Youth Engagement in Public Spaces: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities Across the Balkans
Introduction
Public spaces have always been at the heart of communities, serving as areas for social interaction, cultural activities, and civic engagement. In recent years, youth participation in these spaces has become a crucial element in building inclusive urban environments that are resilient, sustainable, and vibrant. Youth involvement in public spaces can contribute significantly to community well-being, fostering creativity, civic responsibility, and social cohesion. However, achieving effective youth engagement presents a range of challenges, particularly in the context of the Balkans, where socioeconomic, infrastructural, and policy-related obstacles often limit young people’s opportunities to participate.
This report examines the trends, challenges, and opportunities for youth participation in public spaces across six countries in the Balkans: Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia. The findings are based on an extensive review of national policies, good practices, and focus group discussions conducted in each country. By analyzing these various aspects, the report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of youth engagement in public spaces and offer recommendations to enhance their involvement.
In the following sections, we delve into country-specific findings derived from literature reviews, analysis of good practices, and insights from focus groups. These findings shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young people in each of the six partner countries and provide the foundation for a set of targeted recommendations aimed at enhancing youth participation in public spaces across the Balkans.
The findings presented in this report are part of the Youth Placemaking Balkans (YPB) initiative. The project aims to foster youth-led placemaking activities across the Balkans, providing young people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to influence the development of their urban environments and empower them to be active residents of their communities. Through a combination of workshops, participatory urban planning projects, and communitybased activities, the project seeks to build the capacity of young individuals to become active participants in urban development processes.
Youth Placemaking Balkans (YPB) is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HRDC. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Methodology and research process
The history of conflict and displacement in the Balkan region, combined with ongoing economic and political instability, has left many young people disillusioned and disengaged. Limited civic initiatives and volunteering opportunities deprive youth of spaces to actively participate in their communities. Poor city planning and a lack of youth-friendly public spaces contribute to social isolation, reinforcing paternalistic attitudes that suppress their voices. This exclusion leads to apathy, disengagement, and, in some cases, destructive behaviors like violence and vandalism.
As the project aims to foster civic engagement and create more inclusive public spaces for and by youth, this research report provides answers to the following research questions:
■ What are the current trends of youth engagement in the region?
■ What are successful practices of youth engagement?
■ What are the challenges and barriers for youth engagement in public spaces?
The report is based on a quantitative research process which was conducted in a collaborative effort of all partners in this project. The research activities unfolded in July-November 2024 in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Croatia, focusing on youth aged 16-29. For the purposes of the research process, in the context of the project public spaces are understood in general as spaces where young people can gather, such as residential areas, streets and squares, parks, plazas, and community centers. In order to collect comprehensive data regarding the youth engagement
in public spaces, the partners applied a set of tools to analyse the trends on a several levels:
■ National level: On this level, through the literature review the partners conducted a comprehensive review of existing studies, reports, policies and strategies through the lenses of youth inclusion in public spaces with a focus on identifying previously documented trends, successful practices, and barriers. This process helped to demonstrate to what extent the youth engagement in public spaces is translated into policies and strategies.
■ City/district level: On this level, the partners launched an open call in their countries to map good practices of youth engagement in public spaces, as the call was addressed to civic organisations, non-formal groups, public institutions etc. The research revealed key trends of youth engagement on the field (local initiatives, interventions etc.)
■ Personal level: On this level, the partners arranged 3 focus groups per country with 10-15 youth participants in each, among whom at least 50% were inactive youth with no experience in civic initiatives and volunteering. Along with the above-mentioned activities to understand the status quo and context of youth engagement, focus groups helped to explore why certain trends dominate and give an opportunity to comprehend underlying motivations. Quotes from the participants are anonymized.
The following parts will reveal the key trends of youth engagement in public spaces per partner country and in general in the Balkan region.
Summaries of findings
This section explores youth engagement in public spaces across six countries, analyzing common trends and challenges that affect young people’s participation in civic activities. By combining literature review, civic initiatives and perceptions of participants at the focus groups, the section provides overview in each country and presents takeaways of how the youth engagement can be enhanced.
