Author: Birc

On July 7, 2025, Podgorica hosted the opening conference “Youth for the Europeanization of the Western Balkans”,…

Interview with Matea Kargovska: Youth are key to Europeanization, but face disinformation, old habits, and distrust Interviewed…

This policy research paper analyzes the segments of youth inclusion in the processes of European integration, Europeanization,…

Reflections from a regional youth panel on challenges, inclusion, and the future of EU integration in the…

Organizations from Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia launched on Monday in Podgorica the regional project “Youth Engagement for the Europeanization of the Balkans,” with an inaugural event held at Europe House, which brought the voices of young people to the forefront of the region’s EU integration process, KDP reports.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from representatives of the partner organizations – Milica Dedić, Executive Director of NVO GLAS from Montenegro; Lorik Idrizi, Program Director at BIRC from North Macedonia; and Drenusha Latifi, representative of CFID from Kosovo.
The project was introduced by regional coordinator Lorik Idrizi, who emphasized the vision and objectives of the initiative, which aims to empower youth across the Western Balkans through cross-border dialogue, civic participation, and the promotion of European values.

Lorik Idrizi, BIRC
One of the most notable parts of the day was the youth panel titled “What Does Europeanization Mean to Us?”, where young people from Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia shared their thoughts on how the younger generation can take part in the journey toward the European Union. The panelists – Danica Sretkoska, Mojaš Kankaraš, and Rron Ukimeraj – offered personal insights into the opportunities and shared challenges faced by youth in their societies. The panel was moderated by Tijana Vojinović from Montenegro and was conducted in English, open to the public.

Milica Dedić, GLAS
“This panel is among the most important moments of the project. It’s not just about what institutions think – it’s about what young people themselves believe and hope for their future in the European family,” said the organizers in a joint statement.

Drenusha Latifi, CFID
The event continued with a thematic session led by Marija Milošević, Secretary of the Committee on European Integration in the Parliament of Montenegro, who spoke about the role of legislative institutions in the integration process and the need for it to be more understandable and tangible for citizens. “European issues and the integration process itself must be demystified – citizens need to experience them as part of daily life, not as a distant or complicated reality,” she emphasized.

Marija Milošević, Secretary of the Committee on European Integration in the Parliament of Montenegro
In conclusion, the project partners held a closed strategic session, where they discussed the next steps toward organizing the upcoming event in Skopje. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation among participating organizations, setting timeframes, and drafting a joint media coverage and communication strategy.
The “Youth Engagement for the Europeanization of the Balkans” project is supported by the Western Balkans Fund (WBF) and is expected to expand to several countries in the region, building bridges of cooperation among youth and contributing to bringing Western Balkan societies closer to the European Union.

Become part of a regional youth network for the Europeanization of the Western Balkans!
The Balkan Institute for Regional Cooperation (BIRC) is announcing a call for the selection of 5 young people from North Macedonia who will represent the country at three regional events, organized within the framework of the “Youth for Europeanization” project, supported by the Western Balkans Fund.
🔹 Who can apply?
Young people aged 20 to 30
Students, civil society activists, young journalists, or young professionals interested in European integration processes
Citizens of North Macedonia
With basic knowledge of topics such as the European Union, democracy, human rights, and civic participation
🔹 What do you get?
Fully funded participation in:
The Kick-off Conference in Podgorica
The Thematic Forum in Pristina
The Final Conference in Skopje
Networking with youth from Kosovo and Montenegro
Inclusion in a regional cooperation platform for Europeanization
Covered costs for accommodation, travel, and per diems
Certificate of participation and the opportunity to contribute through media articles or interviews
🔹 How to apply?Send the following documents to [email protected]:
CV (maximum 2 pages)
Motivation letter (up to 300 words)
Optional: Links to profiles or previous projects (if available)
🗓 Application deadline: June 30📩 Only selected applicants will be contacted via email.

“The security sector is synonymous with secrecy. Covert operations, secret services, wiretapping, undercover agents. Transparency in this sector is often seen as an oxymoron, while accountability appears to be a nearly impossible mission.”This is how the documentary produced by the BIRC Institute, with the support of the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), begins. The film examines security sector reforms and their impact on the country’s democratic development.

