ENTER: CHANGE – Establishing a network and capacity building for young future leaders in the Western Balkans – Phase 2

(2026–2028)

ABOUT

Young people in the Western Balkan region face a significant lack of prospects for active social and political participation. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia are characterized by a high levels of distrust in public institutions, and widespread perceptions of corruption and clientelism, a political environment dominated by polarizing and populist discourse, often based on ethnicity, nationality, or identity, which diverts attention from substantive issues and hinders much-needed reforms. As a result, large numbers of young people, especially those with higher education, are choosing to emigrate, which exacerbates demographic and development challenges and weakens the long-term capacity of these countries for democratic and economic development. Their environment bears negative impact for the inclusion of young people in democratic processes and reduces confidence in the possibility of change within the existing institutional frameworks, while also slowing down the progress of countries on their path to European Union membership.

The primary objectives of the project are:

• to provide young future leaders with the necessary tools and skills to foster accountable, transparent, and inclusive democratic governance;
• to promote adopting European democratic principles within BiH, MNE and RNM political frameworks, and bring EU integration back to the top of the agenda;
• to create a long-term impact by nurturing new political leadership that is committed to systemic change and BiH, MNE and RNM socio-economic development;
• to enable long-term ties and mutual trust, and transfer of Slovenian applicable experience, knowledge and good practices.

The ENTER: CHANGE project is based on the belief that empowering young politicians with the knowledge and skills to implement democratic governance can lead to significant, systemic change.

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CONNECTION TO THE PREVIOUS PROJECT

The first phase of the ENTER: CHANGE project in Bosnia and Herzegovina has shown that targeted empowerment of young future leaders and the establishment of lasting networks contribute to greater engagement, visibility, and a shift in content towards democratic and European-oriented action. The second phase of the project will build on the results achieved, embed them in more sustainable local structures, and expand the project to Montenegro and North Macedonia.