Bulgaria
The literature review on youth engagement in public spaces in Bulgaria examined several key sources (local strategies for youth development and engagement1, papers and articles2,
1
2
2023 – 2027 година (The Strategy for the Development of Young People in the Municipality of Shumen for the Period 2023 – 2027) / URL: www.shumen.bg/deinosti/kultura/1705051.pdf СТРАТЕГИЯ
(2017-2027 г.) (STRATEGY for young people of the Sofia Municipality (2017-2027)) / URL: www.sofia.bg/documents/20121/148954/Strategy_young_people-SO-2017-2027.pdf/8186ee54-8135-42e0-bfa2-17dd2b281742
(Youth Spaces: Conditions in Bulgaria) / URL: Доклад-Младежки-пространства.pdf Младежката
(2020) (Youth Policy in Bulgaria: Challenges and Prospects (2020)) / URL: Mladezhkata_politika_v_Bulgaria_WEB_BG.pdf
National Youth Strategy3), highlighting key socio-economic barriers. Overall findings indicate that youth participation is hindered by a lack of dedicated infrastructure, socio-economic disparities between urban and rural areas (According to the Youth Report 2019, “the place of residence has a major influence: 80% of those living in the capital state that they can receive a good education, while in villages, the percentage is 32%” ), and a disconnect between local authorities and young people (National Youth Strategy encourages providing young people with the opportunity to participate in policy-making / National Youth Strategy 2021-2030).
Trends in youth engagement emphasize the importance of active participation in decision-making, support for diverse youth groups, and the need for tailored policies. However, challenges such as limited youth involvement in civic initiatives, a mismatch between education and labor market needs, and declining participation in entrepreneurship persist. Good practices demonstrate successful youth engagement initiatives, involving young people in the planning and creation of public spaces, as a means to foster a sense of ownership and community.
During focus groups conducted in Varna, Kazanlak and Plovdiv 40 participants further emphasized the need for safer, well-maintained public spaces, particularly in rural areas. Participants highlighted challenges such as pollution, neglected infrastructure, and a lack of inclusive spaces for different age groups. Young people expressed a strong desire to be involved in local decision-making but reported a lack of opportunities to do so.
3 Национална
2021 - 2030 (National Youth Strategy 2021 – 2030) / URL: NAC_STRATEGIQ_ZA_MLADEZHTA_2021-2030.pdf
Quotes from the participants:
“ Evening walks in many parks seem unsafe to me as a girl due to the lack of or limited street lighting in these areas of the city”
“ Every week, I organize a board game night in my town for the local youth. The event has become a meeting spot for discussions on youth needs and challenges. We need more spaces to voice our opinions”
“ I spend most of my free time in malls and shops. The spaces I have in my neighborhoods are polluted, neglected, and uninviting”
Key Trends and Challenges in Youth Engagement
■ Limited Youth Participation in Decision-Making: Young people feel excluded from local governance and planning processes, contributing to disengagement and apathy.
■ Urban-Rural Disparities: Youth in rural areas face greater challenges due to insufficient infrastructure, limited recreational opportunities, and safety concerns in public spaces.
■ Inadequate Communication Between Authorities and Youth: Many young people are unaware of opportunities for civic engagement due to weak communication channels.
■ Mismatch Between Education and Labor Market: There is a growing disconnect between educational outcomes and employment opportunities, discouraging youth from active participation in entrepreneurship and adult education.
■ Need for More Youth-Specific Spaces: Public areas often lack designated spaces for young people, reducing opportunities for social interaction and community engagement.
Recommendations and Takeaways
■ Improve Communication Channels: Establish regular dialogue between municipalities and young people through digital platforms, forums, and community meetings.
■ Invest in Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Enhance the quality and safety of public spaces by developing well-lit parks, sports facilities, and cultural hubs.
■ Encourage Youth Leadership: Support youth-led initiatives and involve young people in local decisionmaking processes to ensure their perspectives are considered.
■ Foster Entrepreneurship and Skills Development: Implement targeted programs to equip young people with entrepreneurial and civic engagement skills.
■ Create Inclusive and Safe Public Spaces: Designate areas for various user groups, ensuring accessibility and promoting community interaction.
