YEA: Viola Maksuti

Innovation Centre Kosovo-Prishtina

The info session introduced participants to the opportunities and benefits of the YEA initiative. The session began with a personal introduction by YEA Viola Vaksuti, who shared her two-year journey as a YEA and her involvement in various activities. The focus was on the YEA program’s objectives—fostering dialogue, and cooperation. She guided the attendees through the application process, key selection criteria, and the skills developed through participation, such as public speaking and event organization.

She highlighted the broader scope of the YEA initiative, emphasizing its role in raising awareness of EU priorities, like human rights, environmental protection, and youth activism. Participants learned about the voluntary nature of the program and its potential to facilitate networking, personal growth, and active contribution to EU-Western Balkans relations. She shared her own experiences, emphasizing the value of being part of a network of young change-makers dedicated to positive societal impact.

A Q&A session provided an opportunity for participants to ask detailed questions about the YEA experience and application process, clarifying expectations and commitments. She concluded by encouraging attendees to apply and make a difference in their communities, providing resources for further information.

Additionally, the “Made of Us” campaign video was recorded during the session. The video is a powerful message that connects the story of the EU-Western Balkans relationship with the active role of youth in shaping that story, and the work that the YEAs do in promoting such campaigns. It aims to inspire young people to see themselves as integral contributors to the region’s future, emphasizing that their stories and ambitions are what drive EU integration efforts forward.