Publisher: Fondacija Boris Divković

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Awakened in Need: Political and Civic Engagement of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Youth

Awakened in Need: Political and Civic Engagement of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Youth

Author(s): Anela Lemeš,Valida Repovac Nikšić,Edo Kanlić / Language(s): English

Keywords: Activism; apathy; politics; protests; youth;

The main motivation for this study was the alarming and increasing pace of youth leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina. This study attempts to map the main impediments to youth activism, identified as a fulcrum for improving youth’s outlook for opting to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Numerous previous studies have identified unemployment and lack of opportunities as the key push factors for the massive levels of youth migration. During research it was noted that previous studies and analyses of youth engagement and activism are extensive but mostly quantitative, focusing on large pools of different identities in which the individual experience easily gets lost. For that reason, this study focuses on qualitative analysis, discussing general topics with young people who consider themselves active in order to define the sources of their motivation. The study clearly identifies that the formal systems of education are not preparing youth for active civic and political life, and that civil society organizations are trying to compensate for their shortcomings and inadequacies.

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Awakened in Need: Political and Civic Engagement of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Youth

Budni iz nužde: politički I građanski angažman mladih u Bosni i Hercegovini

Author(s): Anela Lemeš,Valida Repovac Nikšić,Edo Kanlić / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: Activism; apathy; politics; protests; youth;

Glavni motiv za ovu studiju je činjenica da mladi napuštaju Bosnu i Hercegovinu i to alarmantnim i rastućim tempom. Ova studija nastoji pronaći glavne prepreke za aktivizam mladih, koji je identifikovan kao spona za zadržavanje većeg broja mladih u Bosni i Hercegovini. Brojna prethodna istraživanja su identifikovala nezaposlenost i nedostatak prilika kao ključne faktore poticaja za masovnu migraciju mladih. Tokom istraživanja primijećeno je da su prethodne studije i analize o angažmanu i aktivizmu mladih opsežne, ali uglavnom kvantitativne i usredotočene na velike skupove različitih identiteta u kojima se lako gubi svako iskustvo. Zbog toga je ova studija usmjerena na kvalitativnu analizu, raspravljajući o općim temama s mladima koji se smatraju aktivistima kako bi se definisali izvori njihove motivacije. U studiji se jasno navodi da formalni sistemi obrazovanja ne pripremaju mlade za aktivni građanski i politički život u kojem organizacije civilnog društva pokušavaju nadoknaditi njihove nedostatke i slabosti.

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European Voices in the Western Balkans: A Liberal Perspective on Enlargement of the European Union

European Voices in the Western Balkans: A Liberal Perspective on Enlargement of the European Union

Author(s): Natan Albahari,Martin Apostolski,Damir Arnaut,Ivan Dragojević,Sanela Klarić,Aris Movsesijan / Language(s): English

Keywords: Western Balkans; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Montenegro; North Macedonia; Serbia; Liberal voices; EU;

A simple glance at a map of Europe is enough to see why a joint European future for all European countries is inevitable and that it would be a logical interest of the European Union do spread its borders across the Western Balkans and further strengthen its position in the region. Still, keeping talks of enlargement alive is getting more and more difficult every year. Even before the pandemic, the opinion that it is necessary to reform the accession criteria before any new enlargement talks should begin has emerged, which has temporarily suspended candidacy talks with Albania and North Macedonia at one point, and almost caused serious backsliding in the latter Western Balkan country. Although the European Union is still mostly engaged in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak, preparing itself for the post-pandemic crises, and trying to make internal reforms in order to tackle existing and possible future problems in member states, talks on enlargement should not halt. And the two priorities – the one on the internal and the one on external strengthening of the European Union – must not be considered mutually exclusive, because they both benefit the geopolitical position of Europe.