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The walls of secrecy surrounding the security sector have been built in the name of national security. Public access to information has long been restricted to prevent potential threats. This was particularly evident during the Cold War. In the 1990s, as the Soviet Union collapsed and democratic waves spread globally, some of these barriers fell. This period saw the exposure of numerous scandals previously hidden from public scrutiny.
Oversight of the security sector is crucial
Metodi Hadzhi-Janev, a security expert and university professor engaged by DCAF, conducts training and workshops for civil society organizations and the media. His goal is to promote effective civilian oversight of intelligence and security services. He is also part of C3I, an organization that has developed indicators to assess the performance of intelligence services, focusing on transparency, accountability, and effectiveness.
“In democratic states, oversight of the security sector is essential because it wields immense power—unmatched by any other institution. To prevent abuses, oversight mechanisms must function as correctives to ensure these services operate within legal and ethical boundaries,” Hadzhi-Janev said.
Abuses within security agencies have underscored the need for stronger oversight, making this issue a fundamental prerequisite for normal state functioning. However, implementing effective oversight remains a significant challenge.
“Obstacles to oversight vary between societies and often reflect cultural, historical, or political factors,” Hadzhi-Janev noted.
Legal framework needed to regulate intelligence services
North Macedonia’s security sector has undergone several reforms aimed at establishing a democratic framework and safeguarding citizens’ rights. Current legislation provides a foundation for better oversight and transparency, but continuous and inclusive reforms are necessary.
“A legal framework is essential for intelligence oversight. While the existing laws are not inherently flawed, their enforcement is problematic. Obtaining security clearances is exceptionally difficult, even for those authorized to conduct oversight. Additionally, intelligence personnel must be educated on their accountability and the necessity of external scrutiny,” said Iskra Koroveshovska, editor at TV Alfa.
Despite progress, North Macedonia’s security sector remains largely opaque—similar to other countries where national security often takes precedence over human rights.
“Our intelligence services have some level of openness—they maintain websites, publish annual reports, and engage with the public to some extent. The Intelligence Agency, for instance, provides insights into its activities. However, compared to the UK’s MI5 and MI6, which operate with greater transparency and public engagement, North Macedonia still lags behind,” said Aleksandar Stojanovski, an author of a study on the transparency and accountability of intelligence services in the UK, Slovenia, and North Macedonia, conducted under DCAF’s intelligence sector reform program.
Effective oversight is key to greater transparency and accountability
Without robust oversight, secrecy within the security sector can become problematic, particularly amid global conflicts that heighten security threats. Effective oversight is crucial for enhancing transparency and accountability, but it requires concrete steps.
“First, awareness must be raised, followed by capacity-building efforts. Public debate should highlight why transparency matters and how it benefits national security,” Hadzhi-Janev said.
Stojanovski emphasized that “media outlets possess some capacity to monitor intelligence services, but this must be expanded. Civil society organizations, meanwhile, remain limited in this field.”
While parliament and the government play vital roles in oversight, civil society and the media are equally crucial for independent monitoring. Transparency requires openness and access, while accountability demands mechanisms for responsibility.
“These indicators are the result of extensive research, including workshops and analysis. They help improve transparency, reduce public skepticism, and ensure intelligence services operate efficiently,” Hadzhi-Janev added.
The effectiveness of civilian oversight depends on the capacity of media and non-governmental organizations. In North Macedonia, few media outlets have the resources for in-depth investigative reporting, while civil society organizations lack the necessary specialization.
One of the participants in these training programs, Koroveshovska, remarked: “Media oversight capacity is minimal. After 20 years in journalism, I only recently learned—through DCAF training—how to cover intelligence services effectively. This highlights the significant gap in journalists trained for this field.”
(This documentary was produced in April 2024)

