Danica Sretkovska, Sara Neskovska, and Matea Kargovska are three young activists and researchers, actively engaged in leading civil society organisations in North Macedonia.
They participated in the project “Youth for the Europeanization of the Western Balkans”, which focuses on promoting the regional inclusion of youth in the EU integration process.
Danica, Sara, and Matea each bring a unique perspective on how this goal can be achieved. The project’s lead organisation, BIRC Institute, asked them a series of questions to capture their views and ideas.
DANICA STRETOVSKA
The process of Europeanization in the Western Balkans is often analyzed through the prism of political decisions, institutional reforms, and diplomatic efforts.
But increasingly, young people are becoming essential drivers of a quiet but profound transformation – one that is taking place in the media, in civil society, in everyday interactions between people from different communities and countries.
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Danica Sretkovska
From my experience as a youth activist and participant in regional initiatives, I am convinced that young people are already creating the new European narrative – not declaratively, but through concrete actions, shared learning and honest dialogues.
These processes represent an authentic form of integration, based on values, not just procedures.
However, access to European opportunities is not equal for all. For many from rural or less informed backgrounds, European programmes and funds still seem out of reach – not for lack of interest, but for lack of availability and support.
Inclusivity requires an active strategy, not just the presence of brochures and application forms. If we want real inclusion, we must abolish the perception that the EU is a “distant idea” and make it visible and tangible – precisely where it has been absent so far.
One of the biggest challenges is disinformation. It is not only spread through social networks, but also through the absence of structured, critical education about the EU and its values.
Informal education – what young people receive through their family, the internet and everyday communication – can be just as influential as formal education, if not more so. That is why it is important to support informal forms of learning: youth exchanges, training courses, regional meetings. They not only inform, but also build trust.
In this context, it is important to mention the phenomenon of the so-called “enlargement fatigue”. Among young people, this does not always manifest itself as open resistance, but more often as quiet resignation. A feeling that, despite all the talk about the future, the present remains static. But this apathy does not mean complete distrust – it can be overcome by real, not symbolic, involvement of young people in the integration process.
The youth of the Balkans are not just “future citizens of the EU”. They are current actors in the creation of that vision. For that vision to be realized, sincere support, cooperation and recognition of youth capacity are needed – not as an aesthetic need, but as a political necessity.
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Sara Neskovska
On July 7, 2025, Podgorica hosted the inaugural conference “Youth for Europeanization of the Western Balkans”, where I had the honor of participating as one of four selected youth representatives from Macedonia. The conference was attended by young people from Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia, who jointly debated, exchanged ideas and visions for the future of the region in the European Union.
The conference was held in English, which allowed for even greater connection and open dialogue between young people from different countries. I had the honor of being a speaker on the topic “All of us young people, together for the Europeanization of the Western Balkans”. My speech focused on how young people can be the bridge between the current reality and the European values we desire – democracy, human rights, social justice and equality.
What makes this experience truly special is the networking with young people who, although coming from different countries, share similar challenges, but also the same motivation for positive change. In addition to us young people, the conference was also attended by experienced lecturers – media workers, communication experts and EU integration analysts, who selflessly shared their knowledge and experience. They offered us perspectives on how they see the Europeanization process and gave us guidance on how we, the young people, can actively engage in it.
This conference was just the beginning. The next step is the forum in Pristina on August 25, after which in September we will wrap up the initiative with a final conference in Skopje – hosted by us, the young people of Macedonia. I look forward to continuing this journey, because I believe that we, the young people, have a key role in creating the future we want – a European, inclusive and sustainable one.
Matea Kargovska
Matea Kargovska is a junior researcher and project assistant at Eurothink. She holds a BA in Political Science and a MA in International Relations, Diplomacy and EU Integration from the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje. In this interview for BIRS Institute, she discusses the role of young people in the Europeanization process, the obstacles they face, and the opportunities for deeper interregional cooperation.
BIRS: Do young people have enough information about the European integration process?
Matea Kargovska: This question does not have a simple answer. We live in a time of technological expansion and easy access to information. But although young people can find information through the Internet, social networks and educational programs, the quality, accuracy and objectivity of that information are often problematic. Political polarization in the media contributes to confusion and distrust, which leads to Euroscepticism. The lack of media literacy further worsens the situation.
BIRS: What are the main obstacles preventing young people from engaging in the processes of Europeanization and democratization?
Matea Kargovska: The biggest obstacle is the mentality and habits that have been passed down for generations – from seeking connections for the simplest services, to accepting corruption. Even young people who are aware and want change are often marginalized. Systemic change and the eradication of old practices are needed to create the conditions for true Europeanization.
BIRS: How can interregional cooperation among young people be improved in the context of European integration?
Matea Kargovska: Stronger interaction with EU member states and promotion of successful practices from those countries are needed. Awareness and availability of examples – positive and negative – can influence the motivation of young people. They should be encouraged to accept new ideas and engage more in regional initiatives. The example of Slovenia shows that transformation is possible with political will and civic involvement.
BIRS: Are current EU youth programs (such as Erasmus+) sufficient to promote Europeanization in the Balkans?
Matea Kargovska: Programs like Erasmus+ are important, but they are not enough. New initiatives are needed that will bring the integration process closer to every young person, including mandatory academic exchanges in the EU, so that young people can feel the benefits of the European perspective.
BIRS: How can we effectively counter disinformation and anti-European propaganda that influences young people?
Matea Kargovska: The key is education. Media literacy should be introduced as early as secondary education. Universities should regularly organize workshops and lectures with professionals. Students should have direct contact with institutions that fight disinformation and acquire practical skills. This way they will build their own, informed views on the EU.
BIRS: Do you think there is Euroscepticism among young people and what drives it?
Matea Kargovska: Yes, Euroscepticism is present. But it does not mean an anti-EU stance, but rather a distrust in the process due to disappointments, compromises and poor communication by the institutions. Young people are not against the EU, but are looking for a fair and straight path to membership. The lack of transparency, misinformation and incompetence of politicians only reinforce this distrust.
This text was developed within the framework of the project “Youth Inclusion for Europeanization of the Balkans”, implemented by the BIRC Institute from North Macedonia, NGO GLAS from Montenegro and CFID from Kosovo, and supported by the Western Balkans Fund with co-financing from the European Union.
This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the user and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union