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The Voice of Youth: Responding to challenges in South-East Europe

The Voice of Youth: Responding to challenges in South-East Europe

Author(s): / Language(s): English

Keywords: Youth and unemployment; Fake news; Bosnia and Herzegovina; political activism;

Many social problems that are present in the South East Europe (SEE), such as unemployment, low political participation and migration, high brain drain, the highest unemployment rates of youth in Europe and the lowest rates of political participation of young people are particularly visible when it comes to youth, as they are a special social category. All these problems require a systematic approach and thorough analysis which can result in needed change and progress. The “Civic Platform for Young Liberal Activists” (CPLA) is a project organized by European Liberal Forum with the support of the Center Party International Foundation (CIS), Haya van Someren Stichting/VVD Internationaal and Boris Divkovic Foundation. The aim of this project is to provoke interest of youth in political activism, within the broad spectrum of civil society including political parties, NGOs and social movements. Liberal political NGOs of South-East Europe gathered young representatives of liberal political parties with one goal - to raise awareness of youth activism. As a part of the project tasks, teams had to write Opinion Pieces on a chosen topic that is relevant for their county, but also for the region. Due to the restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, teams did not have the opportunity to meet in person, however, their strong will and joint goals resulted in a publication named “The Voice of Youth”.

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POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE LIBERAL PARTIES IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE LIBERAL PARTIES IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

Author(s): Adisa Memišević,Anela Lemeš,Nejra Vreto,Valida Repovac Nikšić / Language(s): English

Keywords: case study; gender equality; initiatives; leadership; legislation; liberal parties; politics; Western Balkans; women’s empowerment;

This research focuses on liberal parties in the region of Western Balkans and their strategies for advancement and promotion of gender equality, not just within the party but also in their respective countries. The aim of this analysis is to review the current standpoints on equal gender representation in politics in WB liberal political parties, to map their roles and strategies for advancement of gender equality, and to raise the visibility of successful regional examples. Political systems and legislative frameworks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia were reviewed and assessed through an in-depth analysis of their quota systems and the roles of the liberal political parties with to gender equality development, as well as the impact of the NGO sector. This research also examines and considers the social aspects of gender inequality in public and in decision-making processes. Previous research indicates that political parties often do not support female politicians’ participation in the processes of political programme development or political affirmation, despite having adopted gender equality policies in place. Research is conceptualised as a case study of three liberal parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia and their strategies for development and promotion of gender equality within the party as well as in their respective countries. Comparative analysis was conducted using a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of primary and secondary data and quantitative analysis of primary data collection to triangulate the information to the extent possible. In order to develop the new regional story – Regional Initiative 50%– we need this research to examine intra-party democracy in these liberal parties, map their current views on gender equality and see what types of activities could be introduced and adjusted to the needs of their parties and party systems.

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POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE LIBERAL PARTIES IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

POLITIČKA ZASTUPLJENOST ŽENA U LIBERALNIM STRANKAMA ZAPADNOG BALKANA

Author(s): Adisa Memišević,Anela Lemeš,Nejra Vreto,Valida Repovac Nikšić / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: case study; gender equality; initiatives; leadership; legislation; liberal parties; politics; Western Balkans; women’s empowerment;

