Regional Youth Cooperation Office - RYCO

To the young people making every connection count and our region stronger. 💚

Happy International Youth Day!

Youth, Peace and Security doesn’t stop when a project ends! ✨

Through the RYCOgnizing YPS Open Call, our grantee Fondacija BFPE za odgovorno društvo brought together young people, civil society, local institutions, Youth Councils, and Local Youth Offices for the project’s closing conference.

Participants reflected on the initiatives implemented in Leskovac, Raška, and Priboj, shared lessons learned, and explored how to keep strengthening youth participation and cooperation beyond the project. 💬🤝

Because safer and more resilient communities are built when young people have the space to participate and take action.

📍 This activity is supported through the RYCOgnizing YPS granting scheme, supported by German Cooperation and implemented by RYCO.

🎉 Meet the selected projects of the 7th RYCOnnecting YOUth Open Call!

From 157 applications and 258 partners across the region, the selected projects are ready to turn ideas into action, strengthening youth cooperation, dialogue, peacebuilding and meaningful participation across the Western Balkans.

🚀 Now, the journey begins!

🔗 Explore the final list of selected projects

RYCO Announces Final List of winners for the 7th Open Call RYCOnnecting YOUth Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) is pleased to present the projects selected for support under the 7th Open Call “RYCOnnecting YOUth.” The 7th Open Call, launched on 31 December 2025, attracted strong interest from civil society organisations across the Western Balkans, receiving a total

You’ve heard it from the Harmony Heroes themselves 👀✨

From speaking up and staying true to yourself, to choosing kindness, connection and action — these are the words of people who turned their values into real impact.

Now we’re looking for the next Harmony Heroes. 💫

Know someone whose actions bring people together and make their community more peaceful? Nominate them.
Think that could be you? Apply.

⏳ 10 days left, applications and nominations close on 20 August 2026.

Maybe the next quote we share will be yours. 🫶

Last year, 13 young people were selected from more than 1,000 applicants to experience Japan. This year, one of them could be you. 🇯🇵

Applications are officially open for Western Balkans meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future - a seven-day cultural and academic exchange taking place from 20–26 January 2027 under the MIRAI Program.

This is your opportunity to explore Japan’s approaches to peacebuilding, reconciliation and global cooperation, experience its culture firsthand, and bring new perspectives back to your community.

Are you a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student, aged 20+, from the WB6? Check the complete eligibility criteria and apply!

Core programme costs—including international flights, accommodation, insurance, transportation in Japan, meals and scheduled activities—are covered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

📅 Application deadline: 31 August 2026

Read the full call and submit your application at rycowb.org 🔗

https://www.rycowb.org/call-for-applications-2026-2027-western-balkans-meet-japan-a-bridge-into-the-future/

Call for Applications 2026/2027 - Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future WESTERN BALKANS/JAPAN – Are you interested in learning about peacebuilding in Japan to help build a brighter future for the Western Balkans? This 7-day cultural and academic program is the perfect opportunity for you! The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and the Regional Youth Cooperat

📢 We’re hiring a Local Program Officer in Pristina

Join RYCO and support programmes, grants, and activities that help young people connect, cooperate, and build trust across the region.

📅 One-year contract, with possible extension
⏰ Apply by 18 August 2026

Visit the link for full details.

Exciting Opportunity: We are looking for a Local Program Officer in Kosovo* Pristina - Are you passionate about youth cooperation, regional exchange, and turning ideas into real opportunities for young people? The Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) is looking for a motivated Local Program Officer in Kosovo to support the implementation of the School to School exchange

🎥 Your story can shape the transition.

Only one week remains to apply for the Just Transition Young Voices Awards 2026 and share what a fair, inclusive energy transition means for you and your community.

Turn your perspective into a story that can inspire dialogue, raise awareness, and amplify youth voices across the region.

Apply now and make your voice part of the transition. 🌱

Amplifying Youth Voices Through Storytelling: Just Transition Young Voices Awards 2026 Young people across Southeast and Eastern Europe are once again being invited to take center stage in shaping the narrative of the energy transition. The Energy Community Secretariat, in cooperation with CEE Bankwatch Network, Balkan Green Energy News, CAN Europe, and the Regional Youth Cooperation

Six communities. Six local conversations. One shared message: young people should not only create culture, they should help shape its future. 🎭

Through WB Youth Cultural Fund advocacy activities, young creatives, cultural practitioners, institutions and civil society came together to discuss real challenges, from funding and employment to cultural spaces and stronger support, and turn them into practical recommendations.

Because when young voices are heard, culture moves forward. 💛

📍 Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund it’s a multi-year RYCO project, financed by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, designed for cultural practitioners and civic society organizations dealing with youth and culture.