■ Strengthen Civic Education: Introduce programs that raise awareness about youth rights and participation opportunities in local governance.
Croatia
This literature review has provided a comprehensive analysis of youth engagement in Croatia, focusing on the dynamics of youth participation across national, regional, and local levels. Among the research sources in Croatia are National Youth Programme4, local municipal youth plans 5 , analytical papers6 ,
4 Nacionalni program za mlade 2023-2025 (National Youth Program 2023. –2025.)
5 Akcijski plan za mlade Istarske županije 2022. – 2025. (Istria County Youth Action Plan 2022.-2025.) / Lokalni program za mlade 2024.-2027. (Local Youth Program 2024.-2027
6 Aktivacija mladih u hrvatskom društvu – kakva je uloga financijskih ograničenja? (Youth activation in Croatian society - what is the role of financial restrictions?) Odredište EU – budućnost mladih u Hrvatskoj (EU destination - the future of young people in Croatia)
highlighting key trends in participatory urban planning and the persistent urban-rural divide. The review has highlighted several key trends, successful practices, challenges, and barriers that shape the involvement of young people in public spaces and civic life. A significant trend identified is the increasing recognition of the importance of youth participation in governance and community development, as reflected in various strategic documents like the National Youth Program and the Istria County Youth Action Plan. These frameworks underscore the shift towards more inclusive policies that aim to integrate youth perspectives into decision-making processes. However, the literature also reveals persistent challenges and barriers that limit youth engagement. These include socio-economic disparities, political disengagement, and structural inefficiencies that limit the impact of youth-focused policies. Rural areas especially struggle to provide opportunities for youth involvement, which widens the gap between urban and rural communities.
Successful practices have been identified, particularly in urban areas, where innovative approaches such as digital platforms and youth councils have effectively mobilized young people. These initiatives demonstrate the potential of engaging youth in meaningful ways, leading to more vibrant and inclusive communities. Civic practices in youth engagement demonstrate the effectiveness of participatory projects in enhancing youth involvement in public spaces and how digital tools, sustainable planning, and artistic expression can foster active youth participation.
However, focus group discussions in Pula and Zagreb with 30 participants reveal that despite these successes, challenges persist. Rural youth lack dedicated spaces and feel excluded from participatory planning, while urban youth express frustration over limited decision-making influence. These insights underscore the need for targeted interventions that empower young people in both settings through innovative and inclusive approaches.
Quotes from the participants:
“ We want to be more involved, but often it feels like the decisions are made without any real consultation with young people.”
“ It’s really frustrating that there’s almost no lighting on sports fields and playgrounds. Public spaces should be better lit so we can actually use them in the evening.”
Key Challenges in Youth Engagement
■ Urban-Rural Divide: Rural youth face limited access to public spaces and participatory initiatives compared to their urban counterparts.
■ Political Disengagement: Many young people feel disconnected from institutional decision-making, limiting their involvement in public affairs.
■ Lack of Multifunctional Spaces: Youth seek inclusive spaces that support diverse activities, from recreation to community events.
■ Limited Digital Integration: While digital activism is rising, there is a gap in institutional support for integrating digital tools into formal engagement processes.
Recommendations and Takeaways
■ Expand participatory urban planning projects to rural areas to bridge the engagement gap.
■ Invest in multifunctional public spaces tailored to youth needs, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
■ Strengthen digital engagement by incorporating online platforms into official participatory frameworks.
■ Foster youth-led initiatives through partnerships with municipalities and non-formal education programs.
■ Develop policy frameworks that promote equitable investment in youth-friendly public spaces across Croatia.