Fokus ovog istraživanja je na liberalnim strankama regije Zapadnog Balkana i njihovim strategijama za unapređenje i promociju rodne ravnopravnosti ne samo unutar njihovih stranaka, već i u zemljama njihovog djelovanja. Cilj analize je preispitati trenutna stajališta za ravnopravnu zastupljenost spolova u politici u liberalnim političkim strankama Zapadnog Balkana, mapirati uloge i strategije za unapređenje rodne ravnopravnosti u politici, i povećati vidljivost uspješnih primjera iz regije. Analiza političkih sistema i zakonodavnih okvira Bosne i Hercegovine, Crne Gore i Sjeverne Makedonije je također obuhvaćena ovim istraživanjem, kao i analiza sistema kvota i uloge liberalnih političkih stranaka u odnosu na razvoj rodne ravnopravnosti, uz osvrt na uticaj nevladinog sektora. Ovo istraživanje također ispituje i razmatra društveneaspekte rodne nejednakosti u javnosti i u procesima donošenja odluka. Prethodna istraživanja ukazuju na to da političke stranke često ne podržavaju zastupljenost članica u procesima razvoja političkih programa, niti političku afirmaciju bez obzira na usvojene politike rodne ravnopravnosti unutar same stranke. Istraživanje je koncipirano kao studija slučaja tri liberalne stranke Bosne i Hercegovine, Crne Gore i Sjeverne Makedonije i njihovih strategija razvoja i promocije rodne ravnopravnosti unutar samih stranaka, kao i u zemljama u kojima one djeluju. Uporedna analiza provodi se oslanjajući se na pristup mješovitih metoda koji kombinuje kvalitativnu analizu primarnih i sekundarnih podataka, kao i kvantitativnu analizu prikupljanja primarnih podataka radi triangulacije informacija u najvećoj mogućoj mjeri. Kako bismo mogli razviti novu regionalnu priču - Regionalna inicijativa 50%, potrebno nam je ovo istraživanje kako bismo ispitali unutarstranačku demokraciju unutar navedenih liberalnih stranaka i prikazali trenutna stajališta u vezi s rodnom ravnopravnošću, a u svrhu procjene koje bi se vrste aktivnosti mogle uvesti i prilagoditi potrebama samih stranaka i stranačkih sistema za razvoj rodne ravnopravnosti i bolje zastupljenosti žena u politici u budućnosti.

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The Western Balkans: A Chance for the EU A Liberal Perspective on the Accession Process

The Western Balkans: A Chance for the EU A Liberal Perspective on the Accession Process

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: Western Balkans; Accession process; influence of other foreign powers; EU; Rule of Law; Economic integration;

Taking a look at the map it is clear that the countries of the Western Balkans (in this paper Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) are a geopolitically crucial part of Europe that is still missing from the European Union. For political, economic and infrastructural reasons, as well as for the European identity that the Union shares with the Western Balkans, it is vital to reanimate the spirit of the accession process in the region and in the European member states. The EU accession process needs adaptations and improvements to provide more clarity, support and realistic perspectives for the aspiring members. The perspective of the Western Balkans states on the further development of the accession process is comparatively under-represented in the day-to-day debate on EU enlargement. Therefore, representatives of five liberal parties who are active in the above-mentioned states have compiled this short paper on their opinion on possible adjustments in the accession process speaking from their own experience as policy makers.

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RELIGION'S PEACE POTENTIAL AND INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AS A MEANS FOR IMPROVING POLITICAL DIALOGUE IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

MIROVNI POTENCIJAL RELIGIJA I MEĐURELIGIJSKI DIJALOG KAO SREDSTVO ZA UNAPREĐENJE POLITIČKOG DIJALOGA U BOSNI I HERCEGOVINI

Author(s): Arijana Aganović,Sarina Bakić,Alen Krstić / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: Inter-religious dialogue; Political dialogue in Bosnia and Herzegovina; religions' peace potential; religion and politics; peace politics;

A publication before you is created with the aim of bringing inter-religious dialogue and the religions’ peace potential closer to youth who are involved in politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Looking at the political participation as an activity in which young people usually have a secondary role, through acting in youth forums in their political parties, in election campaigns or through civil society organizations, it appears that young people are involved in political life, however, their ideas and attitudes are not used in the best way, i.e. in decision-making bodies. the Although political participation of youth is a burning issue in our society, this publication will not directly deal with but it, but it will focus on another important topic that is often misused for political purposes - religion, or more precisely inter-religious dialogue and religions' peace potential through the perspective of young people. Religion is often covered as a topic in political life, but in a negative context, using stereotypes and prejudices in order to create an atmosphere of intolerance and gain profit for political purposes. Therefore, with this publication we will try to compensate for the lack of resources on inter-religious dialogue and the peace potential of religions and their importance for the advancement of political dialogue. The publication is intended primarily for young politicians and activists from civil society organizations who deal with issues of political responsibility and political participation. It will serve as a manual for including the peace potential of religions and inter-religious dialogue in the political engagement of youth.

