The success of Europe’s green transition depends on more than policy targets and investment flows. It depends on whether young people are actively involved in shaping solutions, not merely adapting to outcomes.
Across the Balkans, youth engagement in energy and climate issues is rising. However, access to structured opportunities for learning, collaboration, and cross-border exchange remains limited. Programs such as Erasmus+ address this gap by supporting non-formal education, mobility, and youth participation in areas directly linked to sustainability and innovation.
Youth exchanges, training courses, and volunteer initiatives allow young people to develop green and digital skills while working on real challenges. These experiences foster critical thinking, intercultural cooperation, and leadership — all essential for navigating complex energy systems and policy environments.
Equally important is inclusion. Effective youth programs must ensure access for participants with fewer opportunities and actively promote gender equality. Diversity strengthens problem-solving capacity and ensures the energy transition reflects societal needs.
For organizations working in the sustainable energy space, youth participation is not a peripheral activity. It is a strategic investment. Engaging young people early creates a pipeline of informed professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates who will carry the transition forward.
BASE integrates youth participation into its broader mission by aligning with Erasmus+ principles, supporting non-formal learning, and creating platforms where young people contribute meaningfully to regional energy dialogue and action.
