The seventh Regional Fireside Talk, titled "Investing in Youth: Education, Skills and Regional Cooperation for EU Accession”, brought together high-level representatives from academia, the European Union (EU), and the diplomatic community for an open exchange with young political scientists on issues shaping their future and the region’s European integration. The event was organised by the EU-funded and RCC-implemented Western Balkans Youth Lab 2 (WBYL 2) project in cooperation with the Association of Students of the Faculty of Political Sciences (SPONA).

The discussion featured Pavle Janković, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Head of the Political Department; Jana Lolič Šindelková, Ambassador of Czechia to Bosnia and Herzegovina; Sead Turčalo, Dean of the Faculty of Political Sciences; and Aurélie Valtat, Head of European Integration, Political and Economic Affairs at the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discussion was moderated by Ognjen Marković, WBYL 2 Team Leader.

The Regional Fireside Talk provided young political scientists with an opportunity to engage directly with representatives from academia, the EU, the diplomatic community and regional institutions. The discussion explored how quality education, relevant skills and regional cooperation can contribute to young people’s personal and professional development, while highlighting the importance of stronger connections across the region and a shared commitment to European integration.

Particular attention was given to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed in a rapidly changing world, including foreign language proficiency, digital and financial literacy, and intercultural skills. Participants also highlighted the value of international mobility and the importance of applying knowledge and experience gained abroad to local and regional development.

The Fireside Talk was held as part of the Forum of Young Political Scientists of BiH 2026, organised by SPONA, bringing together young political scientists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, creating a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and engagement with key stakeholders on issues relevant to their generation.

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The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s Western Balkans Youth Lab 2 (WB Youth Lab 2) is an EU-funded project that promotes sustained and structured regional dialogue between young people and policymakers.

More on the project: www.rcc.int/youthlab