As part of the Media4EU project, carried out by ALDA, Eurothink, and BIRC, eight thematic forums were organised across North Macedonia’s eight administrative planning regions. These forums served as a collaborative platform for journalists, civil society representatives, and experts from diverse fields to come together and engage in meaningful discussions.
Each forum focused on region-specific topics, such as consumer rights, the free movement of workers, agriculture, ethnic group rights, education policies, transport policies, fisheries, and environmental issues. The events took place in Skopje, Shtip, Strumica, Kumanovo, Bitola, Veles, Ohrid, and Tetovo, all of which are cities in North Macedonia, with renowned experts and trainers facilitating the discussions. These forums offered an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas and a more in-depth exploration of local concerns.
Veles Forum: Aligning Transport Policies with European StandardsAt the thematic forum in Veles, participants discussed the importance of transport policies in alignment with European standards, as well as the need for improved communication between the media and local authorities. Throughout the event, ideas were exchanged on how to enhance the flow of information between departments responsible for public relations in local institutions, with the aim of fostering more interactions between journalists and the civil sector.
Strumica Forum: Promoting EU Funding and Agricultural AwarenessLikewise, at the thematic forum in Strumica, participants were engaged in debates and discussions. They advocated for stronger collaboration between media outlets, NGOs, and local authorities to promote EU funding opportunities, raise awareness of agricultural policies, and encourage farmers to actively participate in these initiatives.
Ohrid Forum: Tackling Fisheries and Environmental ChallengesThe Ohrid forum focused on the challenges confronting fisheries and the environment. Speakers examined the current situation of fisheries in North Macedonia and highlighted the pressing need for effective communication regarding EU funding opportunities. Participants also underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation and the role of the media in raising public awareness of these vital issues.
Shtip Forum: Addressing Labour Law and Workers’ RightsIn Shtip, media representatives and civil society organisations gathered to discuss labour law and workers’ rights. The discussions focused on the challenges of labour shortages caused by youth emigration and broader demographic trends across Europe. While North Macedonia’s labour laws largely align with EU standards, the forum highlighted shortcomings in their implementation and enforcement. The conversations resulted in recommendations for new legislation on labour disputes and collective bargaining, drawing on Austrian examples, as well as calls for stronger non-discrimination policies and the ratification of pertinent international conventions.
Bitola Forum: Advancing Education, Culture, and Youth DevelopmentThe forum in Bitola focused on education, culture, and youth development within the framework of North Macedonia’s European integration. Key discussions centred on aligning domestic legislation with EU standards, especially concerning the Erasmus+ programme and cultural initiatives. Participants engaged in meaningful dialogues on educational policies, media communication strategies, and the need for increased investment in the youth and cultural sectors. The forum also acknowledged the changing role of both social and traditional media in public discourse, providing valuable insights for future policy development aimed at aligning the country’s educational and cultural practices with European standards.
Overall, the Media4EU initiative has greatly increased awareness and strengthened capacity within North Macedonia’s media and civil society sectors, offering essential support for the country’s journey towards European integration. Through these thematic forums, the project has effectively facilitated continuous dialogue between civil society, media, and government bodies. The insights and recommendations gathered from these discussions will play a key role in shaping future strategies to promote regional development and encourage collaboration. As the project progresses, it remains dedicated to ensuring that local voices are heard and included in the broader European conversation, working towards a future where regional challenges are addressed through collective action and shared knowledge./ https://www.alda-europe.eu/media4eu-thematic-forums-north-macedonia/

The Western Balkans face a corruption crisis that has eroded the trust in institutions and normalized corrupt practices. The shift from conventional values to a corrupted social model is evident, particularly among young people, who grow up in environments where bribery, nepotism, and organized crime are not only tolerated but seen as necessary paths to success. The consequences of corruption extend to organized crime, which often infiltrates political and economic systems. This paper investigates how low-quality education and institutional failures contribute to this issue, and how civil society, journalism, and governance reforms can serve as tools for deconstructing these corrupt networksThis paper aims to address the ways in which corruption is entrenched within the social fabric, its linkages to organized crime, and the role of education in perpetuating a corrupt social model. Drawing from interviews with experts in the region, the paper explores the roots of this problem and offers policy recommendations to deconstruct corruption networks, reform educational systems, and empower civil society and journalism to challenge the status quo.
Read the full policy paper here:
This paper was realised as part of the ‘MOVE GRANTS’ program supported by the Western Balkans Fund.