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRD ACADEMY OF POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITY

ZBORNIK RADOVA TREĆE AKADEMIJE POLITIČKE ODGOVORNOSTI

Author(s): Zlatiborka Popov Momčinović,Alen Kristić,Nasiha Pozder,Željko Ivanković,Dino Abazović,Drago Bojić,Sabina Čehajić-Clancy,Vjekoslav Domljan,Sarina Bakić,Ivan Šarčević / Language(s): Bosnian,Croatian,Serbian

Keywords: Political culture; Post-Communism; inter-religious dialogue in BiH; Religious communities in BiH; Ecology; Urbanisation; Media; post-conflict societies; socio-political capital;

Fondacija Boris Divković formirana je u ljeto 2013. godine u Sarajevu. Ideja osnivača je da se kroz rad Fondacije što veći broj mladih ljudi, kako u našoj zemlji tako i u regiji, upozna i uči odgovornoj političkoj teoriji i praksi. Iako Fondacija djeluje na socijalno liberalnim polazištima, odlučilo se ovim obrazovnim procesom obuhvatiti i mlade ljude koji su dijelom različitih organizacija, političkih ili nevladinih, drugačijih ubjeđenja, ali i one koji individualno žele unaprijediti svoja znanja o političkoj kulturi. Pitanje sprege morala i politike bilo je od velike važnosti za našeg kolegu Borisa Divkovića i upravo je jedna od prvih značajnijih aktivnosti Fondacije organizacija Akademije političke odgovornosti u kojoj su učestvovali mladi brojnih političkih orijentacija i profila. U novembru 2016. godine održana je treća Akademija političke odgovornosti, a zbog velikog interesa polaznika u maju ove godine organiziran je i njen drugi modul. Teme su obuhvatile: opšti pojam političke kulture, njen razvoj i važnost, dominantnu paradigmu regionalne političke kulture iz perspektive koncepcije svjetskog etosa, religiju kao podcjenjeno mjesto političke socijalizacije. Razgovarali smo o ekonomiji u području politike, kulturi sjećanja. Također, predstavljeni su globalni politički portreti ličnosti poput Vaclava Havela i Wangari Muta Maathai, te regionalni politički portreti kao što su: Zoran Đinđić, Vlado Gotovac, Bogić Bogićević I Boris Divković. Drugi modul išao je detaljno u političko-ekonomske paradigme sa stajališta svjetskog etosa, religiozne socijalne nauke, itd. Posebna pažnja posvećena je ekološkim temama.

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LIBERAL WESTERN BALKANS ON THE MOVE: YOUTH IN LIBERAL POLITICAL PARTIES

LIBERAL WESTERN BALKANS ON THE MOVE: YOUTH IN LIBERAL POLITICAL PARTIES

Author(s): Adisa Memišević,Anela Lemeš,Valida Repovac Nikšić / Language(s): English

Keywords: case study; education; inclusion; initiatives; legislatives; liberal parties; political participation; politics; Western Balkans; youth; youth forum;

This research focused on liberal parties in the Western Balkans region and their strategies for the advancement and promotion of political participation of the youth, not just within the party but also in their respective countries. The aim of this analysis was to review the current standpoints on youth representation in politics in the liberal political parties of the Western Balkans, to map their roles and strategies for advancement of youth political inclusion, and to raise the visibility of successful regional examples. Political, legal and policy contexts and frameworks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia were reviewed and assessed through the analysis of their quota systems, as well as through the overview of current youth representation in the parliaments of WB countries. Previous research indicates that political parties often do not support young politicians’ participation in the processes of political program development, despite having adopted youth programs and policies. The research was conceptualized as a case study of four liberal parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia and their strategies for development and promotion of political participation of the youth within the party, as well as in their respective countries. Comparative analysis was conducted using a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of primary and secondary data and quantitative analysis of primary data collection to triangulate the information to the extent possible. In order to develop the new regional story, we need this research to examine intra-party democracy in these liberal parties, map their current views on youth and politics and see what types of activities could be introduced and adjusted to the needs of their parties and party systems.

