NVO GLAS, u okviru regionalnog projekta „Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans“, objavljuje deveti intervju u seriji razgovora sa mladima i omladinskim liderima evropskih vrijednosti. Projekat ima za cilj da osnaži ulogu mladih u evropskim integracijama i reformskim procesima, podstičući njihovo aktivno učešće u oblikovanju budućnosti Crne Gore i regiona.
Naša sagovornica ovoga puta je Lejla Đoković, samostalna savjetnica I za međunarodnu saradnju u Sekretarijatu za razvoj i projekte Opštine Tuzi i Project Manager EU finansiranih projekata. Lejla je završila master studije političkih nauka i posjeduje bogato iskustvo u realizaciji međunarodnih i EU projekata koji povezuju lokalne zajednice sa evropskim standardima.
Intervju je vodila izvršna direktorica NVO GLAS, Milica Dedić, a Lejla je govorila o ulozi mladih u procesima evropskih integracija, značaju lokalnih inicijativa za evropske politike, mogućnostima koje EU projekti pružaju mladima, te važnosti razvoja digitalnih vještina i inovacija za jačanje zajednica i održivi razvoj.
Cijeli intervju možete pročitati u nastavku.
NVO GLAS: Kao samostalna savjetnica I za međunarodnu saradnju i Project Manager EU projekata, kako vidite ulogu mladih u procesima evropskih integracija u Crnoj Gori?
Lejla: Uloga mladih je ključna, oni nijesu samo posmatrači, već aktivni nosioci promjena. Mladi u Crnoj Gori imaju snagu da donesu svježinu, inovativnost i otvorenost prema evropskim vrijednostima. Evropske integracije nisu samo politički proces, već transformacija društva, a bez učešća mladih nema ni istinske modernizacije ni održivog razvoja.
NVO GLAS: Na koji način Vaše iskustvo u vođenju međunarodnih i EU projekata može poslužiti kao inspiracija mladima da budu aktivni u evropskim procesima?
Lejla: Tokom mog rada na projektima kao što su LEC – Local Energy Communities, NERA – New Environment Revitalization Approach i ProLIGHTmed, naučila sam koliko programi EU otvaraju vrata lokalnim zajednicama. Vjerujem da je najbolja inspiracija primjer, pokazati mladima da svaka ideja, uz dobru pripremu i volju, može postati evropski projekat koji mijenja lokalnu stvarnost. Često na radionicama sa srednjoškolcima govorim im da budu kreativni, inovativni i prije svega hrabri. Ako pogriješe, to nije ništa strašno, jer ko radi taj i griješi, a ko ne radi taj i ne donosi rezultat. Važno je pokušati i vjerovati u svoj potencijal.
NVO GLAS: Koje su najveće koristi i prilike za mlade kroz učešće u projektima koji prate evropske standarde?
Lejla: Evropski projekti nude mladima priliku da stiču znanja, razvijaju digitalne i jezičke vještine, povezuju se s vršnjacima iz drugih zemalja i uče o održivosti, demokratiji i solidarnosti. Tokom povezivanja sa mladima i profesionalcima iz drugih EU država, oni mogu preuzeti ideje i najbolje prakse koje kasnije mogu sprovesti u svojim zajednicama ili opštima. Učešće u ovakvim projektima razvija osjećaj odgovornosti, samopouzdanja i pripadnosti jednoj široj zajednici kao što je EU.
NVO GLAS: Kako mladi iz manjih opština, poput Tuzi, mogu doprinijeti razvoju lokalne zajednice i evropskim integracijama?
Lejla: Mladi iz manjih sredina imaju posebnu snagu jer najbolje poznaju potrebe svoje zajednice. Kroz volonterski rad, lokalne inicijative i uključivanje u projekata, mogu konkretno doprinositi unapređenju životne sredine, održivoj energiji i kulturi dijaloga što su ujedno i evropske vrijednosti. Jedan od tih primjera su i Eko škole u Tuzima.
NVO GLAS: Koje izazove najčešće uočavate kada je riječ o uključivanju mladih u projekte i programe međunarodne saradnje, i kako ih prevazići?
Lejla: Najčešći izazovi su nedostatak informacija i vještina, ali i osjećaj da njihovo mišljenje ne može napraviti razliku. Zato je važno raditi na edukaciji, mentorstvu i stvaranju prilika gdje mladi mogu učiti kroz praksu. Projekti u Tuzi često uključuju radionice, kampanje i direktan rad s mladima, što pokazuje da je najbolji način uključivanja pružiti im prostor da se izraze i doprinesu.
