BETWEEN HOPE AND DISILLUSIONMENT
IN COOPERATION WITH FRIEDRICH EBERT STIFTUNG FES
Between Hope and Disillusionment
Young People’s Role in Southeast Europe’s Democratic Future
Globally, young people are key drivers of political and social change. Amidst instability, increasing protests, and political sclerosis in Southeast Europe, the generation there is grappling with significant challenges – from economic insecurity to insufficient education quality, from unemployment to persistent gender inequalities. A rise in fears and pessimism keeps emigration on top of the agenda for many, at the same time, the prospect of joining the EU keeps optimism high.
This panel discussion will draw on fresh insights from two recent studies by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) on youth and democracy in Southeast Europe, a regional comparative survey and a follow-up segmentation analysis. Both are based on data from EU member states such as Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia and Greece, the six Western Balkan countries and TürkiyeThe studies shed light on the common features found across the region, but also on the diversity in young people’s socio-economic concerns, political engagement, and perceptions of democracy. Do we see a rise in nationalism or more readiness for cooperation, more religious extremism or less ethnonationalism?
The event will present, examine and discuss the results of the FES youth studies and explore their implications for Southeast Europe’s democratic trajectory. Through insights of experts, practitioners, and the public, we’ll ask how Austria and Europe can support youth in Southeast Europe towards a democratic, prosperous, and peaceful future and strengthen their role in assisting the region’s path towards Europe and EU accession?
Welcome
Sabine Kroissenbrunner – Secretary General, Bruno Kreisky Forum
Speakers
Aleksandra Tomanić – Expert on Southeast Europe, Südosteuropa-Gesellschaft
Lura Pollozhani – Researcher, University of Graz
Nemanja Batrićević – Teaching Associate, Faculty of Political Science, University of Montenegro
Kreshnik Loka – Deputy Secretary General, Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO)
Moderator
Elena Avramovska, Senior Researcher, FES Democracy of the Future