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LIBERAL WESTERN BALKANS ON THE MOVE: YOUTH IN LIBERAL POLITICAL PARTIES

LIBERALNI ZAPADNI BALKAN U POKRETU: MLADI U LIBERALNIM POLITIČKIM STRANKAMA

Author(s): Adisa Memišević,Anela Lemeš,Valida Repovac Nikšić / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: case study; education; inclusion; initiatives; legislatives; liberal parties; political participation; politics; Western Balkans; youth; youth forum;

Fokus ovog istraživanja su liberalne stranke Zapadnog Balkana i njihove strategije za unapređenje i promociju političke participacije mladih, ne samo unutar stranaka, već i u njihovim zemljama. Cilj ove analize bio je sagledati trenutna stajališta o zastupljenosti mladih u politici u liberalnim političkim strankama Zapadnog Balkana, mapirati njihove uloge i strategije za unapređenje političke uključenosti mladih te povećati vidljivost uspješnih primjera iz regije. Politički i pravni konteksti i okviri Bosne i Hercegovine, Crne Gore, Srbije i Sjeverne Makedonije pregledani su kroz analizu njihovih sistema kvota, kao i kroz pregled trenutne zastupljenosti mladih u parlamentima zemalja Zapadnog Balkana. Dosadašnja istraživanja pokazuju da političke stranke često u praksi ne podržavaju učešće mladih političara u procesima izrade političkih programa, iako su usvojile programe i politike za mlade. Istraživanje je koncipirano kao studija slučaja četiri liberalne stranke iz Bosne i Hercegovine, Crne Gore, Srbije i Sjeverne Makedonije i njihovih strategija za razvoj i promociju političke participacije mladih ne samo unutar stranakaveći u njihovim zemljama. Komparativna analiza provedena je korištenjem mješovitih metoda: kombiniranjem kvalitativne analize primarnih i sekundarnih podataka i kvantitativne analize prikupljenih primarnih podataka kako bi se informacije triangulirale u najvećoj mogućoj mjeri. Kako bismo razvili novu regionalnu priču, potrebno nam je istraživanje koje ispituje unutarstranačku demokraciju u tim liberalnim strankama, mapira njihove trenutne poglede na mlade i relevantne politike, te sagledava koje bi se aktivnosti mogle uvesti i prilagoditi potrebama njihovih stranaka i stranačkih sistema.

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European Voices in the Western Balkans: A Liberal Perspective on Enlargement of the European Union

European Voices in the Western Balkans: A Liberal Perspective on Enlargement of the European Union

Author(s): Natan Albahari,Martin Apostolski,Damir Arnaut,Ivan Dragojević,Sanela Klarić,Aris Movsesijan / Language(s): English

Keywords: European Voices; Western Balkans; Liberal Perspective; Enlargement; European Union;

A simple glance at a map of Europe is enough to see why a joint European future for all European countries is inevitable and that it would be a logical interest of the European Union do spread its borders across the Western Balkans and further strengthen its position in the region. Still, keeping talks of enlargement alive is getting more and more difficult every year. Even before the pandemic, the opinion that it is necessary to reform the accession criteria before any new enlargement talks should begin has emerged, which has temporarily suspended candidacy talks with Albania and North Macedonia at one point, and almost caused serious backsliding in the latter Western Balkan country. Although the European Union is still mostly engaged in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak, preparing itself for the post-pandemic crises, and trying to make internal reforms in order to tackle existing and possible future problems in member states, talks on enlargement should not halt. And the two priorities – the one on the internal and the one on external strengthening of the European Union – must not be considered mutually exclusive, because they both benefit the geopolitical position of Europe. Therefore, liberal activists and policy makers from four Western Balkan countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) have decided to take initiative and promote talks of a joint European Future and a stronger European Union, based on the values and standards of liberal democracies amongst European liberals. This paper is an opinion piece written by them, and is supposed to inform liberal activists in Europe, but also to others who are interested in the topic, on what a liberal perspective on EU enlargement in the region looks like.

