Launching of the project “Trade Union – new voice for louder youth”

From December 10 to 12, the international two-year project “Trade Union – new voice for louder youth” was officially launched in Skopje. The project is supported through the Erasmus+ Programme, Key Action 3 – European Youth Together.

The opening event brought together representatives of 10 partner organizations from Serbia, North Macedonia, Croatia, Turkey, Romania and Lithuania, under the coordination of the UPOZ trade union from North Macedonia. This event marks the official start of an initiative aimed at strengthening the involvement of young people in trade union structures and decision-making processes, both within unions and in society at large.

“By launching the project “Trade Union – new voice for louder youth” in Skopje, we are making an important step toward the systematic empowerment of young people within trade union structures. Young people today have a strong desire to participate in and shape social processes, but they often lack sufficient space, support, and knowledge for their voices to be recognized and valued. Through this project, we aim to provide them with concrete tools, skills, and opportunities to become active and relevant actors in decision-making processes, both within trade unions and in society as a whole. The special value of this initiative lies in its strong European dimension and the cooperation of organizations from seven countries, as the exchange of experiences, joint learning, and networking of young trade union activists contribute to the development of sustainable, modern, and youth-oriented trade union practices that will leave a long-term impact on strengthening the role of young people in the trade union movement,” said Aleksandra Knežević, programme director of the Development Center for Youth.

During the two-day meeting in Skopje, partners discussed the project’s objectives, planned activities, and methodology for the upcoming 24 months. Special focus was placed on the needs of young trade union activists, development of a joint educational programme, strengthening of cross-border cooperation and networking, as well as improving the visibility and attractiveness of trade unions for young people through modern communication strategies and digital tools.

The project opening in Skopje represents an important step toward building a stronger, more empowered, and more vocal youth within trade unions and society as a whole. Through joint work and European cooperation, the project aims to provide young people with the knowledge, skills, and space to actively participate in shaping a fairer and more equal society.