NVO Glas

NVO GLAS, u okviru regionalnog projekta „Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans“, objavljuje deseti 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 Tara Serhatlić, magistrica prava sa Univerziteta u Mariboru, izvršna asistentkinja direktorice i koordinatorka projekata u NVO Mreža za evropske politike – MASTER. Tara posjeduje bogato iskustvo u promociji evropskih vrijednosti, dobrog upravljanja i aktivnog građanstva, sa posebnim fokusom na mlade iz marginalizovanih i ruralnih zajednica. Njena master teza bila je posvećena temi „Nezavisnost pravosuđa kao kriterijum za pristupanje EU – slučaj Crne Gore“.

Intervju je vodila izvršna direktorica NVO GLAS, Milica Dedić, a Tara je govorila o svojim utiscima sa finalne konferencije regionalnog projekta, ulozi mladih u evropskim integracijama, razlikama i prednostima društava unutar EU i Zapadnog Balkana, te o značaju uključivanja mladih iz manjih i marginalizovanih zajednica kroz obrazovanje, volonterski rad i lokalne inicijative. Takođe je istakla važnost razmjene iskustava između mladih u regionu, podsticanja aktivnog građanstva i izgradnje zajedničke evropske budućnosti kroz praktične korake i lični angažman.

Cijeli intervju možete pročitati u nastavku.

NVO GLAS: Kako bi opisala svoje ukupne utiske sa finalne konferencije regionalnog projekta “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans”? Šta ti je ostavilo najjači utisak i zašto?

Tara: Finalna konferencija regionalnog projekta “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans” ostavila je izuzetno pozitivan utisak. Bilo je izuzetno inspirativno i zanimljivo upoznati mlade ljude iz različitih zemalja koji dijele istu viziju – evropsku budućnost Balkana zasnovanu na saradnji, toleranciji i zajedničkim vrijednostima. Posebno mi je značila razmjena ideja i konkretnih prijedloga o tome kako dodatno angažovati mlade i približiti evropske vrijednosti lokalnim zajednicama.

Posebno je bilo inspirativno razgovarati sa Steffenom Hudolinom i čuti njegov pogled iz perspektive EU o mladima na Balkanu – njegove analize dodatno su osvijetlile izazove i mogućnosti koje mladi imaju u procesu evropskih integracija. Izuzetno korisno je bilo i čuti podatke iz istraživanja o angažmanu mladih, koji jasno pokazuju naše, snage ali i slabosti, odnosno oblasti u kojima postoji prostor za napredak. Smatram da je ovo odlična polazna tačka za formiranje strategija i planova koji će mladima omogućiti da svoj potencijal u potpunosti iskoriste i doprinesu evropskoj budućnosti našeg regiona.

Zahvalna sam NVO “Glas” na prilici da budem dio ovog sjajnog i edukativnog događaja, koji je motivisao da nastavim angažman i razmišljam o konkretnim koracima koje mladi mogu preduzeti za bolju budućnost Balkana.

NVO GLAS: Kao neko ko ima iskustvo studiranja i života u zemlji članici EU, koje razlike i prednosti vidiš između društava unutar EU i zemalja Zapadnog Balkana koje su još uvijek na putu evropskih integracija?

Tara: Kao neko ko je imao priliku da studira i živi u Sloveniji, primijetila sam da društva unutar EU karakteriše veći stepen institucionalne uređenosti, povjerenja u sistem i osjećaj građanske odgovornosti. Mladi tamo imaju više mogućnosti za uključivanje u procese donošenja odluka, razvijanje svojih ideja i aktivno učešće u društvenim i političkim inicijativama. Takođe, postoji veća transparentnost u institucijama, jasne procedure i okruženje koje podstiče inovacije i kreativnost, što mladima olakšava da konkretno doprinose zajednici.

Ipak, zemlje Zapadnog Balkana imaju svoje jedinstvene prednosti koje ne treba zanemariti. Ovdje postoji snažan osjećaj zajedništva i solidarnosti, a mladi su često izuzetno motivisani da se angažuju i pokreću promjene, čak i kada postoje institucionalni izazovi. Naše društvo nosi autentičnu energiju i kreativnost koja može biti pokretač inovacija i društvenih inicijativa. Vjerujem da upravo kombinacija evropskih vrijednosti – poput transparentnosti, odgovornosti i participacije – i naše lokalne snage, zajedništva i hrabrosti, može biti ključ stvaranja boljeg društva i ubrzanog napretka ka uspješnoj integraciji u EU.

