Youth Shaping the Danube Region: Reflections from Our Interactive Workshop at the 14th EUSDR Annual Forum

Youth Shaping the Danube Region: Reflections from Our Interactive Workshop at the 14th EUSDR Annual Forum

20. 11. 2025 | Danube, PR, Regional cooperation, Youth

Young people across the Danube Region are stepping forward with ideas, motivation, and a strong desire to shape the future. This spirit was at the heart of our interactive workshop Youth Engagement and Active Citizenship in the Danube Region, held on 6 November 2025 during the 14th EUSDR Annual Forum in Sarajevo. Bringing together representatives of the Danube Youth Council, the Danube Youth Organizations Network, and the Enter:Change initiative, the workshop created a vibrant space for honest dialogue, shared experiences, and forward-looking proposals. Designed as a World Café, the session encouraged participants to rotate among discussion tables, exchange perspectives, and collectively explore how youth can play a meaningful role in democratic governance and regional cooperation.  

Youth as Contributors Today — Not Only Tomorrow

 
A strong message echoed throughout the room: young people are not passive observers. They are already contributing to shaping the Danube Region, and they want to be recognised as equal partners in decision-making. Participants highlighted why their involvement matters: they bring creativity, technological confidence, a long-term outlook, and the courage to challenge old patterns. They are open-minded, results-oriented, and motivated by a genuine sense of responsibility for the world around them. For many, meaningful participation is closely tied to trust in institutions and a belief that their voices can lead to real impact.  

Building Stronger Youth Networks Across the Region

 
Representatives from the Danube Youth Organizations Network reflected on the growth of youth-led initiatives and the importance of building stronger, more sustainable networks. They emphasised the value of improved visibility, alumni engagement, and new links between young people, local authorities, NGOs, and communities along the Danube. Better fundraising opportunities and shared purpose were also identified as essential elements for the network’s future development. The discussion reaffirmed the need for transnational cooperation — not only to connect young people, but also to create lasting partnerships and shared solutions to common challenges.  

A New Generation of Leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Enter:Change initiative shared insights from its work with young leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on leadership skills, democratic participation, anti-corruption, interethnic dialogue, and resilience to disinformation. Their central question — whether young leaders can pave a more cooperative political path — sparked reflections on the need for cultural change, institutional openness, and long-term support. Participants stressed that progress requires more accessible EU funding for emerging youth initiatives, stronger support for civil society, and wider opportunities that convince talented young people to remain engaged in their home communities rather than seeking prospects elsewhere.  

Key Takeaways: What Young People Need to Thrive

Across all discussions, several common themes emerged:
  • Meaningful involvement: Youth want more than symbolic participation; they want structured, long-term channels to influence decision-making.
  • Capacity-building: Leadership training, critical thinking, communication skills, and digital literacy are essential tools for empowered citizenship.
  • Cross-border cooperation: Mobility, exchange, and shared learning strengthen connections and help address regional challenges together.
  • Supportive ecosystems: Youth-led initiatives need sustained funding, mentorship, and visibility — not isolated, short-term projects.
The workshop’s outcomes reflect the priorities and aspirations of young people across the Danube Region  

Looking Ahead

The enthusiasm and maturity demonstrated by the workshop participants confirmed once again that youth are ready to contribute — not only to the future, but to the present of the Danube Region. Their perspectives are essential for building trust, strengthening governance, and enhancing cooperation across borders. As Priority Area 10, we remain committed to supporting youth engagement, creating opportunities for dialogue, and working together with our partners to ensure that young people continue to shape the direction of the Danube Region. More about Priority Area 10
INVITATION – Ukrainian-Slovenian Business Forum on Energy Sphere (10 Dec 2025, 10:00 CET)

INVITATION – Ukrainian-Slovenian Business Forum on Energy Sphere (10 Dec 2025, 10:00 CET)

13. 11. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, Ukraine

We kindly invite you to the

Ukrainian–Slovenian Business Forum on Energy Sphere

 

taking place on 10th December 2025 from 10:00–13:00 (CET)

 

Location: ON-SITE – Jable Castle, Grajska cesta 1, 1234 Loka pri Mengšu (Slovenia) / ONLINE

 

The event is held under the auspices of the Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine Programme implemented by the Centre for European Perspective (CEP), in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SPIRIT, Slovenian Public Agency for Investments, Entrepreneurship and Internationalisation.

 

The event will bring together companies from Ukraine and Slovenia (both on-site and online), along with the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. An additional side programme for Ukrainian delegations will be communicated shortly.

 

 Please, register online here: REGISTRATION FORM (Registration deadline: 1 Dec 2025)

  

For any additional information, do not hesitate to contact us:

Mr Oleg Rogoza, Project Manager (CEP), [email protected]

Ms Nuša Blatnik, Project Assistant (CEP), [email protected]

 

QUICK CONCEPT – PARTNERSHIPS FOR COOPERATION AND RECOVERY PROJECTS

The ongoing transformation of the energy sector in Europe, coupled with the urgent need for reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, creates a unique opportunity for cross-border cooperation. Slovenia, as an EU member with strong expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, green transition, and sustainable infrastructure, can offer valuable partnerships to Ukrainian companies seeking technological know-how, investment support, and joint participation in EU- or Energy Community–financed projects.
For Ukrainian energy enterprises and technology providers, this conference offers opportunities for joint project development that contribute to Ukraine’s sustainable recovery and integration into the European energy community, while for Slovenian companies, it offers an entry point into the Ukrainian market, access to European funding mechanisms for joint projects in the energy sphere in Ukraine.

