10th EUSAIR Annual Forum

Titled "Empowering Youth for a Brighter Adriatic-Ionian Future: Introducing the EUSAIR Youth Council" - the inauguration session of newly-established EUSAIR Youth Forum was held on the second day of the Forum in Georgiopolus.

The future of EUSAIR is not a distant concept; it is a vibrant, collaborative journey led by people with vision. Including youth in EUSAIR activities is crucial for ensuring a sustainable and forward-thinking regional strategy, as young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and long-term commitment to shaping the future of the Adriatic-Ionian region. Their active participation strengthens social cohesion, promotes inclusive decision-making, and fosters a sense of ownership in regional development initiatives. By empowering young people to take an active role in shaping AI region, investing in their potential, giving a space to their creativity, and collectively chart a course toward a prosperous, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future of AI region. Through participation in EUSAIR initiatives and activities, young people develop leadership skills, adopt an entrepreneurial attitude, gain experience in governance and decision-making, and become active agents of change within their communities and the wider region. Some EUSAIR initiatives have already demonstrated tangible results, such as the establishment of the EUSAIR Youth Council. The EUSAIR Youth Council holds the same status and role within EUSAIR as the European Commission: it is an independent advisory body;  the Youth Council interacts with the EUSAIR Governing Board (GB) and the Thematic Steering Groups (TSGs) in a consultative capacity.

The Call for applications for 20 members of the EUSAIR Youth Council concluded in 2024, receiving an impressive 185 applications from all 10 participating countries, reflecting significant youth interest in regional cooperation.

"We started with the Bosnian Presidency, continued with the Croatian Presidency, and last year we held an introductory session at the Forum in Šibenik. This year, we are holding an inaugural session here during the Greek Forum. " - Eva Omahen, EUSAIR Youth Council Coordinator and Facility Point Lead Partner from Slovenia.

During its inaugural session, youth delegates from EUSAIR participating countries gathered to discuss the most pressing issues facing young people today. These included challenges such as outdated educational systems, brain drain, lack of influence in policy-making, environmental concerns, and social and economic insecurity. The session featured powerful personal stories and proposals from representatives of countries like North Macedonia, Serbia, Greece, and San Marino.

One key proposal aimed at improving educational standards through cross-border collaboration. Others emphasised the urgent need to equip young people with the tools and access necessary to shape policy, especially on macroregional and cross-cutting issues such as climate change, social inclusion, and employment.

Institutional representatives, including Gaby Hagmuller from the European Commission and Filip Miličević from the newly formed EUSAIR Pillar 5, highlighted the EU’s broader commitment to youth. They pointed to concrete mechanisms like the EU Youth Dialogue and the Youth Check, which ensure that youth perspectives are systematically considered in EU policymaking. Both speakers encouraged the Youth Council to remain persistent, proactive, and united around common causes, such as affordable housing, while building alliances within institutions.

The launch of the Youth Council also marks a symbolic alignment with EUSAIR’s fifth pillar, dedicated to youth and social affairs, reinforcing the idea that young people are not only stakeholders but key drivers of regional transformation.

The session concluded with a dynamic networking segment, connecting the Youth Council with other youth networks, projects, and initiatives across the Adriatic-Ionian Region.

With its official launch, the EUSAIR Youth Council now begins its journey as a vital force in shaping a more inclusive, responsive, and youth-oriented future for the region