Young people across Southeast and Eastern Europe are once again being invited to take center stage in shaping the narrative of the energy transition. The Energy Community Secretariat, in cooperation with CEE Bankwatch Network, Balkan Green Energy News, CAN Europe, and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), has launched the second edition of the Just Transition Young Voices Awards, an initiative that empowers youth to express how the shift toward a greener future is unfolding in their communities.
Building on the success of its first edition, this year’s Awards place creativity and storytelling at the forefront. Participants are invited to submit original videos responding to the theme: “What a Just Energy Transition Means to You and Your Community.” The goal is to raise awareness, spark dialogue, and deepen understanding of just transition principles, ensuring that the move toward sustainability is inclusive, fair, and rooted in lived experiences
Who Can Apply?
The Awards are open to young people aged 18 to 30 from across the Energy Community, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. Applicants may participate individually or in teams of two, bringing diverse perspectives and collaborative energy to their submissions.
Participants can choose between two video categories:
• Creativity for Impact (30 seconds to 3 minutes)
• Storytelling for Impact (3 to 5 minutes)
Whether through powerful visuals, personal narratives, or community-focused insights, young creators are encouraged to explore how the energy transition is affecting lives on the ground.
What’s at Stake?
Winners will gain the opportunity to present their work at the international Just Transition Forum in Montenegro this October, placing their voices at the heart of regional dialogue. In addition, participants will benefit from capacity-building opportunities and increased visibility through regional media platforms, helping amplify their stories beyond local communities.
Key Dates to Remember
An online information session will be held on 19 May 2026 at 16:00, offering guidance and insights for prospective applicants. The submission deadline is set for 10 August 2026.
How to Apply
Full details on eligibility, submission guidelines, and registration can be found on the official Energy Community platforms.
At a time when the path to a sustainable future must be both inclusive and just, the stories of young people are more important than ever. If you have a vision, a message, or a story to tell, this is your chance to inspire change and contribute to a more equitable energy transition.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.