Event objectives
• To facilitate partnerships between Ukrainian and Slovenian companies active in the energy sector and related industries;
• To promote joint participation in EU- and Energy Community–financed projects, including green transition and recovery programs for Ukraine;
• To inform participants about available financial and institutional support mechanisms in Slovenia and the EU;
• To showcase innovative energy solutions, technologies, and services that can support Ukraine’s recovery and sustainable growth;
• To create a long-term network for cooperation and project development in the energy sphere.

Target audiences
From Ukraine:
• Energy companies, utilities, and grid operators;
• Renewable energy developers (solar, wind, biomass, hydrogen);
• Energy efficiency solution providers;
• Engineering and technology firms;
• Municipal energy agencies and project implementers.

From Slovenia:
• Companies in energy sector, incl. in renewable energy, smart grids, and clean technologies;
• Consulting and engineering firms.

Ukrainian companies are invited to present:
• Their capabilities in the energy sector;
• Partnership needs (technological, financial, or strategic);
• Project ideas for which they seek Slovenian or EU partners.

Slovenian companies are encouraged to:
• Explore business opportunities in Ukraine’s energy recovery;
• Identify reliable Ukrainian partners for EU-funded or bilateral projects;
• Contribute to Europe’s green and resilient energy future through cooperation.

Quick event timeline
1. Opening of the event
2. Keynote address
3. Presentations on part of Ukrainian companies
4. Presentations on part of Slovenian companies
5. B2B (business-to-business opportunity)
6. Networking lunch

Upcoming mentorship visit of Municipality of Zarichne at the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica

Upcoming mentorship visit of Municipality of Zarichne at the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica

6. 11. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

As part of the Ukraine Recovery Programme, we are pleased to announce an upcoming mentorship visit of representatives from the Municipality of Zarichne (Ukraine) to the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica (Slovenia).

The visit will take place from 19 to 28 November 2025. The main focus of the mentorship will be on public utilities, including water supply systems, waste management, road infrastructure, and sewerage. Additional topics will cover healthcare, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. The selected themes reflect the clearly defined needs and priorities of the Ukrainian partner municipality, identified during the previous phase of the project.

The ‘Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine’ programme is funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships and implemented in partnership with ‘U-LEAD with Europe’. 

Break the Fake: Standing Together for Truth and Resilience in Europe’s Information Space

Break the Fake: Standing Together for Truth and Resilience in Europe’s Information Space

27. 10. 2025 | European Digital Diplomacy Exchange, PR, Regional cooperation, Strategic Communication, Ukraine

Ljubljana, October 24, 2025 – On Thursday, October 23, the House of the European Union in Ljubljana hosted Break the Fake, an event dedicated to strengthening resilience against disinformation and promoting cooperation between Slovenia, Ukraine, and European partners in defending truth and democratic values.
 
 
Organized by the NGO Platform for Development Projects “Priority” in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in Slovenia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Government Communication Office of the Republic of Slovenia, and the Centre for European Perspective (CEP), the event brought together diplomats, experts, and civil society representatives to explore the human and societal impact of disinformation.
 
Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Petro Beshta, Ambassador of Ukraine to Slovenia; Ms. Petra Bezjak Cirman, Head of the Government Communication Office; and Ms. Nina Čepon, Executive Director of the Centre for European Perspective.
 
 
The programme featured an analysis of Russian propaganda strategies by disinformation expert Mr. Mykhaylo Dankanych, followed by the deeply moving personal testimony of Mr. Malik Yevgeniy, a former Ukrainian prisoner of war, who shared his experience of captivity and the psychological toll of propaganda.

Break the Fake: Standing Together for Truth and Resilience in Europe’s Information Space

 
In her address, CEP Executive Director Nina Čepon underlined that disinformation is not an abstract concept but a force that undermines trust, weakens social cohesion, and erodes democratic foundations. She highlighted CEP’s long-term engagement in strengthening Europe’s information resilience through partnership, education, and capacity building.
 
Through initiatives such as Countering Disinformation and Building Resilience in the Western Balkans and the European Digital Diplomacy Exchange (EDDE), CEP works with journalists, diplomats, and public officials to strengthen media literacy, build cross-sectoral cooperation, and promote communication grounded in trust and transparency. These programmes have also fostered close collaboration with Ukrainian partners, particularly since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
 
Further demonstrating this partnership, CEP’s Slovenia Connects – Rebuild Ukraine initiative supports capacity building and good governance in Ukraine, focusing on empowering local and regional authorities in the country’s recovery and reconstruction process.
 
 
The event concluded with an open discussion on countering Russian propaganda and violations of international law.
 
