Experience Enlargement – The Youth Dialogue AT – Wb6

Experience Enlargement – The Youth Dialogue AT – WB6 is a four-day youth dialogue programme in Vienna for young people from the Western Balkans Six. The initiative provides participants with an opportunity to engage with European enlargement stakeholders, exchange perspectives on EU integration and regional cooperation, and explore the role of young people in shaping Europe’s future. Travel and accommodation costs are fully covered for selected participants.

What Is Experience Enlargement – The Youth Dialogue AT – WB6?

The Experience Enlargement – The Youth Dialogue AT – WB6 initiative is designed to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between young people from the Western Balkans and European stakeholders.

The programme focuses on:

• European Union enlargement.
• Regional cooperation.
• The future of Europe.
• Youth participation in European affairs.
• Cross-border dialogue and understanding.
• EU integration in the Western Balkans.

Participants will spend four days in Vienna, Austria, where they will interact with institutions and individuals involved in European enlargement and international affairs.

What Will Participants Do?

The programme provides opportunities for direct engagement with policymakers and other stakeholders.

Participants are expected to:

• Take part in a youth dialogue with the Minister for European and International Affairs and other relevant stakeholders.
• Discuss the future of European enlargement.
• Exchange views with young people from other Western Balkan countries.
• Explore regional cooperation and European integration.
• Develop new perspectives on cross-border cooperation.
• Build international networks with peers.
• Share experiences and ideas about the role of youth in Europe’s future.

The programme emphasizes authentic dialogue rather than only classroom-based learning.

Why Does This Programme Matter?

Young people in the Western Balkans play an important role in discussions surrounding European integration and regional cooperation.

The programme helps participants:

• Understand European enlargement processes.
• Engage directly with relevant policymakers and institutions.
• Develop international networks.
• Strengthen intercultural understanding.
• Exchange experiences with peers from neighbouring countries.
• Explore opportunities for regional cooperation.
• Develop ideas that can be applied in their local communities.

The initiative also encourages participants to continue their engagement after returning home.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to young people aged 18–29 who are citizens or residents of the following Western Balkans Six countries:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kosovo
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Serbia

Applicants should generally be:

• Students.
• Recent graduates.
• Youth workers.
• Civil society activists or participants.
• Individuals active in European affairs.
• Young people interested in EU integration and regional cooperation.

Additional Requirements

Applicants should:

• Be between 18 and 29 years old.
• Be proficient in English.
• Be available to participate in Vienna from 1–4 November 2026.
• Demonstrate an interest in European affairs, youth engagement or regional cooperation.
• Be willing to undertake a small follow-up activity in their community after the programme.

Previous international experience is not required.

What Funding Is Provided?

Selected participants receive full support for the main costs associated with participation.

The programme covers:

• Travel costs: Fully covered.
• Accommodation: Fully covered.
• Programme participation: Included for selected participants.

This makes the opportunity particularly accessible to young people who may not otherwise be able to afford an international study visit.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare their application around their motivation, experience and interest in European cooperation.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you:

• Are aged 18–29.
• Come from one of the six eligible Western Balkan countries.
• Can communicate effectively in English.
• Are available in Vienna from 1–4 November 2026.

Step 2: Explain Your Motivation

Describe why you want to participate in the Youth Dialogue.

Strong applications should clearly connect the applicant’s interests with topics such as:

• EU enlargement.
• European integration.
• Regional cooperation.
• Youth participation.
• Cross-border collaboration.

Step 3: Highlight Your Experience

Applicants can demonstrate relevant experience through:

• Youth work.
• University activities.
• Civil society engagement.
• Community initiatives.
• European affairs.
• Advocacy.
• Volunteer activities.

Formal international experience is not necessary.

Step 4: Explain Your Community Follow-Up

Selected participants are expected to implement a small follow-up activity in their community after returning from Vienna.

Applicants should therefore consider how they could share their knowledge or engage other young people after the programme.

Possible activities could include:

• A youth discussion.
• A community workshop.
• An information session.
• A peer-learning activity.
• A small awareness campaign.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete the official application form with accurate information and submit it according to the programme’s application instructions and deadline.

How to Strengthen Your Application

To make your application more compelling:

• Clearly explain your interest in EU enlargement and regional cooperation.
• Give concrete examples of youth, community or civil society involvement.
• Explain what you hope to learn in Vienna.
• Show how you would contribute to discussions with other participants.
• Present a realistic idea for your post-programme community activity.
• Demonstrate openness to learning from young people from other Western Balkan countries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Giving generic motivation: Explain why European enlargement and regional cooperation matter to you personally.
• Ignoring the regional aspect: Show interest in learning from peers across the Western Balkans.
• Focusing only on what you will receive: Explain what you can contribute to the dialogue.
• Neglecting the follow-up activity: Provide a practical idea for sharing your learning with your community.
• Overstating international experience: Previous international participation is not required.
• Missing the availability requirement: Make sure you can attend the complete programme from 1–4 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Experience Enlargement – The Youth Dialogue AT – WB6 programme?

It is a four-day youth dialogue and study visit in Vienna focused on European enlargement, EU integration, regional cooperation and youth participation.

When will the programme take place?

The programme will take place in Vienna from 1 to 4 November 2026.

Which countries are eligible?

Young people from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia can apply.

What is the age limit?

Applicants must be between 18 and 29 years old.

Is previous international experience required?

No. Previous international experience is not required.

Are travel and accommodation covered?

Yes. Travel and accommodation costs are fully covered for selected participants.

Do participants have responsibilities after the programme?

Yes. Participants are expected to implement a small follow-up activity in their local community after completing the Vienna study visit.

Conclusion

Experience Enlargement – The Youth Dialogue AT – WB6 offers young people from the Western Balkans Six a fully supported opportunity to participate in discussions about European enlargement, EU integration and regional cooperation. By combining direct engagement with European stakeholders, peer exchange and a community follow-up activity, the programme aims to strengthen youth participation and build stronger connections across the Western Balkans.