# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The reporting of consultations for citizens

# data[].attributes.headline
Public Safety – Safer Neighborhoods (Ukraine)

# data[].attributes.subject
Public Safety – Safer Neighborhoods (Ukraine)

# data[].attributes.body
Problem: People in many communities don’t fully trust local institutions or even each other, which makes neighborhoods feel less safe and weakens community resilience.

Solution: One way to improve this is by supporting community policing and neighborhood watch programs. This could involve training residents in conflict resolution, setting up clear communication channels between citizens and local police, and holding regular community meetings where people can raise concerns directly.

Benefit: This approach would help build trust between residents and institutions, lower crime rates, and create stronger, safer neighborhoods where people feel more connected and supported.

# data[].attributes.headline
Language Barriers in Participation (Ukraine)

# data[].attributes.subject
Language Barriers in Participation (Ukraine)

# data[].attributes.body
Problem: Since there aren’t enough opportunities to learn and practice English, a lot of Ukrainians can’t fully take part in cultural or educational events. This creates barriers and makes people feel excluded.

Solution: A good step forward would be to offer more free or affordable English courses, especially for young people and those involved in civil society. Event organizers could also make things more accessible by providing translation or bilingual materials.

Benefit: This would give more people the chance to participate in international events, open doors for cultural exchange, and strengthen Ukraine’s position globally by making our workforce more competitive.

# data[].attributes.headline
Problematic healthcare in Tulcea and other smaller towns in the south-eastern Romania

# data[].attributes.subject
Problematic healthcare in Tulcea and other smaller towns in the south-eastern Romania

# data[].attributes.body
Problem: Many hospitals in our towns are outdated, with old equipment and buildings that don’t meet modern standards. On top of that, there aren’t enough specialized doctors, and young people often hear that if you need serious treatment, you must travel to bigger cities like Constanța or Bucharest. This creates inequality and makes families feel insecure about their access to quality healthcare.

Solution: Invest in upgrading local hospitals with modern equipment, digital systems, and better infrastructure. At the same time, introduce programs to attract and keep qualified doctors in Tulcea, through scholarships for medical students, housing support, or bonuses for working in less developed areas.

Benefit: Improving healthcare locally would make people feel safer in their own community, reduce the need for long-distance travel for treatment, and give young people confidence that their future and their families’ health are protected.

# data[].attributes.body
Problem:

In my consultations people discussed a lot about military factors. Youth lacks essential military/medical/psychological knowledge+ misinformation & propaganda works. That creates a gap between civilians and armed forces. In critical situations (like after the shelling) people can’t help themselves and others which is a security problem.

Solutions:

I already have a practical solution. This week in my school we started tactical medicine and basic military training courses for teachers and students. Soldiers from my father’s unit with real experience and knowledge will be teaching lessons of “Defending the homeland” as it’s called here.

Long-term results:

Youth will be capable of responding to emergencies a protecting themselves and others. More young people trained will also result in much less casualties. A prepared/informed society are also better advocates for stability and reconstruction after the war.

# data[].attributes.body
Problem: Many schools, especially in rural or underserved areas, aren’t well-equipped and don’t offer enough learning opportunities. People also don’t have much access to non-formal education, which limits skills development.

Solution: Invest in better facilities for schools and expand programs that bring quality education to rural areas. At the same time, create more opportunities for non-formal learning, like workshops, online courses, or exchange programs that young people and adults can join.

Benefit: This would make education more equal across regions, give people more chances to learn new skills, and help prepare a stronger, more adaptable workforce for the future.

# data[].attributes.body
Problem: People are frustrated with the quality of public services, especially the police, who are often seen as unresponsive. Traffic congestion is also a growing problem, adding to air pollution and lowering the quality of life. In many areas, roads remain unpaved, and there is a lack of safe, modern public spaces like playgrounds, parks, and venues for social interaction. Schools and hospitals are also in need of improvement.

Solution: Improve infrastructure through paving roads in both towns and villages, modernizing public transport, and making cross-border travel easier. Local governments and communities could also work together to build safe playgrounds, renovate schools and hospitals, and create more public spaces for cultural events. Strengthening waste management and protecting the environment should also be part of these efforts.

In the current war conditions in Ukraine, the construction of co-working spaces in basements could be a potential idea to implement, especially in rural areas.

Benefit: Better infrastructure and services would not only improve everyday life for citizens but also support economic growth, healthier living conditions, and stronger community ties. Cleaner air, safer roads, and more public spaces would make towns and villages more livable and attractive for young people and families.

# data[].attributes.headline
Lack of Environmental Protection and Health Services in Border Areas

# data[].attributes.subject
Lack of Environmental Protection and Health Services in Border Areas

# data[].attributes.body
Problem: Shared natural areas, like rivers and forests, aren’t always well protected, and this threatens the environment. At the same time, people living in border areas often lack adequate health services and targeted educational programs for youth.

