Between Hope and Disillusionment: Young People’s Role in Southeast Europe’s Democratic Future

Globally, young people are key drivers of political and social change. Amidst instability, increasing protests, and political sclerosis in Southeast Europe, the generation there is grappling with significant challenges – from economic insecurity to insufficient education quality, from unemployment to persistent gender inequalities. A rise in fears and pessimism keeps emigration on top of the agenda for many, at the same time, the prospect of joining the EU keeps optimism high.

This panel discussion will draw on fresh insights from two recent studies by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) on youth and democracy in Southeast Europe, a regional comparative survey and a follow-up segmentation analysis. Both are based on data from the EU member states Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia and Greece, the six Western Balkan countries, and Türkiye. The studies shed light on the common features found across the region, but also on the diversity in young people’s socio-economic concerns, political engagement, and perceptions of democracy. Do we see a rise in nationalism or more readiness for cooperation, more religious extremism or less ethnonationalism? 

The event will present, examine and discuss the results of the FES youth studies and explore their implications for Southeast Europe’s democratic trajectory. Through insights of experts, practitioners, and the public, we’ll ask how Austria and Europe can support youth in Southeast Europe towards a democratic, prosperous, and peaceful future and strengthen their role in assisting the region’s path towards Europe and EU accession?

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, 5 November 2025
• Time: 19:00 – 20:30 (followed by a reception)
• Venue: Bruno Kreisky Forum for International Dialogue, Vienna

Format: In-person panel discussion (with interactive elements and Q&A). 

Panelists and Speakers

Welcome

• Sabine Kroissenbrunner – Secretary General, Bruno Kreisky Forum
• N.N., Austrian Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs

Speakers

• Aleksandra Tomanić – Executive Director, European Fund for the Balkans
• Nemanja Batrićević – Teaching Associate, Faculty of Political Science, University of Montenegro
• Elena Avramovska – Senior Researcher, FES Democracy of the Future
• Kreshnik Loka – Deputy Secretary General, Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO)
• Florian Bieber – Professor of Southeast European History and Politics, University of Graz; Director, Centre for Southeast European Studies (tbc)
• Lura Pollozhani – Researcher, University of Graz, 

Moderator: Tanja Malle, Ö1/ ORF– Moderator (tbc)

In cooperation with Bruno Kreisky Forum for International Dialogue.