European Parliament (EP) in Brussels. Photo by Riste Spiroski
The European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels), the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF Project Office for Bulgaria and North Macedonia) and the IDUEP Institute from North Macedonia will organise an event dedicated to countering youth Euroscepticism in the Western Balkans, with a specific focus on North Macedonia. The event will take place on 5 November 2025, from 15:00 to 17:00, in the European Parliament and will be hosted by Irena Joveva, Member of the European Parliament.
During the event, the new publication “Countering Youth Euroscepticism in the Western Balkans: The Case of North Macedonia” will be presented, followed by a discussion of its key findings and practical recommendations for policymakers, civil society actors, and EU institutions. The publication explores how education, digital literacy, and inclusive communication can help overcome scepticism and reinforce pro-European values among youth. Hosted by Irena Joveva, Member of the European Parliament (Renew Europe Group), the discussion aims to strengthen efforts to combat disinformation, enhance civic participation, and build trust in the European project among young people in EU candidate countries.
Programme highlights
14:30 - 15:00 Registration of participants
15:00 Event opening - Aleksandar Ivanovski, President of the Executive Board, ECE Brussels - Ivaylo Tsonev, Senior Project Coordinator, Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF)
15:15 Welcoming and keynote address - Irena Joveva, Member of the European Parliament, Renew Europe Group
15:30 Presentation of publication and recommendations - Bojan Kordalov, Co-author and Director for Policy and Communications, ECE Brussels
15:45 Open discussion on key findings
16:15 Closing remarks and the way forward
16:30 - 17:00 Networking cocktail
The event will be facilitated by Bojan Kordalov as an experienced moderator and will conclude with a networking session, providing space for dialogue between participants from EU institutions, embassies/EU missions, civil society, academia, and youth organisations.
Participants without permanent accreditation to the European Parliament are kindly asked to complete the additional section in the form to facilitate access arrangements.
The event is part of ECE Brussels’ continuous efforts to promote European values, democratic participation, and meaningful dialogue between EU institutions and citizens in EU candidate countries.