Greece
The literature review explores strategies, research and policies on key trends, challenges, and best practices in youth engagement in Greece, particularly within the context of participatory urban planning and civic participation. The Strategic Plan for Vocational Education, Training, Lifelong Learning, and Youth (2022-2024)7 highlights a growing recognition in Greek policy of the importance of youth involvement in urban planning and public space design. This document underscores the need for inclusive public spaces that accommodate the perspectives and needs of young people. It also promotes youth participation in decisionmaking, which is critical for shaping the environments where they live, work, and engage with the community. Similarly, the
2022-2024 (Strategic Plan for Vocational Education, Training, Learning and Development 2022-2024) /
URL: 2022_MoE_STRATIGIKO_SXEDIO_EEKDVMN_2022-2024.pdf - Google Drive
National Strategy to Increase Youth Participation (2023) 8 further advocates for the integration of youth voices in public governance and urban development, stressing that young people’s input is essential to creating vibrant and inclusive public spaces.
However, significant challenges remain, including barriers to active participation, accessibility and spatial inequality, and safety concerns in public spaces. While policy documents emphasize youth participation, there are gaps in creating sustained opportunities for involvement. The research from Dianeosis9 and Nikos Poulantzas Institute10 highlights that although youth are eager to participate in urban development, they are often excluded from formal decisionmaking processes. Accessibility remains a major barrier, as highlighted by both policy documents and research findings. Youth in underprivileged areas often lack access to safe, well-maintained public spaces. Dianeosis and Eteron point out that spatial inequality is a critical issue affecting youth engagement in Greece. Poorly maintained or unsafe spaces, particularly in rural areas, discourage youth participation in public life and placemaking initiatives. The study on safety in Athens’ public spaces reinforces the concerns of young people regarding personal safety, particularly at night. This concern limits the extent to which youth, especially young women, can engage with public spaces. Safety remains a critical barrier that needs to be addressed to ensure equitable and inclusive youth participation.
The focus groups conducted in Greece with 40 participants provided valuable insights into youth perspectives on public
8
(NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENTAction Plan for the Enhanced Youth Guarantee) / URL: 2023_HellenicRepublic_YouthEmploymentStrategy.pdf - Google Drive
9
10
(The Youth of Greece) / URL:
- Dianeosis
(4ο
2023) (Research | Youth. Habits, perceptions and political behavior (4th wave – March 2023)) / URL:
space usage and involvement in urban planning. The focus groups, held in Thessaloniki and Athens, explored ideas for better utilization of sports facilities, addressing challenges such as engagement and participation through follow-up workshops. They involved female students discussing their roles in shaping urban environments. Participants expressed frustration over the lack of opportunities for youth participation in decision-making processes and highlighted safety concerns, particularly for young women, as a significant barrier to engaging with public spaces.
Quotes from the participants:
“ It’s not just about having a place to go, it’s about feeling safe there. We need spaces where we don’t have to worry about feeling unwelcome.”
“ I want a space where I can just be myself—somewhere to hang out, be creative, and try different activities.”
Key Trends and Challenges in Youth Engagement
■ Limited Decision-Making Influence: Youth feel excluded from shaping their urban environment.
■ Spatial Inequality: Disparities in access to public spaces affect youth engagement.
■ Safety Concerns: Poor lighting and security limit youth participation, particularly for young women.
■ Lack of Inclusive Spaces: Youth seek multifunctional spaces for recreation, culture, and social interaction.
■ Cultural Reluctance: Some youth perceive civic participation as ineffective due to institutional barriers.
Recommendations and Takeaways
■ Expand Participatory Planning: Establish structured youth consultation processes in urban development.
■ Enhance Public Spaces: Invest in multifunctional, youth-friendly environments with improved safety measures.
■ Strengthen Digital Engagement: Use online platforms for youth involvement in decision-making.
■ Support Youth-Led Initiatives: Encourage local councils and partnerships to back youth-driven projects.
■ Improve Policy Implementation: Ensure consistency in applying youth participation policies.
■ Address Safety Concerns: Install better lighting, security measures, and designated youth zones.
North Macedonia
The absence of modern policies, strategies, and documents that would enhance the position of youth through their effective involvement in decision-making in the educational process at both local and national levels has been a persistent challenge for educational, local, and national authorities over the years. Strategic challenges include the slow implementation of youth policies at the municipal level, low awareness among young people about available opportunities and youth offices, and social barriers such as lack of free time, and insufficient infrastructure, all of which hinder youth engagement in civic initiatives.
The Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies11 , enacted in 2020, is the first legal framework that guarantees youth participation and defines and recognizes forms of youth
11 www.pravdiko.mk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Zakon-za-mladinsko-uchestvo-i-mladinskipolitiki-16-01-2020.pdf
association and organization. This law regulates both local and national matters related to youth participation, thereby establishing obligations for supporting youth participation at both municipal and national levels. Another relevant document is the National Strategy for Youth (2023-2027)12 with the section on Youth Participation. This section of the Strategy and Action Plan envisions various mechanisms to increase youth involvement in decision-making at the national and local levels. Among other things, it includes increasing the number of young candidates in parliamentary and local elections, as well as greater involvement in national and local policies and the planning of public spaces.
While having the national regulatory mechanisms, the youth strategies of local municipalities13 highlight challenges related to youth participation, information access, urban planning, and inclusion. Young people in small locations often lack information on how to engage in civic activities, feel disconnected from decision-making processes, and face barriers such as inadequate sports facilities, bicycle paths, and public spaces. These strategies aim to create safer, more inclusive, and engaging environments for young people to thrive socially and civically. Local civic initiatives attempt to involve youth in both the planning and execution phases can lead to more sustainable and youth-friendly public spaces. They also serve as a model for leveraging existing underutilized areas to meet community needs while fostering a sense of ownership among young people.
Several focus groups conducted in Skopje with 30 participants
12 Национална
2023-2027 (National Youth Strategy 2023-2027) /
2023 – 2027 – Општина Карпош (Local strategy for youth 2023 – 2027 – Municipality of Karpoš) / URL: Strategija-za-mladi-2023-2027-Opstina-Karpos_Nacrt-verzijaV2.pdf ЛОКАЛНА
ШТИП 2019 – 2023 (LOCAL STRATEGY FOR YOUTH IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SHTP 2019 – 2023) / URL: Strategija-mladi-Shtip_17-01-2020-Final.pdf
provided insights into the experiences and perspectives of young people regarding public space use. The focus groups conducted in North Macedonia consisted of young people from diverse backgrounds, including students, unemployed youth, and young professionals. Participants were invited to share their experiences and challenges with using public spaces and participating in community decision-making processes. Participants highlighted that they often use public spaces for leisure and social activities but face challenges such as poor infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and concerns about safety. Lack of motivation, limited awareness, and a lack of accessible information were cited as the main barriers to participating in civic activities. Most participants mentioned that they did not feel they were provided with sufficient opportunities to engage.
Quotes from the participants:
“ We need safer and better-maintained public spaces where we can actually spend time. It would be great to have more sports areas and events that focus on what young people are really interested in.”
“ I didn’t even know that our municipality had a youth council until recently. There’s no communication about how we can get involved.”
“ We have parks, but they are not wellmaintained, and there’s nothing specific for us—no sports areas or places where we can gather with friends.”
Key Trends and Challenges in Youth Engagement
■ Limited Awareness of Participation Opportunities – Many young people are unaware of municipal youth councils, youth offices, and civic engagement opportunities, leading to low participation in decision-making.
■ Public Spaces as Social Hubs – Young people primarily use public spaces for socializing and leisure, rather than for structured civic engagement or activism.
■ Infrastructure and Safety Concerns – Poorly maintained parks, lack of sports areas, and safety concerns limit young people’s ability to fully utilize public spaces.
■ Barriers to Civic Engagement – Lack of motivation, free time, and accessible information hinder youth involvement in local decision-making processes.
■ Desire for Youth-Centric Spaces – Young people express a strong interest in having dedicated areas that cater to their needs, such as modern sports facilities, gathering spaces, and cultural events.
Recommendations and Takeaways
■ Improve Youth Awareness and Communication –Municipalities should actively promote youth councils, civic initiatives, and decision-making opportunities through social media, schools, and youth organizations.
■ Enhance Public Space Infrastructure – Investments in well-maintained parks, bicycle paths, and sports facilities can make public spaces more attractive and functional for youth.
■ Create Safer and More Inclusive Spaces – Addressing safety concerns through better lighting, security measures, and inclusive design can encourage greater
youth participation in public areas.
