For decades, the Western Balkans have faced the challenge of young people moving abroad in search of better opportunities, driven by high unemployment rates and limited career prospects. The question is: What can be done to change this trend? To find answers, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), with support from the Austrian Federal Ministry
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Young leaders from twelve political parties gathered in Budva from March 11 to 13 to discuss strategies for involving young people in political decision-making processes, as well as to develop teamwork and cooperation in advocating for dialogue and collaboration, within the framework of the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda. This event was organized by the
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Elbasan, 14 March 2025 – Laughter, music, and the energy of young people filled Elbasan’s Dhaskal Todri High School, as Summer Day celebration brought together students from High School “Dhaskal Todi” and Gymnasium “Sveti Sava” from Belgrade and High Official guests, led by EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, who paid a visit to RYCO’s
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Tirana, March 7-8, 2024 – At a time when Europe is facing rapid changes and new challenges, young voices are stepping up to shape the conversation. The NextGEN Voices for Europe: An Intergenerational Dialogue on the Future conference brought together young leaders and high-level officials in Tirana to discuss the future of Europe, the role
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Dear Applicants, We sincerely appreciate your interest and efforts in participating in the 6th RYCO Open Call for Project Proposals. This year, we received 137 applications involving 363 partners from across the Western Balkans, reaffirming the region’s strong potential for positive change through youth cooperation, mobility, and engagement. Following the completion of the final documentation
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A kick-off event in Tirana marked the beginning of RYCOgnizing YPS – new regional initiative aimed at empowering youth actors and organizations across the Western Balkans. This RYCO project will provide targeted support to youth-led initiatives that advance peace and stability in the region. Supported by the German Government through the German Federal Foreign Office,
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Are you passionate about youth empowerment, social inclusion, and the transformative power of sport? Do you want to promote positive change across the Western Balkans? The Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and GIZ invite you to be part of an exciting international experience through the Sport for Development (S4D) Instructor Training – 3rd Edition! In
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On February 28, 2025, a high-level visit took place on the final event of the first exchange “Different But The Same Balkan Youth Is My Name” implemented within the third cycle of the Superschools program by the Sixth Belgrade Grammar School and “Ali Demi” High School from Vlora. Students of these two schools, with the
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Skopje, – In a significant step towards fostering integrity and transparency in governance, over 30 young politicians and political activists gathered today in Skopje for the “Western Balkans Next Gen: Leading the Fight Against Corruption” event. Organized by the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) in partnership with the Regional Youth Cooperation Council (RYCO), the event aimed
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The Head of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) Local Branch in Montenegro, Edin Koljenović, welcomed the newly appointed Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Ambassador Jan Haukaas, at the RYCO Office in Podgorica. The meeting underscored the continued dedication of both institutions to foster youth engagement as a tool to equip young people
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