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Loud and Proud: Youth in Liberal Political Parties

Loud and Proud: Youth in Liberal Political Parties

Author(s): Adisa Memišević,Sanel Huskić / Language(s): English

Keywords: case study; decision-making; education; EU; inclusion; initiatives; legislatives; liberal parties; political participation; politics; youth; youth organizations;

This research focuses on four liberal EU parties and their strategies for the advancement and promotion of youth political participation, not just within the party but also in their respective countries. The aim of this analysis is to review the current standpoints on youth representation in politics in European liberal political parties, to map their roles and strategies for advancement of youth political inclusion, and to increase the visibility of successful examples. Political, legal and policy contexts and frameworks in Sweden, Spain, Croatia and Poland are reviewed and assessed through an analysis of their (non)implementation of quota systems, and include an overview of current youth representation in the parliaments of their respective countries. Previous research indicates that political parties often do not support young politicians’ participation in the processes of political program development, despite having adopted youth programs and policies. This research is designed as a case study of four liberal parties in the aforementioned countries and their strategies for development and promotion of youth political participation within the party, as well as in their respective countries. Comparative analysis was conducted using a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of primary and secondary data and quantitative analysis of primary data collection to triangulate the information to the highest extent possible. In order to develop a new regional story, this research examines intra-party democracy in these four liberal parties, map their current views on youth and politics and see what types of activities could be introduced and adjusted to the needs of their parties and party systems.

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THE VOICE OF THE YOUTH VOL. 2

THE VOICE OF THE YOUTH VOL. 2

Author(s): Dženan Rizvanović,Ivan Durgutov,Dina Abazović,Ilija Franeta,Mina Međedović,Amina Imamović,Maja Mijović,Mersiha Čomor / Language(s): English

Keywords: the voice of the youth; politics; young activists;

It is a huge privilege to write this introduction for the publication of the Civic Platform for Young Liberal Activists modules and activities. This publication is not only an outcome of one project, but it is also an amazing intellectual product of the number of young activists who diligently worked together to promote their ideas and hard work. Firstly, I would like to thank them on behalf of the BDF and CPLA for being part of this project and for producing this remarkable intellectual work. This publication offers readers a chance to see the real capacity of youth in political and social activism and their strength in creating new social values. They mobilise the process of establishing new, progressive and liberal values as a social reality in their countries and region. Young activists who have participated in this project have demonstrated stimulating and motivating ethics of work. Investing their free time in studying few important social phenomena which are influencing our everydayness and in rethinking mechanisms of confrontation within them for the purpose of rerouting them with the help of liberal values and ideas must be highly appreciated. The liberal idea in the Western Balkan area is in the periphery of political palette, and values and outcomes of this ideology in the history of democracy are not publicly valued enough. These opinion pieces show not only a fine intellectual product, but the capacity for the recognition of liberal values and ideas, and acknowledgment of youth’s ability to produce a better future for everyone in WB region. The topics that these young liberals decided to work on and present reflect their intellectual hunger, a generational capacity and capital that they have. The importance of the selected topics for our collective present and future is outstanding! Their decision to work on topics of biodiversity and importance of the state intervention in the sphere of nature balance; to discuss on position of young workers in the service industry in WB, their social position and mental health; to analyse empathy and its influence on building the society of tolerance and understanding the liberal society; and to think of modern bureaucracy and its digital revolution is truly refreshing and aspiring. These topics are not often discussed in our region, and it is important that the young people raise such issues, in this case young and smart liberals. The modern society faces various challenges and, as a result, it is constantly changing. To ensure the successful fight with the changes, we need to analyse and work on them and to have constant debates on the importance of finding the best mechanisms and tools for overcoming the challenges. The youth is best in initiating those discussions, and they must express their perceptions on society and fast life evolution. With their help, the debates can produce amazing results. We need to think and talk about resolving various issues in the society, but firstly, we must read what youth is thinking about. Our debate starts with this amazing reading material. Enjoy as much as I did!

