The impact of turbo folk music on Balkan youth

written by Jana Trajković, Serbia

Nowadays music makes a significant influence over the values and behaviors of young people, serving as an impactful method for cultural expression and ideological dissemination. In the Balkans, turbo folk music, a genre known for its vibrant rhythms and provocative lyrics, has gained immense popularity among teenagers. Turbo-folk emerged in the late 1980s and became… Continue reading The impact of turbo folk music on Balkan youth



Enlargement fatigue and Democratic Backsliding in the Balkans

written by Gevin Sherko, Albania

In his recent speech at a meeting with Albanian diaspora in Milano, Italy, the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama did not hesitate at throwing shades at the European Union regarding the prospects of Albania joining the European Union. Rama attributed the lack of progress to the “slow Brussels bureaucracy” which is moving with “turtle-like steps”.… Continue reading Enlargement fatigue and Democratic Backsliding in the Balkans



New Hope for a Free and Inclusive Twitter?

written by Mehmet Demir, Germany

Recently, Musk posed a question to his audience on Twitter about whether the company should find a new CEO. This interaction with users showcases his openness to community opinions and willingness to listen to their voices. In the end, Musk fulfilled his promise and handed over the CEO position to Linda Yaccarino.



Skills Gap/Mismatch and implications

written by Hany Amin, Better World Foundation, Egypt

Challenges facing the public education system indicate that the youth unemployment crisis in Egypt is not due solely to a lack of job opportunities; there is a gap between what students learn in schools and the skills required for the workplace





Revitalization of Dobrota Lace: A Monument to Women’s Craftsmanship

written by Milica Kašćelan, Montenegro

Dobrota lace lives and breathes through hands. Hands that wait, embrace, build, and overcome the toughest battles. It endures through the hands that strive to preserve it from oblivion, from the cruelty of time, and from fleeting trends. These hands carry the burden of women across more than five centuries, creating a path where new patterns will become works of art.











Montenegrin youth as change makers in the EU integration process

written by Iva Radovic, Andjela Tomovic, Aleksandar Kovacevic, Montenegro

Currently recognized as the most advanced candidate in the enlargement process, Montenegro is maintaining a clear trajectory toward full European Union membership with a target date of 2028.