Bridges of experience: Strengthening Senior volunteering across the Balkans
Photo: European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels)
As part of its mission to foster European integration, regional cooperation, and inclusive volunteering, the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) is proud to be one of the partners in organising the upcoming Regional Conference "Bridges of Experience - Strengthening Senior Volunteering Across the Balkans," taking place in October 2025 in Skopje, North Macedonia.
ECE Brussels is co-organising this important event together with the Association for Sport and Volunteering (ASV), the Institute for Good Governance and Euro-Atlantic Perspectives (IDUEP), and key European partners including the other European organisations such as Centre for European Volunteering (CEV) and the Confederation of European Senior Expert Services (CESES).
The conference comes in the context of the United Nations’ Resolution declaring 2026 the International Year of Volunteering for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026). This is an opportunity to highlight the essential role of volunteers and promote the integration of volunteering in national and regional development strategies. Several countries in the region — North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovenia — have already signed the IVY 2026 declaration, demonstrating strong commitment to this agenda.
The Skopje conference will aim to strengthen regional cooperation between governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector in promoting inclusive and sustainable volunteering. A particular focus will be placed on senior volunteers aged 50+, whose leadership, expertise, and life experience represent a vital contribution to community development and social cohesion. Their involvement also fosters intergenerational cooperation and promotes values of solidarity and mutual support.
The event is expected also to serve as a platform for initiating a Declaration of Intent — a joint commitment by participating governments and stakeholders to promote volunteering for all age groups and to elevate the role of senior volunteers as drivers of sustainable development.
During the official visit to Skopje, meetings were held with the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia, the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, the Ministry of Economy and Labour, the Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of European Affairs, and a range of local civil society organisations and initiatives, including the volunteering initiative "Support Kochani". These discussions focused on building a sustainable volunteering ecosystem, promoting intergenerational solidarity, and highlighting volunteering as an integral part of the EU accession process and regional cooperation.
ECE Brussels is honoured to support this initiative, which aligns with its broader mission of promoting inclusive civic engagement, enhancing regional cooperation, and fostering European values in EU candidate countries and the wider region. The Centre remains committed to working with its partners to make the "Bridges of Experience" conference a landmark event - and to contributing actively to the success of IVY 2026.