The Western Balkans Youth Forum 2026, jointly organized by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and the Government of Montenegro under the Chairmanship of the Berlin Process, was officially opened today in Budva with a clear message: the future of the region belongs to a generation of young people ready to shape it through their engagement and action.
Held as part of the Berlin Process and in the year marking RYCO’s tenth anniversary, the Forum highlighted the crucial role of young people as drivers of the region’s European future. Participants emphasized that the era of promises has given way to an era of tangible results, cooperation, and collective action.
Taking place from 4 to 7 June under the slogan “From Dialogue to Delivery: Youth Shaping Regional Cooperation,” the Forum brings together young people from across the Western Balkans, policymakers, civil society representatives, international partners, and other key stakeholders to discuss priorities for the region’s future and contribute to the agenda of the Berlin Process.
Opening the event, RYCO Secretary General Vladimir Obradović emphasized the importance of gathering not only to discuss the future of the region but also to jointly shape it.
“There is no better place for that than the Western Balkans Youth Forum within the Berlin Process. The Berlin Process has never been merely a series of political meetings; it is an initiative that connects people,” Obradović said.
He noted that RYCO was established ten years ago out of that very vision.
“RYCO was founded on a simple yet powerful belief: trust is not built through declarations alone, but through encounters. Through young people meeting, cooperating, breaking down stereotypes, building friendships, and strengthening ties across the region. Today, as RYCO marks a decade of its existence, we can proudly say that an entire generation across the Western Balkans has grown up with more opportunities to connect, exchange experiences, learn, and create together than ever before. That may well be one of our greatest achievements.”
Obradović pointed out that young people in the Balkans often lack opportunities, trust, and meaningful space for participation—precisely what this Forum seeks to provide.
“The Western Balkans Youth Forum is a platform where young people’s views and ideas are transformed into concrete recommendations that continue their journey beyond this room—to institutions, decision-makers, regional initiatives, and the Berlin Process Summit.”
He also announced the launch of a new Trust Fund Initiative later this year, which will create additional opportunities to support youth cooperation, regional dialogue, and youth-led initiatives across the Western Balkans.
Minister of European Affairs in a Government of Montenegro, Maida Gorčević stated that the next chapter of the Western Balkans will not be written by those who merely speak about challenges, but by those who solve them.
“The era of aspirations without tangible results is over. The era of promises without delivery is over. Likewise, the era of measuring success by intentions rather than achievements is over. That is why it is particularly fitting that this year’s Youth Forum is held under the slogan From Dialogue to Delivery.”
She noted that the region has been viewed through the lens of its history for far too long.
“Today, I invite you to view it through the lens of opportunity. History explains where we come from. Opportunity determines where we are going. And we choose Europe.”
According to Gorčević, the strongest democracies are those in which young people actively participate in shaping the policies.
“The same applies to our economies. It is not enough to educate talented young people. We must retain them, empower them, and rely on them. The success of this region will not depend on the absence of differences, but on our ability to turn those differences into cooperation.”
She also recalled that this year marks a decade since the establishment of RYCO, one of the most tangible achievements of the Berlin Process.
“Ten years ago, our region made an important decision. We recognized that sustainable cooperation cannot be built only around government tables—it must also be built among people. The creation of RYCO reflects precisely that vision. I am convinced that the decisions and ideas you bring to the table today will help define our future tomorrow.”
Minister Delegate for European Affairs of the French Republic , H.E. Benjamin Haddad recalled that the Franco-German Youth Office served as one of the inspirations for the establishment of RYCO.
“I am proud that from a difficult history we were able to build something much stronger—something that can now inspire others.”
Addressing young participants, Haddad stressed that the Berlin Process has never been solely about governments, negotiations, and diplomats.
“It is about shaping the future of your societies. You have a crucial role in Europe’s future. Be confident. Do not wait for permission. Break down barriers and open doors. Do not allow your future to be determined by politicians whose ideas belong to another era. Whether you engage through civil society, business, media, or politics, what matters is that you stay involved. And please, do not give up on politics. It can be frustrating, demanding, and slow, but it remains one of the places where you can have the greatest impact. We need people with new ideas and a new agenda.”
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Montenegro, H.E. Peter Felten underlined that over the past decade, RYCO has established itself as a key actor in the field of youth exchanges and has become exactly what its founders envisioned—a central platform for young people throughout the Western Balkans.
Recalling that RYCO emerged as one of the most significant achievements of the Berlin Process, inspired by the Franco-German Youth Office, Felten highlighted the strong support provided by Germany and France since its inception.
“We expect Montenegro’s Chairmanship of the Berlin Process to ensure that the substantive outcomes of this Forum are effectively integrated into the preparations for the Berlin Process Summit in October. This is one of the key strengths of the Berlin Process—its direct relevance and connection to citizens, including young people across the region.”
Felten also reiterated Germany’s long-standing political and financial support for RYCO.
“Through the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany has supported initiatives such as the Youth Cultural Fund, Superschools, and programs promoting social cohesion through sports and youth exchanges.”
He announced that Germany would contribute additionally to launch the new Trust Fund Initiative.
“This is yet another confirmation of the importance Germany attaches to young generations, youth exchanges, and reconciliation in the region.”
The Western Balkans Youth Forum brings together young people from across the region, government officials, civil society representatives, international partners, and other relevant stakeholders with the aim of exchanging ideas, strengthening regional cooperation, and developing recommendations for the future development of the Western Balkans.
Throughout the four-day program, participants will engage in panel discussions, keynote sessions, thematic debates, and interactive workshops focused on issues of critical importance to young people, including participation in decision-making processes, mobility and skills development, peace and security, the green transition, innovation, and emerging regional opportunities.
The Forum serves as an important platform for amplifying youth voices and ensuring their active participation in processes that contribute to stronger regional cooperation, stability, and sustainable development across the Western Balkans.
