WeLead: EU Scheme for Young Professionals in the Western Balkans
If you are a professional, aged 35 or younger, and serving as a public official and coming from the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia), we invite you to join us for new exciting learning opportunities and step out as next-generation leaders and policymakers of the EU integration process!
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
Apply now
Starting on July 1, 2025,
and lasting for one year.
Free of Charge – all costs of travel
and other activities are covered
As the next generation of public administrators and policy makers in the Western Balkans, selected candidates will enhance their knowledge and experience in the leadership topics and the EU accession process. This acquired expertise will empower them to take charge of the accession process and effectively drive and lead future changes in their societies.
The WeLead project is designed for young professionals aged 35 or younger who are public officials from the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia). It targets the next generation of leaders and policymakers working in key areas related to EU accession and public administration reform (PAR). If you are part of the public administration at any government level—such as European integration ministries, ministries for public administration, ministries of finance, line ministries, tax administrations, central banks, or subnational governments—we encourage you to apply.
The project will enhance professional network among young professionals and their administrations via regional activities and mentoring. It will build on improving knowledge and experience of the EU accession process acquired by alumni, the next generation of public administrators and policymakers in the Western Balkans.
The working language for both oral and written communication within the project is English. This includes written materials for the learning events. Candidates are required proficiency in English at least at B level.
Eligibility criteria
Successful candidates will be selected for participation in the WeLead project based on their eligibility, skills, and competencies. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a public official from the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia).
- Be aged 35 or younger.
- Have a minimum B-level proficiency in English.
Important notice
