Balkan Echoes: BOOSTing Youth Possibilities

Balkan Echoes: BOOSTing Youth Possibilities

Author: ALDA Podcast January 26, 2026 Duration: 37:22
In this episode of Balkan Echoes, our host Ivana Smilevska welcomes Dragana Karovska (HERA), Darko Kjitanoski (Eko-svest), and Ana Zarka (Epoka e Re) — three program managers leading initiatives under the regional Project BOOST.

From feminist tourism and cultural heritage to river protection and youth employment, their projects highlight how young people across the Western Balkans are reshaping civic life. The conversation uncovers both challenges and breakthroughs, while showcasing the creativity and determination youth bring to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.

This episode proves that when Balkan youth unite, they don’t just imagine change — they make it happen.

This discussion is part of Project BOOST, supported by the Agence Française de Développement and implemented by ALDA.

Tune into Balkan Echoes, a production from ALDA Podcast, for a soundscape that moves beyond the headlines. This series offers a grounded, human-level view of the Western Balkans, weaving together the complex threads of society and culture that define the region. You'll hear conversations that delve into the practical realities of citizen engagement and the nuanced path toward European integration, not as abstract policies but as lived experiences. The podcast consistently highlights local cultural initiatives that preserve identity while fostering dialogue, and it gives a platform to the voices of young people shaping their communities' futures. From grassroots sustainable development projects to the everyday stories of resilience and innovation, each episode is crafted to reveal the layers of a dynamic part of Europe. Balkan Echoes is for those curious about the forces molding contemporary Balkan societies, listening for the subtle reverberations of change, tradition, and aspiration. It’s a thoughtful audio journey presented by the European Association for Local Democracy, designed to inform and connect listeners to the pulse of a region in constant conversation with its past and its potential.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 9

Balkan Echoes
Podcast Episodes
Breaking news: Redefining journalism with young Macedonian voices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:39
In the newest #Media4EU podcast episode, meet our guests – three young Macedonian journalists – Kristina Ivanovska, Enis Shaqiri, and Antonija Janevska.During their study visit to Vicenza, Italy, the three journalists ex…
Mic Check in Vicenza: Learning Through Study Visits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:03
In this episode of Balkan Echoes, host Simona Bishkoska is joined by Simona Paskoska, Matea Kargovska, and Kristijan Trajcov — three emerging journalists from North Macedonia. They reflect on their four-day Media4EU stud…
Media4EU: Connecting Youth to European Integration [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:41
In this episode of Balkan Echoes, join your host Simona Bishkoska with guests Gabriela Dimovska from Centre for Social Development- CSD Impact and Art Spahiu from Organised Youth Association-OYA, as they explore how youn…
Introducing Shared Horizons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:03
In this episode of Balkan Echoes, discover the new project "Shared Horizons", Component 2.Join your host, Simona Bishkoska and guests Project Manager Viktorija Postolovska from ALDA Balkans and Project Coordinator Paul B…
EU Integration and Labour Law Reforms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:06
In this episode of Balkan Echoes, join your host Simona Bishkoska, with special guest Professor Lazar Jovevski, from the Law Faculty of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, as they dive into the crucial role…
Introducing the Anna Lindh Macedonian Network [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:26
Welcome to Balkan Echoes! In today's episode, join your host Simona Bishkoska in exploring the Macedonian Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation. We'll discuss how this network fosters cross-cultural understanding, empower…
Introducing BOOST [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:13
Welcome to Balkan Echoes! In this debut episode join your host Simona Bishkoska in introducing BOOST: Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability and Transformation of Civil Society, an exciting new initiative t…