Interviewed by: Lorik Idrizi
 
“Many of us see corruption embedded in everyday life—from bribery for public services to nepotism in job opportunities—but we’ve grown up in a system where it’s so normalized that it feels like there’s no alternative. The dangerous part isn’t that people don’t recognize corruption; it’s that it’s often tolerated or shrugged off as something inevitable. This resignation can lead to a lack of motivation to engage in politics or demand transparency. In fact, some may even become desensitized to corruption because it feels like it has been institutionalized across all sectors. This doesn’t mean people are blind to it—it just reflects how exhausting it can be to fight against something so entrenched.”
 In an exclusive interview, Jovana Damjanoviç (investigative journalist at BIRN) talks about the causes preventing quality education in Montenegro and the Western Balkans, and the connection between corruption and the shift of societal models away from universal values.
Do you think that corruption in the Western Balkans has become a new normality to the point where young people can’t recognize it?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ: Corruption in the Western Balkans, including Montenegro, has undoubtedly become pervasive, but saying that young people can’t recognize it would be an oversimplification. As a person living in Montenegro, I would argue that we are aware of corruption, but the bigger issue is the sense of powerlessness to challenge it or create meaningful change. Many of us see corruption embedded in everyday life—from bribery for public services to nepotism in job opportunities—but we’ve grown up in a system where it’s so normalized that it feels like there’s no alternative.
The dangerous part isn’t that people don’t recognize corruption; it’s that it’s often tolerated or shrugged off as something inevitable. This resignation can lead to a lack of motivation to engage in politics or demand transparency.
In fact, some may even become desensitized to corruption because it feels like it has been institutionalized across all sectors. This doesn’t mean people are blind to it—it just reflects how exhausting it can be to fight against something so entrenched.
What are the main reasons in your opinion that model has shifted the social model a lot from conventional values ​​to a wrong social model?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ The shift from conventional values to a more problematic social model in Montenegro, and the Western Balkans more broadly, can be attributed to several factors, such as economic instability and inequality, probably being the leading one, but also corruption and clientelism, globalization and consumerism, as well as lack of strong institutions and role models.
Specifically, economic uncertainty has a significant impact on societal values. With limited job opportunities, high unemployment, and pervasive poverty, many people are forced into survival mode. This leads to prioritizing short-term gains over long-term values. Nepotism, corruption, and “cutting corners” have become normalized because people feel they have no other choice. In this environment, the pursuit of quick financial security often takes precedence over integrity, hard work, or ethical decision-making.
When people constantly see politicians and elites gaining wealth and power through questionable means, it sends the message that success isn’t about merit but about connections and manipulation. This creates a toxic cycle where citizens begin to mimic the corrupt behaviors of their leaders, further perpetuating the wrong social model.

The shift away from conventional values in Montenegro isn’t just about individuals making poor choices—it’s a reflection of a larger systemic failure. People feel disillusioned by a lack of opportunity, fairness, and trust in the institutions that should be guiding us.
Do you think that the low quality of education affects the creation of the wrong social model that is often related to corruption?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ: Education should be the foundation for critical thinking, ethical behavior, and civic responsibility, but when it is weak, these values are not properly installed. Many educational systems in the region suffer from outdated curricula and a lack of resources. This leads to an environment where students are not encouraged to question authority, think independently, or challenge corrupt practices. Instead, rote learning and a focus on passing exams, rather than truly understanding issues, become the norm, leaving students ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of a corrupt society.
Do you think that the wrong social model is related to corruption and organized crime? How?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ: I believe it is. In this flawed model, success is often achieved not through merit, but through illicit means like bribery, nepotism, or connections with criminal networks. Corruption enables organized crime to flourish by weakening institutions that should provide oversight, such as the police, judiciary, and government. When these institutions are compromised, organized crime operates with relative impunity, embedding itself into daily life.
This creates a dangerous feedback loop: organized crime profits from corruption, while corruption relies on the power and resources of criminal networks to maintain control. As young people observe this, many grow up believing that corruption is the norm and that engaging with organized crime is a viable way to succeed, perpetuating a system where ethics are sidelined, and crime is normalized within society.
How can the networks of this model related to corruptions and organized crime be deconstructed?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ: First, strengthening the rule of law is crucial—this means reforming the judiciary and law enforcement to ensure they operate independently and without political interference. Transparent legal processes can deter corrupt practices and weaken organized crime’s grip on institutions.
Second, financial transparency and oversight must be improved to track and dismantle money-laundering activities that fund organized crime. Lastly, fostering a culture of accountability at all levels, from politics to business, is essential.
How can civil society and journalism help in deconstructing this wrong model?
JOVANA DAMJANOVIÇ: Civil society and journalism play critical roles in deconstructing corruption and organized crime networks. Civil society organizations (CSOs) can promote transparency, advocate for stronger laws, and create platforms for citizens to report corruption. By mobilizing public opinion and fostering a culture of accountability, CSOs can pressure governments and institutions to implement reforms and enforce anti-corruption measures.
Journalism is vital for exposing corruption and organized crime. Investigative reporting can uncover hidden networks, illicit deals, and abuses of power that often remain under the radar. By bringing these issues to light, journalists can hold public figures and institutions accountable, while informing the public and encouraging civic engagement. Together, civil society and journalism act as watchdogs, essential for dismantling corrupt systems and promoting integrity.
The interview was realised as part of the ‘MOVE GRANTS’ program supported by the Western Balkans Fund.