Ignita Forum 2025 launches in Prizren as a new platform connecting civil society, policymakers and youth around EU integration, green transition and digital transformation in the Western Balkans.

Pristina, 6 October 2025 – The inaugural Ignita Forum 2025: On the Edge will take place on 8–10 October at the Innovation and Training Park (ITP) Prizren, bringing together policymakers, civil society, researchers, business leaders and youth to explore the Western Balkans’ European future. Media representatives are invited to register at the link below.

Hosted by Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans (OSF-WB) and partners, Ignita Forum is designed as a new annual platform where civil society reclaims its voice in the EU integration debate. This year’s theme, On the Edge, examines the political, social, and technological thresholds that must be crossed to turn European integration from idea into outcome.

Key themes include:

• Launch of the Convergence Dashboard, a data-driven tool that measures the gap between the Western Balkans and the European Union across economic, social, and institutional dimensions, offering in-depth analysis of how each country is progressing toward EU standards of living.
• Youth agency in driving EU integration and regional advocacy.
• The costs and opportunities of the green transition.
• The digital edge of AI and its implications for convergence.

Media Access & Livestream

Ignita Forum 2025 and its pre-events will be covered through the Ignita Express Corner, produced with Kosovo 2.0, including livestreaming of sessions and interviews.

Livestream: https://osfwb.org/ignita-forum-2025/

Media representatives are invited to register by 8 October here: https://forms.office.com/e/uuEHaBY95d

Public pre-events in Pristina and Prizren

Before the Forum opens in Prizren, two public pre-events will warm up the debate:

• On the Edge of Socialism – 6 October, 18:00, K2.0 Concept Library, Prishtina
  A public talk by Oliver Eagleton (Phenomenal World, New Left Review), in conversation with Adea Kondirolli.
  
• Nocturnal Ideas – 8 October, 19:00–20:30, Prizren
  An informal evening exchange on identity and belonging in the 21st century, exploring solidarity and the interplay of ethnicity and class.
  • Opening remarks: Andi Dobrushi (Director, OSF-WB)
  • Moderator: Leonard Benardo (Senior VP, OSF)
  • Speakers: Bhaskar Sunkara (The Nation, Jacobin) and Oliver Eagleton (Phenomenal World, New Left Review)

Ignita Forum 2025 Agenda is available here.

About Ignita Forum:
Ignita Forum is initiated by Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans with regional partners. Set in the repurposed industrial creativity hub of ITP Prizren, it aims to become an annual space for evidence-based, intergenerational, and cross-sectoral dialogue on EU integration, convergence, and the future of the region.

More: https://osfwb.org/ignita-forum-2025/

Livestream:
All public sessions and interviews will be livestreamed via the Ignita Express Corner, powered by OSF-WB and Kosovo 2.0 available on OSF-WB website. Link: https://osfwb.org/ignita-forum-2025/

Media Contacts:
Rezar Balla, OSF-WB Communications Manager
Rezar.balla@osfwb.org; Whatsapp/Mob: +355 69 404 6700

Monika Lajhner, OSF-WB Communications Director Monika.lajhner@osfwb.org; Whatsapp/Mob: + 381 62 88 30 143