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WE ARE EUROPE V - FACING THE CHALLENGES TOGETHER: NEW IMPULSES FOR EU ENLARGEMENT

WE ARE EUROPE V - FACING THE CHALLENGES TOGETHER: NEW IMPULSES FOR EU ENLARGEMENT

Author(s): Anes Hodžić,Ahmed Kosovac,Dejancho Cvetanovski,Mario Paunov,Monika Zajkova,Djordje Terek,Gor Badalyan,Marija Čvorović,Miomirka Melank,Mirela Džehverović,Sanela Klarić,Luka Nikolić / Language(s): English

Keywords: Europe; EU Enlargement; European Union;

The future of the European Union and its enlargement remains a topic of hot debate among all candidate countries and those who aspire to become one. Thus far, seven enlargement rounds have taken place, and now, ten years after the most recent enlargement in 2013 (when Croatia joined), the question being asked is whether it is time for the eighth enlargement. This is the question that has been the subject of fierce debate for decades, especially among the countries of the Western Balkans, but also Eastern Partnership countries, especially after the beginning of the war in Ukraine. A year and a half later, the war in Ukraine has left its mark on the history of the EU and the world. It has a ected Western Balkan countries both directly and indirectly by shaking the already fragile pillars of democracy and stability in this region. Even while being constantly reminded of the importance of maintaining peace and stability, and nurturing the beauty of a multicultural and multiethnic society, countries in the Western Balkans are always wary of the possibility of new conflicts.

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We are Europe III: A Liberal Perspective on the EU’s Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy

We are Europe III: A Liberal Perspective on the EU’s Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy

Author(s): George Melashvili,Ivan Pekovic,Ivana Bokan,Maid Džaferović,Mariam Usenashvili,Mirela Džehverović,Monika Zajkova,Natan Albahari,Aleksandar Radovanović,Norbert Cvijanov,Olga Nemanezhyna,Gor Badalyan,Sanda Krekikj / Language(s): English

Keywords: EU’s Enlargement; Neighbourhood Policy; European Union; Geopolitics;

When European Parliament voted in favour of the von der Leyen Commission two years ago, European Commission (EC) had an aspiring role on international stage and promised to become a “Geopolitical Commission”. Enthusiastic upon her election, Ursula von der Leyen, the new President of the European Commission, explained that the College of Commissioners will now report on “external action” during their weekly meetings and that all commissioner cabinets plan to form a new “External Coordination” body which will bridge their external and internal policy work. They have inherited from the previous composition of the Commission the EU Enlargement Policy. In EC communication from May 20192 , this ambitious goal was elaborated stating that the “frontrunners in the accession negotiations could potentially be ready for membership in a 2025 perspective”.

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THE VOICE OF THE YOUTH VOL. 3

THE VOICE OF THE YOUTH VOL. 3

Author(s): Amina Tirić,Samira Trešnjo,Nudžejma Karajić,Luka Nikolić,Aleksandra Božić,David Jergić,Duran Duran,Luka Dedić / Language(s): English

Keywords: the voice of the youth; politics; young activists; anticorruption mechanisms;

The recent global events have had significant impacts on democracy and liberty worldwide, and the ideals of such political concepts are now most affected since the end of the Cold war. According to the current data of Freedom House Index, it has been estimated that eight out of ten people live in countries that either have “partly” or “not free” status. In many countries, radical ideas are gaining popularity and citizens vote for the parties that promote far-right or far-left politics in search of a quick solution for their problems. In this context, fighting for ideas of liberty, equality and democracy can be considered revolutionary, and that is the essence of what CPLA participants have discussed this year.

