Sitemap

Macron, Vučić: We Share Views of Young People in Western Balkans

CorD Recommends

Slovenian Business Club (SPK) Activities

Supporting Our Members and Creating Opportunities

The Slovenian Business Club (SPK), with over...

Adria Circle Launches in Belgrade

Uniting seven markets, one conversation at a...

CEBAC Summit to Debut in Belgrade

The first edition of the CEBAC Summit,...

Dr. Max Expands Its Reach with Acquisition of Žalfija Pharmacies

Dr. Max, the Czech pharmacy giant, has expanded its footprint in Serbia by acquiring the Žalfija pharmacy chain, marking...

Bulgaria’s Path to the Eurozone: A New Era of Economic Integration

Bulgaria is set to join the Eurozone on 1 January 2026, a historic step that marks a deeper integration...

Hemofarm Acquires Fortacell: A Strategic Move to Strengthen Market Position

Hemofarm has announced the acquisition of the Fortacell brand, renowned for its supplements that support immunity, health, and vitality. This...

Science Diplomacy as a Bridge to a Sustainable Future

In an era of global challenges and rapid technological change, the concept of science diplomacy is gaining increasing relevance—not...

Denmark Now Leading the EU Council

After years of quiet preparation and mounting anticipation, Denmark has stepped into the spotlight—officially assuming the rotating Presidency of...

President of the France Emmanuel Macron and President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met in Belgrade today with six young people from the Western Balkans when they discussed common challenges of young people in the region.

In a session participated by the presidents and the young people who took part in RYCO supported projects within its first Open Call for Project Proposals, RYCO Secretary-General Mr Đuro Blanuša briefly presented the organization and its work and underlined that reconciliation is not just the absence of war.

“Our region still insists on differences and look at them as something that divides us, but the differences should bring us together,” Blanuša said and added that we still live in a fragile region. He also thanked the governments of the region for being committed to RYCO.


Related: Presidents Aleksandar Vučić & Emmanuel Macron Hold Joint Press Conference


Expressing his willingness to discuss the common challenges with young people from the region, Macron underlined that he is a strong believer in RYCO and its work.

The President of the French Republic also said that he is happy to hear about launching a joint project supported by the French Development Agency since it will bring the societies of the region closer together.

The young people participating in the event shared their views on reconciliation, cooperation, democratic values, education and security in the region by highlighting the need for enhanced cooperation not only between the young people but also between the governments in the Western Balkans. They also shared their engagements on the issues.

Discussing the issues, Macron agreed with the young people and pointed out that this point of view should be shared by the majority of the citizens in the Western Balkans, too. He also said that the EU integration process is too long and bureaucratic and that young people should be offered a strong perspective.

Macron said that he does not want this generation to be disappointed even after the region becomes a part of the European Union and highlighted that this is the reason why the EU should be reformed. He also said that a new European narrative should be created.

Vučić said that he shares most of the young people’s views and underlined that the overall atmosphere in the region is not serving cooperation between the societies. The President of Serbia also pointed out the readiness of Serbia to contribute more to the youth cooperation in the region financially.

The President of Serbia said that if one of the problems for young people is the lack of financial resources, Serbia is ready to contribute more and double or triple its contribution to the RYCO budget. He told the participants that he strongly believes in youth cooperation and likes to listen to the stories of young people from the region.

What did young people say?

Emina Frljak from Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted that the region is still embedded in the past. “We did not overcome the divisions from World War II, not to mention those created during the most recent conflicts,” she underlined.

Rina Kadiri from Kosovo pointed out the need that the people of the region have to overcome their prejudices about each other. “I work with young people because I want to see the prejudices in the region disappear,” she was clear.

Ivan Depostović from Serbia underlined the importance of values of cooperation for the region. “Together with my colleagues, I will always be ready to defend our stands and values whenever there is a treat of regressive nationalistic approaches in the region,” Ivan said.

Stefani Spirovska from North Macedonia said that young people from the region need better education systems. “My organization is working on bridging this gap between formal and non-formal education by providing young people with opportunities to learn things which the formal education is not offering,” she underlined.

Bojana Lalatović from Montenegro underlined the need to include topics related to security challenges in the region when discussing a common future of young people in the Western Balkans.

Mikel Zito from Albania said that the process of building trust and cooperation in the region requires time. “This process is a long-term one but it is important to say that it is not impossible one. We are proof that region can and have to cooperate,” Mikel stressed out.

Related Articles

Dragan Stokić, President of CCIFS

Proactively Shapingthe Business Environment

French companies have a long-term and stable presence in Serbia, with investments that are not just capital-intensive but also contribute to the transfer of...

Aleksandar Vlajković, Owner ASE Consulting

A Team for Every Challenge

ASE Consulting, a member of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Serbia and the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, has built a successful reputation in...

President Somborska – Pleasure is important

President, the most prominent brand of the French group Lactalis, continues to strengthen its position on the Serbian market year after year. Thanks to...

Sanja Ivanić, General Director of CCIFS; Secretary General of CEBAC

The Business Communityas a Driver of Change

The business community must actively engage in the European integration process as it can be the key driver of change through the adoption of...

By Duško Lopandić

A Century Since the Birth of Jacques Delors: A Pro-European Visionary

“The European idea is based on a triptych: competition that stimulates; cooperation that strengthens; solidarity that unites,” Jacques Delors would often reiterate, expressing his...

French Film Festival to Open in Zrenjanin

Opening of the festival with the film La Réparation and the arrival of renowned French director Régis Wargnier in Zrenjanin This year’s edition of the...

UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk Visits Belgrade

In a visit seen as a key moment for regional diplomacy and human rights engagement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has...

Joan Bourgeois in Serbia

One of the most significant contemporary artists, Joan Bourgeois, is coming to Serbia for the performance of The One Who Falls on May 20th in Novi...