What motivated you to join the WeLead project?

First of all, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the Republic of Slovenia, and especially to the CEF, for their commitment to supporting the development of public administration in the Western Balkans. I’m particularly excited that young professionals, myself included, can be part of such meaningful initiatives. I’ve been working at the Ministry of Interior of North Macedonia for 10 years, and through this experience, I’ve seen first-hand how crucial it is to keep young people engaged in the process of policymaking. It’s essential not only to inspire them but also to motivate them to remain actively involved in shaping public policies that impact our societies.

Specifically, with a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations, I work in the Sector for Negotiations and European Integration, where I focus on Chapter 24—Justice, Freedom, and Security. In this capacity, continuous skill enhancement is vital. Both my personal and professional growth rely on staying up to date with developments in these areas. I discovered the WeLead project through LinkedIn, and it immediately caught my attention because the program offers many opportunities to build valuable networks and sharpen key skills. What also impressed me was the CEF team’s clear commitment to selecting high-quality applicants, which reassured me that this is a well-structured and impactful program. I believe that participating in WeLead would be a significant step forward in my career, providing both personal and professional growth.

How do you perceive the process of preparing your policy paper? What has been the role and impact of your mentor in this process?

The WeWrite module is widely regarded by many participants as the most challenging and demanding part of the entire program. However, I see this as its greatest strength. It offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate creativity and develop sustainable solutions to the complex challenges our institutions face. Beyond the expectations for quality, the involvement of top professors and experts throughout the writing process adds significant depth and rigor to the experience. I’m truly grateful to have established cooperation with Mr. Dragan Tilev, the State Advisor for European Integration in North Macedonia. He is widely recognized as one of the most knowledgeable experts on European integration. In close consultation with him, I chose to write on the topic “Security Policies in Combating Trafficking in Human Beings—The Case of North Macedonia.”

This topic is deeply connected to my professional experience. I’ve been working on issues related to human trafficking almost since the beginning of my career, as it falls within the broader framework of EU policies related to police cooperation, organized crime, and other key areas of Chapter 24. Observing the evolving nature of this crime, especially its rapid spread into the online space—I was motivated to explore long-term, sustainable policy solutions aimed at tackling this issue, which can destroy lives.

What’s particularly concerning is that instead of declining, this phenomenon is growing and becoming increasingly difficult for law enforcement to detect, particularly in countries like North Macedonia, where institutional capacity is still developing. This motivated me to shine a light on the urgent need for a coordinated, whole-of-society approach.

In my policy paper, I provide a detailed analysis of the current cooperation between state institutions, civil society, and the non-governmental sector. I also offer recommendations aimed at addressing the existing gaps and strengthening our collective response. Throughout the writing process, I remained in close contact with my mentor, who provided valuable guidance and additional resources. Our collaboration also extended beyond the paper, as we engaged in discussions on broader topics related to European integration and public policy.

What has been the most challenging aspect of writing and preparing your policy paper so far?

Balancing work and family obligations, primarily as a mother, the greatest challenge was dedicating sufficient time and focus to WeLead. The program's significance was evident in the seriousness of its engagements, the caliber of experts involved, and the culminating presentation of our policy papers at the Young Bled Strategic Forum. Driven by my ambition and commitment to professional development, I embraced the opportunity to be part of this valuable experience.

At the same time, the topic I chose remains highly relevant and is still evolving. The recruitment and exploitation of human trafficking victims through online platforms has been gaining momentum, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, several international organizations are actively researching this phenomenon, exploring its root causes, and providing important insights that support both my research and broader policy responses.

What are some of the key takeaways from the learning activities you attended under the WeWrite component (e.g., webinars on stakeholder engagement, the importance of advocacy, workshop on policy paper presentation, etc.)?

The program's activities are thoughtfully designed to foster a structured and effective learning journey throughout the year. Each activity serves a specific purpose, contributing to our overall progress by providing clear guidance and recommendations for developing our policy papers.

The workshops were particularly valuable, enhancing our understanding of the topic and facilitating valuable networking opportunities among participants. They offered insights into diverse approaches to similar issues in other countries, enabling us to learn from a range of experiences and practices.

Furthermore, our interactions with various mentors provided valuable advice and diverse perspectives that helped us shape and strengthen our policy papers. The stakeholder webinar was especially insightful, broadening our understanding of relevant societal actors we can consult and demonstrating how their input can significantly enhance the quality and relevance of our research and recommendations.

Would you recommend being part of the WeWrite component to your colleagues? Why or why not?

I strongly recommend that anyone looking to improve their skills in writing, public speaking, networking, or to explore new knowledge in related fields, should not hesitate to apply for this program. The CEF is an organization that truly prioritizes the development and satisfaction of its participants. Whether through webinars, seminars, or trainings, they consistently involve top-level experts who bring valuable insights and practical experience. It’s an environment where learning is both dynamic and impactful, and where every participant has the chance to grow both personally and professionally.

Do you have any suggestions for improving the WeWrite component or the overall support provided during the project?

My recommendation for future editions of the program is to include topics from the Fundamentals cluster. According to the EU’s revised enlargement methodology, this cluster marks the beginning of the negotiation process and remains critically important throughout its entirety. Given that some of the countries participating in the program have not yet opened this cluster, covering these topics would provide significant added value. It would help participants better understand the fundamental reforms required and equip them with the knowledge to actively contribute to their countries’ European integration efforts.