■ Incorporate Youth in Urban Planning – Engaging young people in the design and planning of public spaces ensures that their needs and preferences are met, fostering a sense of ownership.
■ Encourage Community-Based Youth Initiatives –Supporting local youth-led projects and volunteer activities can strengthen civic engagement and create more vibrant, youth-friendly public spaces.
Romania
The literature review for Romania included analysis of seven different sources, providing a broad understanding of the legislative and socio-cultural landscape influencing youth participation in public spaces. Youth engagement is guided by several laws, such as Youth Law no. 350/200614 , Government Ordinance no. 26/2000 on associations and foundations15 , and Law no. 78/2014 on volunteering activity 16 . These laws
14 Parlamentul României Legea tinerilor nr. 350/2006 (Parliament of Romania Youth Law No. 350/2006) / URL: Legea tinerilor nr. 350/2006 actualizată 2025 – Lege5.ro
15 Guvernul României Ordonanţa nr. 26/2000 cu privire la asociaţii şi fundaţii (Government of Romania Ordinance No. 26/2000 on associations and foundations) / URL: Ordonanţa nr. 26/2000 cu privire la asociaţii şi fundaţii actualizat 2025 - Lege5.ro
16 Parlamentul României Legea nr. 78/2014 privind reglementarea activităţii de voluntariat în România (Parliament of Romania Law No. 78/2014 on the regulation of volunteering in Romania) / URL: Legea nr. 78/2014 privind reglementarea activităţii de voluntariat în România actualizată 2025Lege5.ro
establish a framework for youth participation in civic life and create opportunities for personal development. Additionally, National Youth Strategy (2024-2027)17 emphasizes access to education, digitalization, social participation, and opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment and addresses challenges young people face, such as social exclusion and limited participation in decision-making.
Despite an extensive legal framework on youth engagement, challenges persist on the implementation level. Remnants of the communist regime’s bureaucratic systems and outdated administrative approaches still impact youth engagement today, limiting opportunities for proactive involvement. There is often limited information provided to young people about opportunities for civic engagement, contributing to passivity and low rates of participation in community activities. The study also highlighted significant disparities in opportunities for youth participation between urban and rural areas, with rural youth facing particular challenges regarding accessibility and quality of public spaces.
The focus groups in Romania were conducted across multiple cities, including Suceava, Bucharest, and Cluj-Napoca, and involved 50 participants from diverse backgrounds, involving youth from small communities, refugees, and students. The discussions provided further insights into the experiences and perspectives of young people regarding the use of public spaces and their role in community activities. Participants highlighted the lack of well-maintained public spaces and concerns about safety. They emphasized the need for better infrastructure for leisure activities and expressed a desire for more opportunities to engage in decision-making processes.
17 Strategia Națională pentru Tineret 2024-2027 (National Youth Strategy 2024-2027) / URL: Strategia-Nationala-pentru-Tineret-2024-2027.pdf
Quotes from the participants:
“
We rarely hear about the youth projects happening in our city. Unless you know someone involved, it’s easy to miss out.”
“ There aren’t enough places for us to gather, create, or even just relax. Public spaces should cater to more than just pedestrians or tourists—they need to cater to us too.”
Key Trends and Challenges in Youth Engagement
■ Legal Framework vs. Implementation Gap – While Romania has an extensive legal framework supporting youth participation, bureaucratic challenges and outdated administrative approaches hinder its effective implementation.
■ Information Accessibility Barriers – Many young people are unaware of youth projects and civic engagement opportunities, making participation dependent on personal networks rather than structured outreach efforts.
■ Urban-Rural Disparities – Young people in rural areas face significant challenges in accessing quality public spaces and civic engagement opportunities compared to their urban counterparts.
■ Need for Youth-Friendly Public Spaces – Existing public spaces often cater to general pedestrian use or tourism rather than being designed with young people’s needs in mind, leading to a lack of inclusive spaces for gathering, creativity, and recreation.
■ Desire for Active Involvement – Many young people express interest in greater participation in decisionmaking but lack structured pathways or platforms to make their voices heard effectively.
