This year’s gathering once again confirmed the crucial role that young professionals play in shaping resilient democracies and driving forward the EU integration processes in the Western Balkans. The region faces a wide range of complex social, economic, and environmental challenges. For most Western Balkan countries, the EU accession process provides a strategic framework for addressing these issues. Successfully navigating this process depends on the meaningful engagement and leadership of the next generation of civil servants.

The meeting opened with welcoming remarks from Damjan Bergant, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Slovenia on Foreign Policy, Jerneja Jug Jerše, Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovenia, and Jana Repanšek, CEF Director. All three speakers emphasized the importance of building platforms that support regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and visionary leadership.

Throughout the two days, participants engaged in open dialogue, exchanging experiences and shaping a joint narrative for resilience and EU integration in the Western Balkans. They explored their individual leadership potential through the lenses of curiosity, empathy, and collaboration—essential traits for fostering reconciliation and mutual trust in the region.
The WeLead program continues to strengthen regional cooperation by equipping young public officials with the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to advance reforms and support the EU enlargement agenda. As we welcome the third generation of WeLead participants, we remain committed to investing in the future of the Western Balkans.

The meeting took place on July 1–2, 2025 in Ljubljana.