19-21.02.2026 Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Eurofedop members from the Balkan region gathered in Banja Luka to discuss the involvement of young workers in the European integration process with experts and representatives of national and international institutions.

Discussions throughout the seminar were open, dynamic and self-critical. Exchange of views and experiences between participants and speakers opened up space for new approaches. The seminar was enriched not only by experts from research institutions and youth organizations, but also a representative of the Bosnian Directorate for European Integration and a representative of the European Training Foundation. All speakers were open to be contacted by Eurofedop members later in the interest of strengthening youth work and representative of young workers by their unions.

This seminar reminded us that strong trade unions require young people to have a real place in our structures today. If we want credible organizations tomorrow, we must invest in them now. European integration is a two-sided process: applicants must adapt, but member states must also adjust to include new members.

Nothing is guaranteed—political attitudes and public interest can shift, often slowing momentum. Trade unions must understand how integration affects their sector, explore funding opportunities, and actively engage in policy-making. Advocacy, participation in public consultations, and collaboration with authorities, media, NGOs, and think tanks are essential to make

ourselves relevant and influence tangible policy changes. During the seminar, we put efforts into reflecting about our unions, how they contribute to European integration and what else they could do. We also learned much about Gen Z: digital, fast, pragmatic, and focused on concrete issues like decent salaries, education, mobility, mental health, and respect at work. Many rely on social media and expect authenticity and visible results. Practical experience also showed the need to bridge gaps between well-informed, mobile youth and those in rural or marginalized communities.

Labour market realities remain challenging: while unemployment is decreasing, many young people are trapped in precarious jobs. Trade unions must strengthen collective bargaining where youth are  dominant and ensure their voices are present in negotiations and reforms. We also heard a lot about the Youth Guarantee, and various EU programmes supporting young people, employment and their involvement in European integration.

We were challenged to reflect on our structures: are young people truly involved in leadership and decision-making? Are we adapting to new trends, or simply criticizing them? What percentage of young people are in our leadership? Do we truly involve them in decision-making? Are we adapting to new trends, or only criticizing them? Participation must be real, structured and legally anchored – not symbolic. Trade unions must modernize communication, strengthen outreach, open leadership positions, and share responsibility. The conclusion is clear: young people must not remain on the margins. They must become a central force in trade unions, in collective bargaining, in shaping public policy, and in the European integration process. Let us turn what we have learned here into concrete action. The future of our organizations— and of our societies—depends on it.