Ono što posebno vidim kao prednost našeg regiona jeste sposobnost mladih da se brzo povežu, razmjenjuju ideje i rade na konkretnim projektima zajednički, često uz ograničene resurse, što pokazuje izvanredan potencijal za buduće promjene i razvoj.

NVO GLAS: Tvoja profesionalna i akademska iskustva povezana su sa evropskim integracijama i vladavinom prava. Kako, po tvom mišljenju, mladi u Crnoj Gori mogu konkretno doprinijeti unapređenju ovih procesa?

Tara: Vjerujem da mi, mladi ljudi u Crnoj Gori, možemo konkretno doprinijeti evropskim integracijama i jačanju vladavine prava kroz aktivno učešće u društvu – bilo kroz obrazovanje, volontiranje, istraživanje ili javne inicijative. Važno je da budemo informisani, kritički nastrojeni i spremni da pokrećemo promjene tamo gdje prepoznamo potrebu za njima. Uvijek moramo biti svjesni da smo demokratija upravo mi – svaki naš glas je jednako važan i vrijedan, i treba da se borimo da se čuje. Možda upravo mi budemo ta generacija koja donosi inovativne, pozitivne promjene i pokazuje da mladi mogu biti stvarni pokretači evropske budućnosti Crne Gore. Svako od nas je individua sa sopstvenim interesovanjima, talentima i pogledima na svijet – i upravo u toj različitosti leži naša snaga. Važno je da prepoznamo na koji način možemo dati svoj doprinos, bilo kroz umjetnost, sport, obrazovanje, civilni angažman ili neki sasvim lični put. Takođe, kroz lični angažman možemo pokazati da mladi nijesu pasivni posmatrači, već aktivni tvorci društvenih promjena. Svaka inicijativa, ma koliko mala, doprinosi većem cilju – izgradnji transparentnog, pravednog i otvorenog društva koje uistinu živi evropske vrijednosti. Ako svako od nas iskoristi svoju posebnost na najbolji način i usmjeri je ka zajedničkom cilju, vjerujem da možemo stvoriti društvo u kojem mladi imaju stvarnu moć da utiču na politiku, ekonomiju i kulturu, i da svojim djelovanjem postanu primjer drugima.U krajnjem, naša odgovornost i obaveza je da budemo aktivni i hrabri, da stalno preispitujemo šta možemo učiniti za zajednicu, i da svojim znanjem i energijom doprinesemo evropskom putu naše zemlje i regiona. Na taj način ne samo da učestvujemo u procesu integracija, već i gradimo društvo koje nas ponosno predstavlja u evropskom kontekstu.

NVO GLAS: Učestvujući na konferenciji, imala si priliku da razgovaraš sa mladima iz regiona. Koje su sličnosti i razlike koje si primijetila kada je riječ o njihovim stavovima i motivaciji za evropsku budućnost Zapadnog Balkana?

Tara: Razgovarajući sa mladima iz regiona, primijetila sam da nas sve povezuje zajednička želja za promjenama i evropskom budućnošću u kojoj će vladati jednakost, pravda i prilike za sve. Slični smo u entuzijazmu, otvorenosti i spremnosti da učimo jedni od drugih. Razlike se možda više odnose na specifične izazove koje mladi u svakoj zemlji prepoznaju – negdje je to nezaposlenost, negdje povjerenje u institucije ili kvalitet obrazovanja. Ipak, ono što nas ujedinjuje jeste uvjerenje da evropske vrijednosti nisu samo politički cilj, već način života kojem svi težimo – poštovanje prava, solidarnost, aktivno građanstvo i odgovornost prema zajednici. Upravo ta zajednička vizija, energija i spremnost da se povežemo i razmjenjujemo iskustva, daje mi nadu da ćemo zajedno graditi održivu i prosperitetnu budućnost Zapadnog Balkana. Dodatno, susret sa mladima iz različitih država pruža osjećaj inspiracije i potvrđuje da, iako različiti, možemo učiti jedni od drugih i zajedno stvarati inovativna rješenja za izazove našeg regiona.

NVO GLAS: Na osnovu svog iskustva iz projekata koje sprovodiš u okviru organizacije MASTER, šta smatraš ključnim koracima za bolje uključivanje mladih – posebno iz ruralnih i marginalizovanih zajednica – u procese evropske integracije?

Tara: Na osnovu iskustva iz projekata koje sprovodimo u okviru MASTER-a, smatram da je ključno mladima iz ruralnih i marginalizovanih zajednica približiti evropske procese na jednostavan, razumljiv i praktičan način. Mladi moraju da vide kako se evropske vrijednosti tiču njihovog svakodnevnog života – kroz obrazovanje, zapošljavanje, kulturu ili lokalne inicijative. Zato su lokalne aktivnosti, radionice i mentorski programi izuzetno važni, jer mladima daju priliku da se aktivno uključe i osjete da njihov glas ima stvarnu težinu.

Nažalost, kroz rad u MASTER-u, ali i kroz prethodne angažmane, primijetila sam da često ista grupica mladih ljudi učestvuje na događajima i preuzima inicijativu. Voljela bih da vidim da se ta grupa širi – da svi mladi prepoznaju da promjene nisu rezervisane samo za “aktiviste”, već da svako od nas ima pravo i odgovornost da doprinese i da njegov ili njen doprinos ima vrijednost. U MASTER-u se zato trudimo da uključimo i motivišemo mlade koji ranije nijesu imali priliku da budu dio sličnih inicijativa, da ih ohrabrimo da podijele svoje ideje i da im pokažemo da njihovo mišljenje zaista može da napravi razliku. Za sada se kao veoma važnim pokazuje upravo taj lični pristup – razgovor, podrška i stvaranje prostora u kojem se mladi osjećaju viđeno i osnaženo da djeluju.

Verujem da upravo ovakvim pristupom možemo širiti kulturu aktivnog građanstva, podsticati društveni angažman i motivisati sve mlade da prepoznaju vlastitu ulogu u evropskom putu Crne Gore i cijelog regiona. Ako svako od nas prepozna gdje može doprinijeti i iskoristi svoje talente i interese zajedno možemo graditi inkluzivno i prosperitetno društvo koje uistinu živi evropske vrijednosti.

NVO GLAS: I za kraj, kakvu poruku bi uputila mladima iz Crne Gore i regiona kada je riječ o njihovoj ulozi u evropskim integracijama i stvaranju zajedničke evropske budućnosti?

Tara: Iako zvuči kao kliše, najveća istina je da je budućnost zaista u našim rukama. Mi smo generacija koja mora da se uključi, da pokrene promjene i da preuzme odgovornost za pravac kojim će naše društvo ići. Evropske integracije nam donose brojne mogućnosti i prednosti, ali one sa sobom nose i obavezu – da budemo aktivni, informisani i spremni da doprinesemo zajedničkim vrijednostima.

Osim što treba da znamo šta Evropa može da uradi za nas, moramo se zapitati i šta mi možemo da uradimo za Evropu– kako da svojim znanjem, energijom i idejama doprinesemo evropskom putu Crne Gore i regiona.

Na nama je da budemo ta generacija koja ne čeka da promjene dođu “odozgo”, već ih stvara iznutra – hrabro, odgovorno i s vjerom da naš glas i naš trud zaista mogu promijeniti budućnost.

Kroz svoje odgovore, Tara jasno ističe da evropske integracije ne zavise samo od političkih odluka, već od aktivnog učešća građana – posebno mladih – koji svojim znanjem, energijom i angažmanom mogu pokretati konkretne promjene u društvu. Njena razmišljanja pokazuju da upravo kroz obrazovanje, volonterizam i lokalne inicijative mladi postaju nosioci evropskih vrijednosti i stvarni akteri društvenog razvoja. Posebno naglašava da proces evropskih integracija treba da bude inkluzivan, sa posebnim fokusom na uključivanje mladih iz manjih i marginalizovanih zajednica, čime se stvara osnova za pravednije i održivije društvo.

Ovaj intervju dodatno potvrđuje da su mladi ključni partneri u procesu evropskih integracija, a njihova motivacija, ideje i spremnost na saradnju predstavljaju temelj izgradnje moderne, demokratske i evropski orijentisane Crne Gore i regiona.

