Dr. Sabina Lange, Director of Think Europe and Associate Professor of International Relations at the University of Ljubljana, contributed to the ENTER: CHANGE Forum “BiH’s Visionary Voices: Leading the Change”, organised by the Centre for European Perspective (CEP).
The forum brought together young aspiring leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina for a programme dedicated to leadership, democratic governance, European integration and the role of young people in shaping the country’s future. The participants engaged with experts and policymakers on some of the key challenges facing Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the rule of law, corruption, democratic resilience and the country’s path towards the European Union.
In her session, Sabina Lange focused on the EU membership process and the functioning of the European Union, offering participants a practical introduction to the institutions and policies that shape the enlargement process. The discussion provided an opportunity to connect the institutional realities of EU decision-making with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European perspective and the broader dynamics of enlargement in the Western Balkans.
For young political leaders preparing to take a more active role in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political life, understanding how the EU works is essential. Enlargement is not only a question of political commitment, but also a complex process involving institutional reform, alignment with the EU acquis, negotiations and sustained implementation of European standards.
The forum also placed the European integration process in a broader leadership context. Participants discussed how stronger institutions, accountability, inclusive political dialogue and meaningful youth participation can contribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ability to advance towards the EU.
The ENTER: CHANGE programme provides an important platform for precisely this kind of exchange. Its activities seek to strengthen the capacities and networks of young future leaders in the Western Balkans, while creating opportunities for them to engage directly with experts and political decision-makers.
The programme’s focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European future is particularly timely. The country’s EU perspective remains closely linked to the ability of its political actors and institutions to deliver reforms and build greater public trust. Giving young leaders a deeper understanding of the EU and its enlargement process is therefore an investment not only in their individual leadership capacities, but also in the country’s European future.
Sabina Lange’s participation reflects Think Europe’s commitment to strengthening informed debate on European integration and to contributing expertise on EU institutions, decision-making and the Western Balkans.
