Europe House hosted a public discussion “The Present and Future of Social Entrepreneurship”, bringing together representatives of institutions, civil society, the business sector and youth to discuss the development of social entrepreneurship in BiH in the context of the country’s EU integration process and utilization of possibilities available under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
“We believe that social entrepreneurship provides a great driver for innovation, growth and youth employment. With the EU’s Growth Plan and Reform Agenda, we hope to bring the country closer to the EU Single Market and to open more opportunities for businesses. For the EU, social economy is an important driver for inclusive growth. It has created millions of jobs through innovation, green transition, and youth employment is really a key component of that growth and that is the type of growth we want to support with our Growth Plan. BiH already has inspiring social enterprises, but we need a clearer legal framework, better institutional coordination and improved access to finance. We hope to see more progress on this in the coming period. The European Union will always support efforts for more youth employment and for more inclusive economy,” said Aurelie Valtat, Head of European Integration, Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to BiH.
The event, organised in cooperation with HUB Homework, Association of Development and Affirmation of Society Building New Lives, supported by the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of higher education, science and youth, focused on aligning domestic policies and practices with EU standards, strengthening youth participation in economic life and creating a legislative framework in line with best EU practices.
“We see social entrepreneurship as a key mechanism for inclusion and empowerment of young people. Through grants, mentoring support and the work of a youth center with an incubator and workspaces, we help young people make the transition from education to entrepreneurship more easily. Our goal is to establish a clear institutional framework that will enable social entrepreneurs to gain recognition and concrete benefits in their business,” emphasized Mersiha Kolčaković from the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth of the Canton of Sarajevo.
During the discussion, particular emphasis was placed on social entrepreneurship as a tool for implementing reforms linked to the EU accession process, especially in areas such as youth employment, social inclusion, green transition, and innovation. Participants highlighted that the development of socially responsible business models represents not only an economic opportunity, but also a strategic step toward harmonizing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s policy framework with European Union priorities and values.
The event also underscored the importance of cooperation with the relevant EU institutions and other EU supported initiatives aimed at strengthening civil society and youth engagement in an effort of empowering young people to seek social entrepreneurship as a viable career path compatible with European market standards, thus creating more opportunities for sustainable growth, social cohesion and reduced youth migration.
