A First-of-Its-Kind Study to Shape Youth-Centered Policies Across the Region

Understanding the perspectives of young people is essential, especially in times of political uncertainty and demographic change. “The Political Realities of Generation Z in the Western Balkans” is is a research and policy initiative, implemented by OSF-WB, in cooperation with researchers Lura Pollozhani and Nazim Rashidi and six survey firms from across the region; Data Centrum Research Institute from Albania, Valicon from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kantar Index Kosova from Kosovo, DeFacto Consultancy, from Montenegro, TIM Institute from North Macedonia, and Deep Dive from Serbia Together, they aim to map the political realities of Generation Z, young people aged 16 to 27, across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia (WB6).

By combining large-scale field research, with in-depth focus groups and comparative analysis, the project seeks to generate insights into how Generation Z understands their political realities. These findings will serve as the foundation for actionable, future-oriented, policy recommendations aimed at decision-makers, national and regional levels in education, digitalization, migration, or democratic participation while fostering a sense of regional belonging.

This initiative builds upon OSF-WB’s sustained efforts to foster cross-border collaboration, and shared advocacy platforms across the region, while empowering Generation Z as key agents of change and a vital force in shaping the region’s political, economic, and social future. 

ABOUT THE PROJECT

What sets this initiative apart is its scale and scope. With 6,000 interviews planned with Gen Z respondents from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds across the region, it will be the most comprehensive cross-regional youth political survey ever conducted in the Western Balkans. The data will enable comparisons across countries and offer a rare, multidimensional view into the shared challenges and diverse aspirations shaping this generation. The findings will provide evidence-based recommendations that strengthen youth engagement and participation in politics, and give better understanding about how the youth interpret the shifting political landscape, locally, across Europe, and on the world stage.

LOCAL IMPACT

At the local level, the project facilitates a more inclusive political dialogue by elevating the voices of Generation Z within individual Western Balkan countries. By partnering with local survey firms and engaging youth from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, the project ensures grounded, community-specific insights into the political sentiments of young people. This locally grounded approach creates a feedback loop between youth and public institutions, providing   municipal governments, CSOs and youth councils and initiatives, a space to design policies, services, targeted programs and advocacy campaigns that resonate with the realities of Gen Z.

Through focus groups and interactive sessions, the project  allowlocal youth to reflect on their role in shaping governance, increasing civic awareness and political literacy, while seeing themselves as active participants in the decisions that shape their futures.

REGIONAL IMPACT

Regionally, the project plays an essential role in fostering a shared narrative of youth political engagement across the Western Balkans. The survey offers a rare opportunity to explore how young people perceive regional cooperation and reconciliation, European integration and democratic standards.

This unified framework enables regional actors, governments, institutions, and international partners to align their strategies with the values and ambitions of young people. It supports the creation of policies that not only address country-specific challenges, but also contribute to broader goals like democratic renewal, regional stability, and inclusive growth.

As the Western Balkans navigates the path toward EU accession and deeper democratic reform, The Political Realities of Generation Z offers a timely and essential lens through which to understand what young people expect of their leaders, and how they are prepared to lead themselves.