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 Tara Serhatlić, Network for European Policies – MASTER: Youth as Drivers of the European Future of the Region

NGO GLAS, within the regional project “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans,” publishes the tenth interview in a 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 Tara Serhatlić, Master of Law from the University of Maribor, Executive Assistant to the Director and Project Coordinator at NGO Network for European Policies – MASTER. Tara possesses extensive experience in promoting European values, good governance, and active citizenship, with a special focus on youth from marginalized and rural communities. Her master’s thesis was dedicated to the topic “Judicial Independence as a Criterion for EU Accession – The Case of Montenegro.”

The interview was conducted by the Executive Director of NGO GLAS, Milica Dedić, and Tara spoke about her impressions from the final conference of the regional project, the role of youth in European integration, the differences and advantages between societies within the EU and the Western Balkans, as well as the importance of involving young people from smaller and marginalized communities through education, volunteering, and local initiatives. She also emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences among youth across the region, promoting active citizenship, and building a shared European future through practical steps and personal engagement.

You can read the full interview below.

NGO GLAS: How would you describe your overall impressions from the final conference of the regional project “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans”? What left the strongest impression on you and why?

Tara: The final conference of the regional project “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans” left an exceptionally positive impression. It was truly inspiring and engaging to meet young people from different countries who share the same vision – a European future of the Balkans based on cooperation, tolerance, and common values. What meant the most to me was the exchange of ideas and concrete proposals on how to further engage young people and bring European values closer to local communities.

It was especially inspiring to talk with Steffen Hudolin and hear his perspective from the EU point of view regarding youth in the Balkans – his insights further illuminated the challenges and opportunities that young people have in the process of European integration. It was also extremely useful to hear data from the research on youth engagement, which clearly shows our strengths but also weaknesses, that is, the areas where there is room for improvement. I believe this provides an excellent starting point for developing strategies and plans that will enable young people to fully realize their potential and contribute to the European future of our region.

I am grateful to NGO GLAS for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful and educational event, which motivated me to continue my engagement and think about concrete steps that young people can take toward a better future for the Balkans.

NGO GLAS: As someone who has experience studying and living in an EU member state, what differences and advantages do you see between societies within the EU and those in the Western Balkans that are still on the path to European integration?

Tara: As someone who had the opportunity to study and live in Slovenia, I noticed that societies within the EU are characterized by a higher level of institutional organization, trust in the system, and a strong sense of civic responsibility. Young people there have more opportunities to participate in decision-making processes, develop their ideas, and actively engage in social and political initiatives. There is also greater transparency in institutions, clear procedures, and an environment that encourages innovation and creativity, which makes it easier for young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

However, the countries of the Western Balkans have their own unique advantages that should not be overlooked. There is a strong sense of solidarity and togetherness here, and young people are often highly motivated to engage and initiate change, even when faced with institutional challenges. Our societies carry an authentic energy and creativity that can drive innovation and social initiatives. I believe that precisely the combination of European values – such as transparency, responsibility, and participation – with our local strengths, solidarity, and courage can be the key to creating a better society and accelerating progress toward successful EU integration.

What I especially see as an advantage of our region is the ability of young people to connect quickly, exchange ideas, and work jointly on concrete projects, often with limited resources, which demonstrates an exceptional potential for future change and development.

NVO GLAS: Your professional and academic experiences are closely related to European integration and the rule of law. In your opinion, how can young people in Montenegro concretely contribute to advancing these processes?

Tara: I believe that we, young people in Montenegro, can make a concrete contribution to European integration and the strengthening of the rule of law through active participation in society—whether through education, volunteering, research, or public initiatives. It is important that we remain informed, think critically, and be ready to initiate change wherever we recognize the need for it. We must always remember that democracy is made up of us—every single voice is equally important and valuable, and we must strive to make it heard.

Perhaps it will be our generation that brings about innovative, positive changes and demonstrates that young people can be true drivers of Montenegro’s European future. Each of us is an individual with our own interests, talents, and perspectives on the world—and it is precisely in that diversity that our strength lies. It is essential to recognize how we can each contribute, whether through art, sports, education, civic engagement, or a completely personal path.

Through personal engagement, we can also show that young people are not passive observers, but active creators of social change. Every initiative, no matter how small, contributes to a larger goal—the creation of a transparent, fair, and open society that genuinely lives by European values. If each of us uses our uniqueness in the best possible way and directs it toward a shared goal, I believe we can build a society in which young people truly have the power to influence politics, the economy, and culture, and through their actions become an example for others.