As Ms. Čepon emphasized, resilience begins with truth, and the most effective response to disinformation lies in cooperation among institutions, media, educators, and citizens. Break the Fake served as a reminder that every verified story, every act of solidarity, and every informed conversation helps build a Europe that is resilient, united, and free.
 

Strengthening financial investigation capacities of Montenegro with a study visit to Slovenia

Strengthening financial investigation capacities of Montenegro with a study visit to Slovenia

20. 10. 2025 | Montenegro - finance, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance

From 14 to 17 October 2025, a delegation of 15 representatives from the Ministry of Interior and Police of Montenegro visited Ljubljana and Celje as part of the project “Strengthening the capacities for financial investigations in Montenegro.”

The study visit focused on sharing Slovenian best practices in financial investigations, inter-institutional cooperation, and the fight against organised crime, corruption, and money laundering.

During the four-day visit, participants were introduced to the Slovenian model of financial investigation both at the central and regional levels:
🔹 Mr Jure Palka from the Office for Money Laundering Prevention presented the role and activities of the Bureau and its cooperation with police and prosecutors.

🔹 At the Celje Police Directorate, they learned about the organisational structure and operational coordination of financial and criminal investigations, with practical insights into work at regional and local levels.

🔹 In Ljubljana, the delegation was welcomed by Mr Darko Muženić, Director of the National Bureau of Investigation. Experts from the Bureau presented their work in computer crime, financial crime, and cryptocurrency investigations.

🔹 Representatives of the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS) and the Specialised State Prosecutor’s Office presented examples of good practices, and the legal framework for financial investigations and prosecution.

The CEP expert team, led by Mr David Antolovič and Mr Damijan Turk, led a discussion on the finalised needs analysis, prepared between July and September 2025, and presented its findings and recommendations. The team also delivered a presentation and workshop on upcoming project activities. The visit concluded with a joint agreement to establish a working group that will prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Montenegrin police, aligning operational practice with Slovenian experience.

This study visit represents another step toward strengthening institutional cooperation and enhancing professional capacities in financial investigations in Montenegro.

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The project is implemented by the Centre for European Perspective (CEP) with the support of the Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia through Slovenian Aid, in cooperation with the Slovenian Police and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Slovenia.

Announcement EDDE general training in Montenegro

Announcement EDDE general training in Montenegro

17. 10. 2025 | European Digital Diplomacy Exchange, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance

We are excited to announce another four-day EDDE training, from 18 to 21 November 2025, in Bar, Montenegro. The event is organised through the cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia and the Centre for European Perspective. The upcoming training, titled “Empowering Citizens Through Strategic Communication,” will explore how digital technologies are reshaping democracy and citizen engagement.  While digital platforms expand opportunities for participation, they also present new challenges to trust in institutions and collaboration.

Participants will gain practical insights and hands-on experience through lectures, debates, and exercises. The program will focus on how digital communication and the use of different techniques shape trust in institutions and citizen engagement.  

This training offers participants the opportunity to strengthen their professional skills, share best practices, and exchange perspectives on how strategic communication can empower citizens as essential partners in the democratic process.

 

The implemented activities are supported and funded by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia in the scope of the program of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid and implemented by the Centre for European Perspective.  

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Napoved: EDDE splošni trening v Črni Gori

Evropska izmenjava aktivnosti digitalne diplomacije (EDDE)

Z veseljem napovedujemo novo štiridnevno usposabljanje v okviru projekta Evropska izmenjava aktivnosti digitalne diplomacije-European Digital Diplomacy Exchange (EDDE), ki bo potekalo med 18. in 21. novembrom 2025 v mestu Bar v Črni gori. Usposabljanje z naslovom »Opolnomočenje državljanov skozi strateško komuniciranje«, bodo udeleženci spoznali kako digitalne tehnologije preoblikujejo demokracijo in vplivajo na vključevanje državljanov v demokratične procese. Čeprav, danes digitalne platforme ponujajo številne nove priložnosti za sodelovanje, hkrati prinašajo tudi izzive, katerih učinkovito naslavljanje omogoča vzpostavljanje in ohranjanje zaupanja v institucije ter večji potencial za uspešno sodelovanje

Udeleženci bodo s prepletom teorije in prakse pridobili znanja in izkušnje z različnih področij strateškega komuniciranja v sklopu formatov, kot so predavanja, razprave in praktične naloge. Program bo osredotočen na priložnosti digitalnega informacijskega okolja ter na znanja in orodja, ki omogočajo vzpostavljanje in ohranjanje sodelovanja med institucijami in državljani ter spodbujajo njihovo medsebojno povezovanje.

Usposabljanje bo udeležencem omogočilo krepitev strokovnih veščin, izmenjavo dobrih praks ter različnih pogledov na to, kako lahko strateško komuniciranje opolnomoči državljane kot ključne akterje v demokratičnih procesih.

 

Izvedene aktivnosti so podprte in financirane s strani Ministrstva za zunanje in evropske zadeve Republike Slovenije v okviru programa mednarodnega razvojnega sodelovanja in humanitarne pomoči ter jih izvaja Center za evropsko prihodnost.