Recommendations and Takeaways
■ Authorities and organizations should improve information dissemination through digital platforms, schools, and youth centers to ensure broader awareness of youth opportunities
■ Many of the existing initiatives focus on urban centers, which limits the engagement of young people from smaller communities.
■ Designing and maintaining public spaces that cater specifically to young people, including cultural hubs, creative spaces, and safe recreational areas, can foster stronger community engagement.
■ Encouraging and supporting youth-driven projects, decision-making councils, and participatory budgeting can empower young people to shape their communities more effectively.
Serbia
The literature review for Serbia drew from several sources, each providing critical insights into the socio-economic and infrastructural barriers affecting youth engagement in public spaces. The reviewed studies consistently noted that economic instability remains a significant obstacle to youth participation, particularly in rural areas.
The Strategy of Sustainable Urban Development of the Republic of Serbia until 203018 highlights that spatial organization and quality of public services should include the rights available to all citizens. Another article19 argues that the youth in Serbia does not have spaces for gathering: ““There
18
47/2019-4 (Sustainable Urban Development Strategy of the Republic of Serbia until 2030: 47/2019-4) / URL: https://pravno-informacioni-sistem. rs/eli/rep/sgrs/vlada/strategija/2019/47/1/reg.
19 Prostori za mlade: Izazovi i rešenja za kvalitetno provođenje slobodnog vremena (Spaces for Youth: Challenges and Solutions for Quality Leisure Time) / URL: insajder.net/Mladi/prostori-za-mlade-izazovi-i-resenja-za-kvalitetno-provodenje-slobodnog-vremena
Youth Engagement in Public Spaces
are few publicly available spaces that young people and their associations can use for free. Belgrade does not have such a space, nor do 80 percent of municipalities and cities in Serbia, because the former youth centers no longer exist. The only youth center is OPENS in Novi Sad, opened when that city won the title of European Youth Capital.” Youth initiatives (and civic initiatives in general) in public spaces are also hindered by the lack of common register: “there is no official register of public spaces, there is also no information on their ownership status, as well as the procedures and mechanisms to obtain them20.”
Overall, the literature review emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges faced by young people in Serbia, including the need for education, development policy, social awareness, participatory approach, and transparency in planning public spaces, while also highlighting the importance of recognizing youth as important users of the city and providing them with opportunities for socialization, education, and development.
The focus groups conducted in Serbia provided valuable insights into the experiences and perceptions of young people regarding public space use and participation. 38 participants were from a variety of backgrounds, including students, young professionals, and unemployed youth, and they were invited to share their thoughts on public spaces in both urban centers like Belgrade and smaller municipalities. Participants generally felt disconnected from the public spaces in their towns and mentioned safety, lack of maintenance, and limited youth-friendly features as major concerns. They also highlighted the lack of opportunities for youth to be involved in public decision-making. Many felt that public spaces did not cater to their needs, which discouraged them from using these spaces actively.
20 Javni Prostori I Kako Ih Otkljucati (Open spaces and how to unlocked them) URL: scribd.com/document/376575498/064-Javni-prostori-i-kako-ih-otkljucati-pdf
Quotes from the participants:
“ There aren’t enough places where we can gather that feel welcoming to young people. Most of the existing spaces are either unmaintained or not designed with us in mind.”
“ Decisions about public spaces are made without us, and we’re the ones who use these spaces the most. I want my voice to be heard.”
Key Trends and Challenges in Youth Engagement
■ Limited Availability of Youth-Friendly Spaces:
A significant trend is the lack of public spaces specifically designed for young people to gather and engage in recreational, social, or civic activities.
■ Disconnection from Public Space Decision-Making: This disengagement is largely due to the lack of mechanisms for youth participation in urban planning and public space management.
■ Poor Infrastructure and Maintenance: Public spaces are often perceived as unsafe, poorly maintained, or unsuitable for youth activities. Many participants highlighted the lack of basic amenities and youth-oriented features, which discourages young people from utilizing these spaces.
Recommendations and Takeaways
■ Incorporate Youth in Decision-Making:
Local governments should implement participatory processes that actively involve young people in the planning and decision-making of public spaces. This will ensure that their needs are considered, and youth are empowered to shape the spaces they use.
