Skopje, 14 October 2024 (MIA) – Young people represent a key demographic group in shaping Europe's future, including those from Western Balkan countries that have European aspirations and are geographically part of Europe. These progressive young forces, their voices, aspirations, and challenges must be prioritized in our policies, Minister of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth, Fatmir Limani said at the Western Balkans Youth Forum, held as side event of the Berlin Process Summit taking place October 13 and 14 in Berlin, Germany.

Limani, as reported by the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth, together with the ministers from the governments of the six Western Balkan countries, as well as France and Germany, and representatives from the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), participated in the panel discussion "The European Project through the Youth Lens" as part of the conference titled “A Decade of Impact: Youth Strengthening the Region within the European Project.”

During the Forum discussion, Limani underscored the importance of the Berlin Process, which aims to strengthen cooperation among Western Balkan countries, promote economic development, and support European integration, with a particular focus on young people.

Minister Limani also spoke about the policies that this Government is designing for young people, as well as the opportunities for developing their potential within their own country. He also referred to the new Law on Youth Participation, which he said, offers broad opportunities for young people, along with the Youth Strategy 2023-2027 and the draft Law on Social Entrepreneurship, which will also create new opportunities for the youth. At the same time, he called on young people to be proactive in shaping policies and actively participate at the local level.

Limani also referred to the Youth Guarantee measure, noting that North Macedonia has been a leader in the region for its implementation, covering over 80,000 young people since 2018.

The Ministry of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth said that this year marks a significant anniversary - 10 years since the initiation of the Berlin Process, which serves not only as an initiative but as a vision for the future of the Western Balkans, promoting regional stability, economic development, cooperation among countries, and support for European integration.

The establishment of RYCO represents a particularly important platform for youth in our region, as it plays a key role in connecting young people in the area and is one of the major achievements arising from the Berlin Process, reads the press release.

Alongside participating in the panel discussion titled “The European Project through the Youth Lens,” Minister Limani's agenda also includes several bilateral meetings.

Photo: Ministry of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth