EU-funded project · 2026–2028

RISE Balkans – Empowering Youth Voices: Responsibility, Integrity, Solidarity, and Civic Engagement in the Balkans

RISE Balkans is a European project that strengthens the participation of young people in democratic life, transparency and anti-corruption initiatives across Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania and North Macedonia. It targets young people aged 18–26, in particular university students, young activists and young people with fewer opportunities to take part in public life.

Young people across the Balkan region are motivated to change their societies, but they often lack structured opportunities, practical knowledge and trust in institutions to influence policymaking. Perceptions of corruption remain high, and formal youth participation, such as taking part in public consultations or contacting decision-makers, is still limited. RISE Balkans aims to change the youth civic landscape.

Our consortium brings together 8 higher education and research institutions and civil society organisations from 5 Balkan countries under the project lead of Professor Dimitris Ziouvas. RISE Balkans empowers young people through civic education, experiential learning, mentoring and cross-border exchanges. Participants take part in research, Good Governance Clinics, Youth Bootcamps, Governance Talks, storytelling, policy dialogues with institutions, regional online events and an advocacy and study visit to Brussels.

Our objectives

Increase young people’s knowledge, skills and motivation for democratic participation.
Empower young people to design, implement and sustain civic initiatives promoting responsibility, integrity, solidarity and engagement.
Strengthen regional cooperation and youth advocacy for democratic reforms.

We empower youth for

Illustration of scales of justice held by a hand over the globe — Responsibility

Illustration of a compass with a heart and a brain — Integrity

Illustration of a diverse group of young people holding hands in a circle — Solidarity

Illustration of young people discussing around a table with a map — Civic Engagement

Illustration of young people with megaphones — Youth Voices

At a glance

One project, 5 countries in South-Eastern Europe

24 months 15 February 2026 – 14 February 2028

5 countries Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania and North Macedonia

8 partners Universities and civil society organisations

15 work packages Good Governance Clinics, Youth Civic Labs, Youth Anti-Corruption Bootcamps, Multimedia Storytelling, Advocacy Visit in Brussels

Target age group 18–26 years For young people aged 18–26 years

Map of South-East Europe highlighting Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania and North Macedonia — The 5 project countries

2 years of sustainable Impact and MYE

Direct participation of over 4,000 young persons aged 18–26 years
Meaningful Youth Engagement (MYE) of over 1,500 young persons in cross-border peer learning
Over 1,000 young people trained in civic literacy
+40% average increase in participants’ understanding of democratic processes, European governance and anti-corruption
10 policy dialogues between young people and institutions
At least 50% women and non-binary participants and 25% from underrepresented backgrounds