Participants in the hearing "Youth Policy in the Western Balkans (WBs), as part of the Innovation Agenda for the WBs", held by the EESC, reaffirmed the importance of young people for the future of the region. They also pointed to the "brain drain" problem and how transforming this into "brain circulation" could stimulate economic growth and development in the Western Balkans.

EESC member Dragica Martinović Džamonja stated: "Young people are a vital resource for development and an essential factor for peace and stability."

In the same vein, Andrej Zorko, also an EESC member, said: "Young people should not be the subject of a project, but really need to be an active component in policy-making."

Dafina Peci, Director of Tirana European Youth Capital 2022, highlighted the importance of youth and civil society organisations, showcasing the work of the Western Balkan Youth Platform, which has been active for years in the six countries of the Western Balkans.

Inadequate education, lack of skills, poor employment conditions and limited opportunities cannot guarantee a prosperous future for young people.

Albert Hani, Secretary-General of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), stated that an average 52% of young people would like to live outside of the region. "If governments are to persuade young people to stay at home, they need to show their commitment to young people's needs and priorities," he said.

Milica Škiljević, project manager at Belgrade Open School, flagged up the lack of information on career and employment prospects. 

Ognjen Marković, Team Leader of the Western Balkans Youth Lab Project in the Regional Cooperation Council, explained the added value of youth participation as they can offer knowledge and expertise, provided that they are placed on an equal footing with policy-makers.

The Youth Guarantee for the Western Balkan initiative, along with youth networks and national stakeholders, could mark the beginning of a reform process, strengthening employability among the region's younger generation. (at)