The panel discussion “Students on the Move: Journey to Global Opportunities” held at Europe House in Sarajevo gathered representatives of international student and pupil organisations present in BIH, representatives of BiH institutions, civil society and the EU to discuss ways to improve student mobility and strengthen youth participation in European and international exchange programmes. The event was organised by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina bringing together members and representatives of thirteen international student organisations and youth networks present in the country.
The event was opened by the Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative in BiH, Luigi Soreca, who underlined the importance of long-term support for young people and their active participation in the EU integration process. “Youth mobility has always been at the heart of the European idea. When young people study, volunteer, or train abroad, they not only gain knowledge, they return with new perspectives, skills and the confidence to shape change. The EU is proud to support initiatives such as Students on the Move, because they show what happens when young people are given opportunity: they lead, they collaborate, and they build bridges across borders. The recommendations presented today are particularly important because they point to what is needed in the long run — institutional support that ensures these organisations in BiH can function sustainably and reach more young people. By strengthening them, we open doors for many more students to access exchange and mobility programmes, and to experience what it means to be part of a shared European community.”, said Ambassador Soreca.
Elvira Habota, Director of the Directorate for European Integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, also addressed the participants, emphasising the role of young people in the European integration process. “It is encouraging to see that young people, in particular, recognise the importance of European integration. We are especially encouraged by the fact that 42.4% of BiH citizens believe that young people will benefit the most from EU membership. Therefore, it is important that young people experience the European integration process as their own – to participate, ask questions, make proposals, and together build a European Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country where young people want to stay and thrive.”, said Habota.
Following the opening remarks, a panel discussion on global opportunities for mobility and exchange presented student stories about the experience of living and working abroad, but also challenges faced by young people in gaining access to funds that would support their participation in exchanges, internships and other international programmes. The discussion focused on access to information, recognition of study obligations completed abroad, financial support mechanisms and the role of institutions in systematically developing student mobility.
During the event, the Students on the Move network presented a joint document of recommendations for advancing student mobility in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The document is the result of months of collaboration and consultations among youth organisations representing BiH in European and international networks. It highlights three priorities: establishing a dedicated budget line for international obligations of youth organisations, strengthening systematic cooperation between institutions and youth networks by formally including youth representatives from these organisations in the creation and coordination of youth policies. The document also proposes funding models, allocation criteria, and the establishment of an annual coordination meeting and a digital register of internationally active youth organisations.
This event builds on the three-day Students on the Move dialogue held in May in Sarajevo, where representatives of international student and pupil organisations and networks developed a joint action plan and roadmap for cooperation and advocacy in the field of mobility.
The Students on the Move initiative is part of the EU’s broader support to strengthening the role of youth in BiH, developing student mobility, and encouraging active youth participation in democratic processes and the country’s European integration path. The network includes thirteen organisations and networks, including AIESEC in BiH, Youth Press ssociation in Bosnia and Herzegovina ONAuBiH, Technical Club of the University Džemal Bijedić Mostar BEST, Association of Secondary School Students in Bosnia and Herzegovina AsuBiH, Student Association of the Faculty of Pharmacy SAFF, Electrical Engineering Students’ European Association EESTEC, European Law Students’ Association ELSA, Association of Medical Students in BiH BOHeMSA, International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience IASTE BiH, European Student Forum Sarajevo AEGEE, Association of Students of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences ASPPF, Young European Ambassadors YEA and S.T.A.R.study.
