CIFE is launching its first EU*WeBalkansConnect with the support of the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO) and WeBalkans.
Are you French or German / or living in France or Germany?
Are you a young professional, communicator, journalist, civil society actor or advanced student?
Are you actively engaged in EU-related public discourse and ready to deepen your understanding of EU-Western Balkans enlargement in an intercultural setting?
Apply by 19 July 2026 and become one of the 15 candidates from France and Germany to join this new EU adventure together with 15 pre-selected participants from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia! Funded by the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO) and WeBalkans, the one-month online programme concluding with an in-person weekend event in Nice, France, is entirely free of charge.
Broaden Your Vision of the EU in a Stimulating Intercultural Environment!
The process of EU enlargement towards the Western Balkans requires rapprochement, knowledge and communicative competences on both sides. Young citizens in the Western Balkans and EU Member States need a solid understanding of the European Union, its values, its institutional functioning and the political, economic and societal challenges linked to the accession process. EU*WeBalkansConnect offers a space for dialogue to better understand the region and exchange views about the latest sentiments regarding EU accession in all eight countries.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
• Critically assess the EU enlargement process as it applies to your country
• Interpret political developments using EU accession benchmarks
• Communicate EU-related topics effectively to citizens using diverse formats and channels, thereby highlighting opportunities for engagement and new perspectives
Workload and Timetable of EU*WeBalkansConnect
Over a period of 4 weeks (22 September to 17 October 2026), you will benefit from 35 hours of teaching in English by renowned EU enlargement experts. The online courses offer a space to exchange across cultures and political contexts. They will equip you with the analytical, intercultural and communication skills to engage constructively with enlargement-related debates.
Courses take place on two weekday evenings (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm to 7.30 pm) and on Saturday mornings (from 9 am to 12.30 pm) during this period. The first EU*WeBalkansConnect programme concludes with an in-person event (all costs included) from 29 October to 1 November 2026 in Nice, France.
Courses will start at the end of October 2025 and finish at the end of March 2026. At the end of the course, a written examination will be offered in March 2026 for participants interested in obtaining a certification. Upon successful completion, participants are awarded a certificate and 20 ECTS.
EU*WeBalkansConnect Curriculum
The EU*WeBalkansConnect curriculum is structured into 9 modules:
- History of EU accessions and European integration
- Franco-German reconciliation and the role of Franco-German cooperation in Europe today
- Political context in the Western Balkans, France and Germany
- EU enlargement methodology and negotiation chapters
- Rule of law and democratic standards
- Economic convergence and governance
- The EU’s global role and security policy, with a focus on the Russian aggression against Ukraine
- Public opinion, political communication and enlargement narratives
- Media literacy, AI literacy, fact checking and critical thinking to counter fake news (about Europe, wars etc.), nihilism and instrumentalisation of the past or other fears of citizens, as well as societal polarisation
Each module consists of two to five course units, taught by renowned professors and experts. The courses take place via videoconference (Zoom) and allow direct interaction with the lecturers and the other 29 participants. What's more, the platform allows you to use different tools to share your experiences and learning.
Furthermore, you will develop an independent communication project (interview, article, story, video documentary, or similar) on a selected topic related to the enlargement process. A jury of experts will select the best communication outputs per country for further dissemination.
How to Apply for EU*WeBalkansConnect
To apply for the first EU*WeBalkansConnect programme, click on the button and fill out the application form.
To complete your application, send your application documents (CV and a motivation letter of max. 2 pages) to euwebalkansconnect@cife.eu by 19 July 2026. Make sure to include your first and last name in the subject of your email!
Early applications are highly encouraged, as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The selected participants will be informed by 16 August 2026.