Ultimately, it is our responsibility and duty to be active and courageous, to constantly reflect on what we can do for our community, and to contribute our knowledge and energy to Montenegro’s and the region’s European path. In doing so, we do not only participate in the integration process but also build a society that proudly represents us in the European context.

NVO GLAS: By participating in the conference, you had the opportunity to talk with young people from across the region. What similarities and differences did you notice when it comes to their attitudes and motivation for the European future of the Western Balkans?

Tara: In talking with young people from the region, I noticed that we are all connected by a shared desire for change and a European future based on equality, justice, and opportunities for all. We are alike in our enthusiasm, openness, and willingness to learn from one another. The differences are mostly related to the specific challenges young people face in each country—be it unemployment, trust in institutions, or the quality of education. Still, what unites us is the belief that European values are not just a political goal but a way of life we all strive toward—respect for rights, solidarity, active citizenship, and responsibility toward the community.

It is this shared vision, energy, and readiness to connect and exchange experiences that gives me hope that together we can build a sustainable and prosperous future for the Western Balkans. Moreover, meeting young people from different countries provides a sense of inspiration and confirms that, despite our differences, we can learn from each other and create innovative solutions to the challenges our region faces.

NVO GLAS: Based on your experience with the projects implemented within the MASTER organization, what do you consider the key steps for better inclusion of young people—especially those from rural and marginalized communities—in the European integration process?

Tara: Based on the experience from projects we implement within MASTER, I believe that it is crucial to bring European processes closer to young people from rural and marginalized communities in a simple, understandable, and practical way. Young people need to see how European values relate to their everyday lives—through education, employment, culture, or local initiatives. That is why local activities, workshops, and mentoring programs are extremely important, as they give young people the opportunity to get involved and feel that their voice truly matters.

Unfortunately, through my work at MASTER and in previous engagements, I have noticed that often the same small group of young people participates in events and takes initiative. I would love to see that group expand—to see all young people recognize that change is not reserved only for “activists,” but that each of us has the right and responsibility to contribute, and that everyone’s contribution has value.

At MASTER, we therefore strive to engage and motivate young people who have not previously had the opportunity to be part of similar initiatives, to encourage them to share their ideas, and to show them that their opinions can truly make a difference. So far, what has proven most effective is a personal approach—conversation, support, and creating spaces where young people feel seen and empowered to act.

I believe that through this approach we can spread the culture of active citizenship, encourage social engagement, and motivate all young people to recognize their role in Montenegro’s and the region’s European journey. If each of us identifies where we can contribute and uses our talents and interests, together we can build an inclusive and prosperous society that genuinely lives by European values.

NVO GLAS: And finally, what message would you like to send to young people from Montenegro and the region regarding their role in European integration and the creation of a shared European future?

Tara: Although it may sound like a cliché, the greatest truth is that the future truly lies in our hands. We are the generation that must get involved, initiate change, and take responsibility for the direction our society will take. European integration brings us numerous opportunities and benefits, but it also carries an obligation—to be active, informed, and ready to contribute to shared values.

Beyond knowing what Europe can do for us, we must also ask ourselves what we can do for Europe—how we can contribute to Montenegro’s and the region’s European path through our knowledge, energy, and ideas.It is up to us to be the generation that does not wait for changes to come “from above,” but creates them from within—courageously, responsibly, and with the belief that our voice and efforts can truly shape the future.

Through her responses, Tara clearly emphasizes that European integration does not depend solely on political decisions, but on active citizen participation—especially by young people—who, through their knowledge, energy, and engagement, can drive tangible change in society. Her reflections show that it is precisely through education, volunteering, and local initiatives that young people become carriers of European values and true agents of social development. She particularly stresses that the European integration process must be inclusive, with special attention to the involvement of youth from smaller and marginalized communities, thereby creating a foundation for a fairer and more sustainable society.

This interview further confirms that young people are key partners in the European integration process, and that their motivation, ideas, and willingness to collaborate form the foundation for building a modern, democratic, and European-oriented Montenegro and region.

The regional project “Youth Engagement for Europeanization of the Balkans” is implemented in partnership with the organization 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 by the European Union.