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.