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Regional Essays: ProgWeB 2022 IV Generation

Regional Essays: ProgWeB 2022 IV Generation

Author(s): Fjona Kurteshi,Lamija Džomba,Ahmed Kosovac,Fjolla Mucaj,Marija Čvorović,Filip Talevski,Aleksandra Božić,Dardan Bujupi,Mihailo Kolović,Lidija Simjanovska,Stefanija Kuzmanovska,Ljuben Avramovski,Ajdin Džomba / Language(s): English

Keywords: Political Involvement; Youth; Western Balkans; political parties;

This paper analyses the political representation of youth in the Western Balkans and their participation in political parties, elections, intra-party quota systems, and whether the political parties find quotas as a best solution for increasing political participation of youth and their political credibility. The literature review of other countries that use youth quotas as inclusion-instruments to ensure a wider perspective on how youth political representation should look and where should it derive from is also presented Balkan countries did not institutionalize quota systems in their public institutions or introduced it as a criterion for the creation of election lists. However, most parties voluntarily include representatives of their youth wing organizations in their election lists. Nevertheless, there are very few successful outcomes of such practice where young candidates got elected and represented youth interests in high level institutions such as the Parliament. This comparative report shows that countries that used youth quotas faced similar problems, as the young candidates who got elected as the result of the implemented quota system often did not have proper political influence and they were influenced by their more experienced fellow party members. Aside from quotas, one of the final recommendations of this research is that political parties should introduce mechanisms of informal education that will provide knowledge and experience to young candidates so that they can handle better the situations that are likely to occur within the party and during election campaigns.

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Izbori 2022: Učešće mladih do 30 godina na listama – Dobijeni mandati – Izbori 2018

Izbori 2022: Učešće mladih do 30 godina na listama – Dobijeni mandati – Izbori 2018

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: Elections; 2022; Electoral systems;

Pozicija mladih, kako u statutima političkih subjekata tako i na izbornim listama i učešću u izbornom procesu, determinirana je odlukama viših stranačkih tijela, najčešće predsjedništva ili određenih odbora koji mlade zbog određenih pravila i normiranosti izbornog sistema moraju kandidirati na izborne liste. Ipak, najčešće mladi u gotovo 95% slučajeva budu isključivo kandidatikinje, a iznimno rijetko i donosiociteljice odluka na političkom nebu Bosne i Hercegovine

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Policy Briefs: ProgWeB 2023 V Generation

Policy Briefs: ProgWeB 2023 V Generation

Author(s): Renis Bakalli,Jonida Lama,Heglion Hekuranaj,Anesa Habota,Jasmina Ibrahimpašić,Nudžejma Karajić,Admir Pivić,Elvedin Šarić,Rita Zhubi,Taulant Ferati,Laberion Nitaj,Ina Gjozo,Jane Velkoski,Amona Zemon,Mihailo Maletić,Sanja Vasić,Moma Kovačević / Language(s): English

Keywords: Policy Briefs; Progressive Politics in Western Balkan; ProgWeB; political parties;

ProgWeB (Progressive Politics in Western Balkan) is a year-long educational initiative designed for aspiring young liberals and social democrats coming from the Western Balkans region. The primary objective of the Academy is to educate and empower politically active young individuals by equipping them with knowledge and skills needed for their future political involvement within their respective political parties and in the broader political landscape in their countries. This project is structured into three modules, covering practical and theoretical lectures, interactive discussions, workshops, and collaborative group assignments conducted between these modules. In 2023, ProgWeb celebrated its fifth generation, bringing together young activists from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The programme hosted meetings in Montenegro (June), Serbia (July), and a concluding event in Bosnia and Herzegovina (October). The common focus for all participants this year was centered around green policies and a green agenda. This emphasis allowed participants to develop their own national projects addressing these topics and to create policy briefs that are included in this publication. With the guidance and mentorship of their supervisors, our young participants formulated ideas and policies aimed at fostering a more progressive and prosperous Western Balkans region.

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