9/12/2024
Empowering Youth for Regional Cooperation and Reconciliation
Ethno-political nationalism was a driving force behind many conflicts in the Balkans during the 1990s, often exploited by local politicians to consolidate power. The devastating conflicts reshaped the social, political, and economic landscapes of the Western Balkans, creating both visible and invisible barriers that continue to hinder sustainable cooperation and trust among the region’s youth. This conflict caused significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and egregious human rights violations. While local initiatives and international support have contributed to progress in the years since, the reconciliation and healing process remains incomplete, leaving many communities grappling with trauma and the lingering pain of past atrocities.
Research by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network highlights that misinformation and ignorance about war crimes continue to fuel ethnic tensions and obstruct reconciliation efforts. Furthermore, the lack of effective transitional justice mechanisms exacerbates ethno-nationalism among youth. The failure to address past atrocities adequately has allowed historical narratives to be manipulated, deepening divisions and enabling the spread of radical ideologies.
The ongoing political dispute between Kosovo and Serbia has further constrained opportunities for regional cooperation and mutual understanding, particularly between Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is especially challenging for youth, who often face language barriers despite sharing common concerns. Issues such as corruption, nepotism, limited educational and professional opportunities, and an unstable security environment drive many young people to leave their homelands.
Recent data underscores the urgency of this matter. Approximately 20,000 Bosnian citizens are currently pursuing education in over 30 countries worldwide. Similarly, Kosovo's Statistical Agency reported that around 42,728 individuals emigrated from Kosovo in 2021. Alarmingly, the Institute for Youth Development KULT revealed that 50% of Bosnian youth aspire to leave the country. Likewise, a recent report by FES indicates that 50% of Kosovar youth see emigration as a major concern for the next decade. This brain drain deprives both nations of their most talented individuals, jeopardizing their economic and social futures. Addressing this requires empowering youth through active participation, skill development, and enhanced educational and professional opportunities.
Despite these challenges, youth in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina share common struggles concerning both their past and their future. These shared experiences provide a foundation for fostering regional cooperation and solidarity. A positive development in this regard is the decision that, starting January 1, 2025, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina can travel to Kosovo using only their ID cards. This step marks significant progress in facilitating interaction and cooperation between the people. However, barriers still exist.
For example, Serbian representatives in the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina have blocked the ratification of the Agreement on Free Movement with Identity Cards in the Western Balkans, signed on November 3, 2022. A 2012 decision by Bosnia’s Council of Ministers requires individuals from Kosovo to obtain a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina, issued only in "exceptional cases" through Bosnian embassies in Skopje, Podgorica, and Belgrade. This restricts tourism and broader interaction between the two countries.
The lifting of visa requirements for Bosnian citizens traveling to Kosovo presents a significant opportunity to enhance regional cooperation, especially among youth. By facilitating easier travel, this development promotes knowledge sharing, joint initiatives, and collaboration on common projects, fostering solidarity and a shared vision for a brighter future in the Western Balkans. Bosnia and Herzegovina should consider implementing similar measures, as increased mobility for people has immense potential to strengthen the reconciliation process across the entire region.
About author:
Medina Ceko is a PhD candidate at the University of Thrace in Turkey and a lecturer and Coordinator of Quality Assurance at the AAB Faculty. She is the author and co-author of several notable papers.
This op-ed is a part of the project "Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 - ReLOaD2", which is funded by the European Union (EU The content of this publication, as well as the findings presented therein, are the sole responsibility of Medina Ceko and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union (EU) or the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS).