NVO GLAS: Na koji način lokalne institucije i EU fondovi mogu bolje podržati mlade u aktivnom učestvovanju u evropskim procesima?
Lejla: Institucije treba da otvore vrata mladima kroz programe stažiranja, savjetodavne forume i podršku omladinskim inicijativama. Takođe ih treba uključivati kroz izradu Lokalnih akcionih planova za mlade, te ih tako uključiti u raznim aktivnostima. EU fondovi već nude brojne mogućnosti, ali lokalni nivoi vlasti imaju zadatak da ih približe mladima, pojednostave prijave i pruže tehničku podršku. Upravo to radimo kroz razne radionice u okviru projekata u Tuzima i pretvaramo evropske ideje u lokalne prilike.
NVO GLAS: Kako digitalne vještine i inovativnost mladih mogu biti iskorišćeni za unapređenje lokalnih zajednica i razvoj projekata u skladu s evropskim standardima?
Lejla: Digitalne vještine su most između lokalnog i evropskog. Mladi mogu koristiti digitalne alate za promociju lokalne kulture, turizma i ekoloških inicijativa. Primjer toga je NERA T aplikacija, razvijena u okviru projekta New Environment Revitalization Approach (NERA). Ova aplikacija omogućava građanima da prijave divlje deponije, prate njihovo saniranje i aktivno učestvuju u stvaranju čistijeg i zdravijeg okruženja. To je primjer kako digitalna rješenja mogu spojiti ekologiju, inovativnost i aktivno građanstvo, upravo ono što Evropska unija promoviše.
NVO GLAS: Koju poruku biste uputili mladim ljudima koji žele da doprinesu evropskim integracijama, ali ne znaju odakle da počnu?
Lejla: Počnite malim koracima, informišite se, uključite u lokalne projekte, volontirajte. Bitna je želja za učenjem, ne bježite ako nešto ne znate, već istražujte, učite i pronađite način da se snađete. Svaka ideja koja promoviše saradnju, toleranciju, znanje i održivost već jeste dio evropskih integracija. I zapamtite, nije važno ako pogriješite, važno je da pokušate. Hrabra ideja, čak i ako ne uspije odmah, otvara put za nove mogućnosti i u tome je suština evropskog duha.
Kroz svoje odgovore, Lejla naglašava da evropske integracije ne počinju u institucijama već u lokalnim zajednicama, gdje mladi imaju ključnu ulogu u stvaranju pozitivnih promjena. Njeno iskustvo pokazuje da angažovanje na projektima koji prate evropske standarde mladima pruža priliku da uče, razvijaju vještine i aktivno doprinesu razvoju svoje sredine. Poseban akcenat Lejla stavlja na važnost obrazovanja, digitalnih kompetencija i hrabrosti da se ideje pretoče u konkretne inicijative koje povezuju lokalni nivo sa evropskim vrijednostima.
Ovaj intervju dodatno potvrđuje da su mladi pokretačka snaga evropskih integracija i da njihova energija, znanje i kreativnost predstavljaju temelj izgradnje modernog, održivog i evropski orijentisanog društva.
Regionalni projekat „Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans“ realizuje se u partnerstvu sa organizacijom BIRC iz Sjeverne Makedonije (nosilac projekta), CFID sa Kosova i NVO GLAS iz Crne Gore, uz podršku Western Balkans Fund-a i kofinansiranje Evropske unije.
Interview with Lejla Đoković – Young People Are Drivers of Change: European Integration Begins from the Local Community
NVO GLAS, within the regional project “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans”, publishes the ninth interview in the series of conversations with young people and youth leaders of European values. The project aims to strengthen the role of young people in European integration and reform processes, encouraging their active participation in shaping the future of Montenegro and the region.
Our interviewee this time is Lejla Đoković, Senior Adviser for International Cooperation in the Secretariat for Development and Projects of the Municipality of Tuzi and Project Manager of EU-funded projects. Lejla completed her master’s studies in Political Science and has extensive experience in implementing international and EU projects that connect local communities with European standards.
The interview was conducted by the Executive Director of NVO GLAS, Milica Dedić, and Lejla spoke about the role of young people in European integration processes, the importance of local initiatives for European policies, the opportunities EU projects provide to youth, and the significance of developing digital skills and innovation to strengthen communities and promote sustainable development.
The full interview can be read below.
NVO GLAS: As Senior Adviser for International Cooperation and Project Manager of EU projects, how do you see the role of young people in the European integration processes in Montenegro?
