The EUSAIR Youth Council (EYC) aims to engage youth aged 18-29 as part of EUSAIR governance. Originating from the Tirana Declaration, it was established in October 2024 and consists of 20 members, 2 per country, following the principles of balanced representation.
EUSAIR Youth Council is an independent advisory body representing the perspective of youth from the Adriatic-Ionian region. Youth Council interacts with the EUSAIR Governing Board and the Thematic Steering Groups in a consultative role.
The EUSAR Youth Council also cooperates with EUSAIR Presidency on all questions related to youth and on issues of common interest to the Presidency and the Youth Council.
Council members
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 1 – Blue Growth
Altin is driven by a continuous desire to acquire new skills and to develop innovative, flexible approaches. He thrives on empowering and motivating individuals to realize and deliver their full potential within society. His involvement includes participation in awareness campaigns, conferences, discussions, and hands-on activities with various organizations.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 2 – Transport
EUSAIR represents one of the few joint structures where both the EU Member States and Accession Countries maintain a joint footing in shaping the future of the Adriatic and Ionian region. Therefore it stands as a great venue for learning and practicing the dynamics of solidarity and coordinated action. This is why I took the opportunity to join these efforts to develop a more connected and future-proof region.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 4 – Sustainable Tourism
He is a member of the EUSAIR Youth Council and actively engaged with both the Foreign Policy Initiative BH and the Paneuropean Union BiH, where he contributes to promoting active civic engagement and EU accession dialogue. In addition to his academic and policy work, he has experience in the tourism sector, which has enriched his understanding of cultural exchange.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 1 – Blue Growth
As a student of industrial engineering, she has participated in numerous student-led projects aimed at enhancing informal education in technical sciences. Being part of the EYC, she hopes that the voice of young people will become more significant in decision-making processes, and that through collaboration we will build a more connected and stable future
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 4 – Sustainable Tourism
Being part of the YC gives me experience in regional policy procedures and ensuring youth participation in the shape of the Adriatic Ionian region. It is very interesting to collaborate with peers and international leaders within the EUSAIR YC.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 5 – Improved social cohesion
Georgios has been actively involved in a variety of volunteering and non-formal education projects across Europe, including in Greece, Spain, and Italy. His work focuses on supporting youth through language learning, IT skills development, and fostering intercultural dialogue. Deeply passionate about youth empowerment and education, Georgios is committed to building bridges across cultures through technology and international cooperation.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 3 – Environmental Quality
Antonio is deeply involved in regional efforts across the Balkans that promote the European Green Deal, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. As a member of the EUSAIR Youth Council, he is committed to advancing climate change mitigation and making EU green policies more accessible to young people and professionals, driving a more sustainable future for the region.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 2 – Energy
Lara has experience as a STEM tutor and student council leader, where she developed strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. She has also participated in youth innovation competitions, including the EUSAIR POPRI Youth and a national hackathon, earning 4th place in both.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 1 – Blue Growth and Thematic Pillar 2 – Energy
I joined the EUSAIR Youth Council to exercise active citizenship and channel my love for our territory into a concrete goal: improving the living conditions of our communities. I see European cooperation and regional cohesion not as ends in themselves, but as the most powerful tools we have to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for everyone in the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 5 – Improved social cohesion
Beyond my studies in political and social sciences, I have been part of and worked for grassroots organizations and movements at both national and European level, mainly focused on empowering youth, women and people with migration backgrounds.
I joined because I am eager to translate concrete, grassroots needs into policy, particularly within a macro-regional strategy that connects the two countries I come from.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 5 – Improved social cohesion
Vladimir is a member of the Supervisory Board of the Union of High School Students of Montenegro, contributing to the development and oversight of youth-led projects and educational advocacy. In addition to his civic and organizational roles, Vladimir is an active volleyball referee licensed by the Association of Volleyball Referees of Montenegro, demonstrating his longstanding engagement in sports alongside his commitment to youth empowerment.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 3 – Environmental Quality
Lejla acts as Regional Project Development Advisor and is active in stakeholder engagement, proposal writing, and donor cooperation. She is a participant in the EU Environment Academy and certified in the Inclusive Systems Approach. She coordinated small innovation grants under the regional project Inclusion and Economic Empowerment in the Western Balkans, focusing on smart, green SMEs.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 5 – Improved social cohesion
Blendi co-founded the National Student Body and previously led UNSHM, the country’s most prominent student movement. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International and Intercultural Studies from the Faculty of Philosophy. In addition to his civic leadership, Blendi works as a part-time facilitator and consultant, specializing in advocacy, youth participation, conflict management, and peacebuilding. He has collaborated with various organizations, including UNFPA in Skopje.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 2 – Energy
Ankica hopes the EYC would play the role of a much-needed facilitator and voice for the youth of the region, helping achieve the goals of this macro-regional strategy and making the region a more equitable and more sustainable place, where young people can create, thrive and see a future.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 5 – Improved social cohesion
Petar hopes to contribute to shaping inclusive regional policies through a youth-driven, justice-oriented lens. He sees this platform as an opportunity to amplify the voices of young people from underrepresented and peripheral regions. His aim is to help build bridges between local struggles across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 3 – Environmental Quality
Milica combines strategic thinking with a deep commitment to democracy, sustainability, and youth empowerment. Her dedication is reflected in her participation in public speeches, Model EU events, and various Erasmus+ projects, where she consistently works to amplify young voices and promote positive societal change.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 5 – Improved social cohesion
Petar furthered his expertise at the College of Europe in Bruges, specializing in EU International Relations and Diplomacy. Petar has represented Slovenia as a Young Delegate to the Council of Europe and served as a Slovenian EU Youth Dialogue Ambassador. He actively promotes EU values, civic engagement, and youth participation through various initiatives. Currently, he is member of the EUSAIR Youth Council.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 4 – Sustainable Tourism
Andrea is passionate about creating platforms that empower young voices in the political and civic landscape, because young people’s voices should be heard. She believes the EYC has the potential to serve as a strong bridge between youth and decisionmakers, fostering a region where future generations can thrive, lead, and innovate.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 2 – Transport
Francesco firmly believes that even small improvements in the macro-level connectivity across the Adriatic-Ionian region can significantly reduce the perceived distance between geographically close, yet logistically disconnected, countries — fostering greater cohesion, mobility, and regional integration.
Pillar: Thematic Pillar 5 – Improved social cohesion
Lia firmly believes that, despite their differences, the Adriatic and Ionian countries can come together, share ideas, and build something meaningful. Her purpose in this role is to represent the youth of San Marino and ensure their voices are heard in shaping the region’s shared future.