■ Increase Awareness and Information Access:
To address the disconnect and low participation, it is crucial to improve communication channels between local authorities and youth. Providing more information on available spaces, activities, and decision-making opportunities will increase youth awareness and engagement.
Regional Trends in Youth Engagement in Public Spaces
Across
the Balkans
This section summarizes regional trends observed across six Balkan countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia. While each country faces unique challenges, several common themes emerged from the literature reviews, good practices, and focus group discussions that reflect the broader context of youth engagement in public spaces in the region. These trends highlight shared challenges and opportunities and provide the basis for formulating regional strategies to improve youth participation in urban and community development. Successful initiatives have demonstrated that when young people are given opportunities to lead and participate meaningfully, they can make significant contributions to their communities.
Challenges and opportunities:
1. Urban-Rural Divide
CHALLENGE: A recurring theme across all countries is the disparity in youth engagement opportunities between urban and rural areas. Urban areas tend to benefit from more developed infrastructure, dedicated youth spaces, and better communication channels, while rural regions often face neglected public spaces and limited opportunities for youth to participate in community initiatives. This disparity is seen in every country, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies that bridge the urban-rural divide and provide equitable access to youth-friendly spaces.
OPPORTUNITY: To ensure equitable access to public spaces, it is essential to prioritize the development of youth-friendly infrastructure in rural areas. Funding mechanisms could be developed, specifically targeted at rural youth initiatives, as well as capacity-building programs for municipal leaders in smaller communities. By supporting local authorities to develop their own youth engagement projects, rural areas could benefit from more tailored, community-driven approaches.
2. Policy Implementation vs. Practice
CHALLENGE: Although several countries have well-established policies aimed at fostering youth engagement, the implementation of these policies is often inconsistent. Municipalities frequently lack the resources or capacity to put these policies into practice effectively, which leads to significant gaps between policy intent and practical outcomes. Across all six countries, participants expressed frustration with what they viewed as tokenistic or symbolic forms of
engagement, where young people were not genuinely involved in decision-making processes.
OPPORTUNITY: Encouraging and supporting youth-led initiatives can create a sense of ownership and responsibility in young people. By providing grants or technical support to youth organizations, municipalities can empower youth to lead their own projects, ensuring that engagement is more than just symbolic but actively driven by the needs and ideas of the young population
3. Safety Concerns
CHALLENGE: Safety was consistently highlighted as a barrier to the use of public spaces by young people. Poor lighting, neglected infrastructure, and a lack of dedicated youth zones were noted as major factors that deterred young people, particularly young women, from using public areas. In Greece, participants pointed out that many parks are poorly lit, making them feel unsafe, especially in the evenings. Similar sentiments were echoed in Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria, suggesting that improving the safety of public spaces is a fundamental requirement for increasing youth participation.
OPPORTUNITY: Safety improvements are a fundamental prerequisite for increasing the use of public spaces by young people. Investment in lighting, regular maintenance, and security measures should be prioritized across the region. Additionally, designing spaces with the input of young people—especially young women—can help ensure that these areas are welcoming and accessible to all.
4. Limited Awareness and Communication Gaps
CHALLENGE: Across the Balkans, a common challenge is the limited awareness among youth of the opportunities available to them for engaging in community and public space initiatives. There is a need for better communication channels, such as youthtargeted digital platforms and outreach campaigns, to ensure that all young people are aware of the opportunities available to them.
OPPORTUNITY: Better communication channels are needed to ensure that young people are aware of opportunities for engagement. This could include the development of regional digital platforms dedicated to youth participation, social media campaigns to raise awareness, and partnerships with schools and universities to promote community engagement initiatives. By making information accessible and clear, young people across the Balkans will be better equipped to take part in shaping their communities.
Partners
Lead Partner:
Financial Support:
Implementing Organisations:
CONTACTS: BG Be Active Association Bulgaria www.bgbeactive.org beactive@bgbeactive.org
DISCLAIMER: Youth Placemaking Balkans (YPB) is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HRDC. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.