Lejla: The role of young people is crucial; they are not just observers, but active drivers of change. Young people in Montenegro have the power to bring freshness, innovation, and openness toward European values. European integration is not only a political process, but a societal transformation, and without the participation of young people, there can be neither genuine modernization nor sustainable development.
NVO GLAS: How can your experience in managing international and EU projects serve as inspiration for young people to be active in European processes?
Lejla: During my work on projects such as LEC – Local Energy Communities, NERA – New Environment Revitalization Approach, and ProLIGHTmed, I learned how EU programs open doors for local communities. I believe the best inspiration is by example, showing young people that any idea, with proper preparation and will, can become a European project that changes local reality.
I often tell high school students in workshops to be creative, innovative, and above all, courageous. If they make mistakes, it’s not a problem, because those who act will make mistakes, and those who do not act will not produce results. What matters is to try and believe in your potential.
NVO GLAS: What are the greatest benefits and opportunities for young people through participation in projects aligned with European standards?
Lejla: European projects offer young people the opportunity to gain knowledge, develop digital and language skills, connect with peers from other countries, and learn about sustainability, democracy, and solidarity. By connecting with youth and professionals from other EU countries, they can adopt ideas and best practices that they can later implement in their own communities or municipalities. Participation in such projects fosters a sense of responsibility, self-confidence, and belonging to a broader community like the EU.
NVO GLAS: How can young people from smaller municipalities, like Tuzi, contribute to local community development and European integration?
Lejla: Young people from smaller communities have a special strength because they know their community’s needs best. Through volunteer work, local initiatives, and participation in projects, they can directly contribute to improving the environment, sustainable energy, and a culture of dialogue, which are also European values. One example of this is the Eco-Schools initiative in Tuzi.
NVO GLAS: What challenges do you most often notice regarding the involvement of young people in international cooperation projects and programs, and how can they be overcome?
Lejla: The most common challenges are lack of information and skills, as well as the feeling that their opinions cannot make a difference. That is why it is important to focus on education, mentorship, and creating opportunities where young people can learn through practice. Projects in Tuzi often include workshops, campaigns, and direct work with young people, showing that the best way to involve them is to provide space for them to express themselves and contribute.
NVO GLAS: How can local institutions and EU funds better support young people in actively participating in European processes?
Lejla: Institutions should open doors for youth through internship programs, advisory forums, and support for youth initiatives. They should also involve young people in the creation of Local Youth Action Plans and engage them in various activities. EU funds already offer many opportunities, but local authorities have the role of bringing these closer to youth, simplifying applications, and providing technical support. This is exactly what we do through workshops within projects in Tuzi, turning European ideas into local opportunities.
NVO GLAS: How can young people’s digital skills and innovation be used to improve local communities and develop projects in line with European standards?
Lejla: Digital skills are a bridge between local and European levels. Young people can use digital tools to promote local culture, tourism, and ecological initiatives. An example is the NERA T application, developed under the New Environment Revitalization Approach (NERA) project. This app allows citizens to report illegal dumpsites, track their cleanup, and actively participate in creating a cleaner and healthier environment. It demonstrates how digital solutions can combine ecology, innovation, and active citizenship, which is exactly what the European Union promotes.
NVO GLAS: What message would you give to young people who want to contribute to European integration but don’t know where to start?
Lejla: Start with small steps: inform yourself, join local projects, volunteer. The key is the willingness to learn; don’t avoid something just because you don’t know it yet—explore, study, and find ways to engage. Every idea that promotes cooperation, tolerance, knowledge, and sustainability is already part of European integration. And remember, it’s not important if you make mistakes—it’s important that you try. A brave idea, even if it doesn’t succeed immediately, opens the door to new opportunities, and that is the essence of the European spirit.
Through her answers, Lejla emphasizes that European integration starts not in institutions but in local communities, where youth play a key role in driving positive change. Her experience shows that participation in projects aligned with European standards gives young people the opportunity to learn, develop skills, and actively contribute to the development of their communities. She places special emphasis on the importance of education, digital competencies, and the courage to transform ideas into concrete initiatives that connect the local level with European values.
This interview further confirms that young people are the driving force behind European integration, and their energy, knowledge, and creativity form the foundation for building a modern, sustainable, and Europe-oriented society.
The regional project “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans” is implemented in partnership with BIRC from North Macedonia (project lead), CFID from Kosovo, and NVO GLAS from Montenegro, with the support of the Western Balkans Fund and co-financing from the European Union.