May 25, 2023
Youth in BiH represent around 21 per cent of the total population and the main challenges that they face are related to qualitative education and employment. The right education, formal or non-formal, inevitably affects the way youth develop their academic and social skills. Furthermore, education is the most important tool when it comes to the ability and opportunities of young people to acquire qualifications that will have a lasting impact on their professional growth and employment. Obtaining a high-quality skills education gives the opportunity for young people to succeed in the labor market and find meaningful employment.
The workshop organized by CDI in partnership with DG Regio brought together programme authorities and beneficiaries of the Interreg projects to talk about youth involvement in Interreg programmes, not only as beneficiaries but also as contributors during the policy making and implementation.
Mrs. Lejla Sadinlija, the National Contact Point of the INTERREG DANUBE programme presented all 8 different Interreg and CBC programs that BiH participates in. What is new regarding these programs is that for the first time BiH is participating in Interregional Cooperation programs, Urbact IV and Interreg Europe, which will open more doors for citizens to benefit from.
During the workshop the participants were informed of the opportunities that Interreg projects bring to youth and more precisely they had the chance to learn more about the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – BiH – Montenegro open calls of the new programming period 2021-2027, from the late May until late July. This call foresees 6 specific objectives: Research and innovation, Energy efficiency, Climate change adaptation, Circular economy, Health, Tourism and culture thus providing a wide range of thematic for youth organizations to apply. IPA ADRION is another programme that has an open call available until 30th of June.
Mrs. Sadinlija also presented the participants with the Interreg Volunteer Youth Initiative, established by the European Commission in 2017. IVY volunteers can be hosted by the programmes which manage and distribute Interreg funds, or by the organizations which implement the projects funded by Interreg. It presents a great opportunity for young people who want to have an impact on the world we live in.
Young people were also encouraged by Interreg project beneficiaries and local NGOs to get involved, visit their spaces and get informed about the different opportunities that INTERREG IPA project activities offer.
Mrs. Maja Vejzovic, from Local Democracy Agency Mostar said during her intervention that young people must be more active as the future of the city’s democracy depends on them. As unemployment among youth is high, only by being actively engaged and well informed for the local and national developments youth can keep the policy makers responsible. Being active actors in the community always brings positive changes, even if they are small. In addition, exposing themselves to different programmes will help them grow and upgrade their professional skills.
Mr. Vedran Šimunovic from INTERA Technology Park asked the students about their aspirations in regards to their future professions and presented different internship opportunities that this center offers. He drew attention to the importance of internships: ‘They serve as key points for students as they jump in the adult professional life, because in this stage they can learn new skills, evaluate themselves and see if certain carriers are suitable for them or not. At the other hand institutions, organization or universities that offer such opportunities through Interreg IPA programmes or other available opportunities, can identify eager youngsters that might eventually become of highly importance contributors by investing back the skills they have gained.
Consult the event’s agenda here
PowerPoint Presentation:
Directorate for European Integration
More information about CDI’s engagement in “Raising awareness on the Youth Manifesto in the Western Balkans” can be found here.
