We are inviting young people from across the Western Balkans to take part in a regional training and policy dialogue in Bitola.
- What will the transition away from coal and carbon-intensive industries mean for young people in our region?
- Will it create new opportunities, or will young people once again be invited only after the important decisions have already been made?
This is an opportunity to bring the realities, concerns and ideas of your community directly into regional policy discussions and help shape recommendations that will be presented to decision-makers.
You do not need to be a policy expert. You need to be curious, ready to contribute and willing to work with other young people from across the region.
What is Just Transition?
The shift towards cleaner energy will change local economies, jobs, education and everyday life, particularly in communities that depend on coal, mining, heavy industry or energy production.
A Just Transition means making sure that this change is fair and that workers, young people and local communities are not left behind.
It also means that young people should have a real say in decisions that will shape their future.
What will we do in Bitola?
Over 2.5 days, participants will:
- explore what Just Transition means for young people and local communities;
- share experiences from coal and transition-affected areas;
- meet experts, policymakers and representatives of regional organisations;
- take part in a local Just Transition tour in and around Bitola;
- work in small groups to develop practical policy recommendations;
- learn how to turn community concerns into clear proposals for decision-makers;
- practise presenting and defending their recommendations.
The programme will be interactive. Expect discussions, story-sharing, teamwork, a field visit and policy shaping.
What will happen with the recommendations?
Participants will jointly develop recommendations on how governments, municipalities and regional organisations can involve young people meaningfully in Just Transition policies.
The recommendations will be turned into:
- a youth recommendations paper;
- a short policy brief for decision-makers;
- a presentation for regional institutions and partners.
Selected participants will also have the opportunity to present the recommendations at the Energy Community Just Transition Forum in Podgorica on 20 October 2026.
Who can apply?
You can apply if you:
- are between 18 and 30 years old;
- live in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia or Serbia, in regions of Fier, Patos, Marinzë, Ballsh, Mallakastër, Kuçovë, Memaliaj, Tuzla, Lukavac, Živinice, Banovići, Đurđevik; Kakanj, Breza, Zenica, Ugljevik, Gacko, Stanari, Obiliq/Obilić, Pristina, Pljevlja, Bitola, Novaci, Kičevo, former Oslomej area, Lazarevac, Lajkovac, Ub, Kostolac, Požarevac, Obrenovac, Resavica and Despotovac
- live, study or work in, or have a strong connection to, a coal, mining, industrial, energy-producing or transition-affected community;
- are interested in climate action, energy, jobs, education, youth participation, local development, social justice or related topics;
- can participate in English;
- are available for the full programme and the required travel days;
- are ready to listen, share ideas and work with people from different backgrounds.
You do not need to represent an organisation, and previous regional or policy experience is not required.
We especially encourage applications from
- young people living in coal, mining and industrial communities;
- young workers, unemployed young people and students from transition-affected areas;
- members of local community initiatives;
- young activists, journalists, researchers, entrepreneurs and trade-union members;
- young people from rural areas and smaller municipalities;
- women and young people from underrepresented communities;
- applicants who have not previously participated in regional programmes.
All costs are covered by the organisers.
How to apply
Complete the online application form by 27.08.2026, 23:59 CET.
Only the shortlisted candidates will be informed with further details.
About the organisers
The programme is jointly organised by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in the framework of the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans.
Questions? Contact us at: north.macedonia@rycowb.org
Application deadline: 27.08.2026, 23:59 CET
*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.