacerbating the issue.
To address these concerns, Emina Odobašić and Enis Mlivić propose a set of actionable interventions, including:
Mental health workshops for students, offering a safe space for emotional expression and coping strategies. Online counseling platforms and support networks, ensuring accessibility to professional help. Think tanks and advocacy initiatives to institutionalize psychological support in schools.
Inspired by successful regional models in Serbia, Croatia, and North Macedonia, these initiatives aim to bring sustainable change to the education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
💡 Prioritizing mental health in education will not only benefit individual students but will also contribute to a more supportive and understanding society for future generations!
Read the full policy brief here to learn more about our recommendations.
About authors:
Emina Odobašić, High school student at Prva gimnazija in Zenica, with an interest in social activism
Enis Mlivić, 22, Bachelor of International Relations and European Studies, member of the Assembly of Young Intellectuals of the Circle 99, Youth activist for Human Rights & Political Participation, passionate historian and social science researcher
The POLITEIA Thematic Session on Education and Policy Making in the Western Balkans successfully took place from January 21-23, 2025, in Sarajevo, bringing together 12 young changemakers from across the region. The session, part of the EU-funded Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) project, aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of education policies, EU integration chapters, and policy-making processes.
Key Takeaways from the Session:
Understanding Youth and Education Policies: Participants explored the current state of education in the Western Balkans, analyzing key policy frameworks and their impact on young people. Led by Lejla Ramić Mesihović, Head of International Relations and European Studies at International Burch University, this session provided a broad overview of education policies and youth-related initiatives.
Deep Dive into EU Chapters 25 & 26: Discussions focused on science, research, education, and culture, highlighting how education policy reforms are connected to employment, mobility programs, and youth engagement opportunities. Real-world case studies helped participants grasp the practical impact of EU integration on education.
The Role of Stakeholders in Policy Making: Participants examined the influence of governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and young people in shaping education policies. The session emphasized the importance of youth participation and how inclusive decision-making leads to meaningful policy improvements.
Training on Policy Brief Development: Under the mentorship of Hata Kujraković, Projects Coordinator at International Burch University, participants learned the theoretical framework of policy-making and practical skills for drafting policy documents. They engaged in hands-on group work, applying their knowledge to develop policy briefs tackling key educational challenges in their respective countries.
Next Steps: Turning Ideas into Action
As a result of the session, participants will finalize their policy briefs, proposing concrete recommendations for improving education policies in the Western Balkans.
The POLITEIA Thematic Session once again proved to be a valuable platform for empowering youth, fostering regional cooperation, and equipping young changemakers with the skills to shape the future of education policy in the Western Balkans.
🇪🇺 This session was organized as part of the EU-funded RYDE project, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting youth engagement, policy development, and regional collaboration.
On January 21, 2025, we held the Third National Policy Lab on the topic of Employment, with a special focus on the Youth Guarantee. The event took place online via Zoom and brought together key stakeholders to discuss previous findings and shape recommendations for the next steps.
The session was opened by Amela Hrasnica, Communications Manager, who provided an overview of the discussions so far and outlined the goals moving forward. The main topics included:
✅ Review of previous discussions – where we stand, key takeaways, and areas that require further attention. ✅ Conclusions and recommendations – participants shared insights and proposed concrete actions to improve employment policies for young people.
The discussions highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and policy improvements to ensure better employment opportunities for youth.
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