Solution: Strengthen cross-border cooperation on environmental protection, such as joint clean-up projects, reforestation, and monitoring of water quality. Expand joint healthcare programs for border communities, and develop health education and awareness campaigns for young people. Technology could also be used more effectively, for example through telemedicine and online learning resources.

Benefit: Protecting the environment will secure natural resources for future generations and improve public health. Better access to healthcare and education in border regions will reduce inequalities and help young people lead healthier, more informed lives. Using technology effectively would make these services more accessible and efficient.

# data[].attributes.body
Problem:

Ukraine’s education system faces several serious problems. Outdated infrastructure, lack of modern equipment, and insufficient funding. Teachers are often underpaid and overworked, which lowers motivation. The war has also damaged/destroyed hundreds of schools forcing students to study online or in unsafe conditions. This problems limit opportunities for the youth.

Solutions:

I believe Ukraine needs reforms and consistent investment to improve this situation: provide teachers with fair salaries,  modernize school programs- focusing on critical thinking/digital literacy and foreign languages, create safe learning spaces.

Long-term results:

If we implement these solutions I believe Ukraine will have a modern, accessible education system. Students will gain skills, teachers will feel valued and motivated, and education will become a driver of social mobility

# data[].attributes.body
Problem:

Ukraine’s faces climate and ecological challenges all the time: air pollution/ uncontrolled waste management/water contamination, etc.. War created even worse conditions: burned forest/poisoned rivers and soil/destroyed ecosystems. Climate change worsens the situation. Ukraine already faces extreme temperature/droughts and floods.

Solutions:

Ukraine needs much stronger environmental policies: strengthen environmental laws; enforce penalties for pollution and illegal logging; restore war-damaged territories; educate citizens about eco-friendly practices and involve local communities in protecting nature.

Long-term results:

Ukraine will have healthier living conditions: clean air, safe water and green cities. It will also improve public health+ restored ecosystems will help fight the climate change

# data[].attributes.body
Problem: Many schools in Romania still focus on outdated subjects and do not always prepare students for modern jobs in digital fields, green industries or entrepreneurship. Young people often feel they will have to leave for bigger cities or even abroad to find good opportunities.

Solution: Modernize school programs to include digital skills, entrepreneurship and practical training. Build partnerships between schools, businesses and NGOs to offer internships and hands-on experience close to home.

Benefit: This would give students the skills they need for future jobs, create more reasons to stay in Romania and strengthen the national economy with new ideas and talent.

# data[].attributes.headline
Lack of impactful green projects in underdeveloped areas.

# data[].attributes.subject
Lack of impactful green projects in underdeveloped areas.

# data[].attributes.body
Problem: Pollution, poor waste management and climate risks threaten both the environment and people’s health in Romania. At the same time, many hospitals, schools and public services lack modern technology, making access slow and unequal.

Solution: Invest in clean energy, better waste management and environmental protection programs. At the same time, introduce smart technologies in healthcare, education and public administration to make services faster and more accessible.

Benefit: A healthier and greener Romania with modern technology would protect people’s well-being, fight climate change and create a country where young people see their future.

# data[].attributes.headline
How Has the Student Movement Influenced the Attitudes of Young People? [Serbia]

# data[].attributes.subject
How Has the Student Movement Influenced the Attitudes of Young People? [Serbia]

# data[].attributes.body
The Alternative Report on the Status and Needs of Youth in the Republic of Serbia represents the largest study on young people in the country. This year’s research was conducted from April 25 to May 5, 2025, on a representative sample of 1,259 young people aged 15 to 30.

Unlike in previous years, when the education system was identified as the biggest problem, this year corruption has taken the lead, with 81.3% of respondents naming it as the primary issue. Nearly 90% of young people view student protests positively. Almost half of young people are planning to leave Serbia, 43% do not rule out the possibility of emigrating, while only 7% intend to stay permanently.

At the same time, 60% of young people consider democracy to be the best form of governance, marking a 20% increase compared to last year.

For the first time in the last five years, more than half of young people believe that Serbia does not need a strong leader at the top of the state. More than 90% would participate in parliamentary elections, but 62.4% believe that elections are not fair.

The findings of this research show that, year after year, there is an increasing need to improve the position of young people in Serbia. However, in a year full of challenges, young people demonstrated a strong determination to initiate the changes they consider essential.

The Alternative Report 2025 confirms that young people have a profound desire to build a better society.

# data[].attributes.headline
Systemic Neglect of Youth Reflected in the National Budget [Serbia]

# data[].attributes.subject
Systemic Neglect of Youth Reflected in the National Budget [Serbia]

# data[].attributes.body
The Alternative Report on the Status and Needs of Youth in the Republic of Serbia is the largest study on young people in our country. This year’s research was conducted from April 25 to May 5, 2025, on a representative sample of 1,259 young people aged 15 to 30.

Problem:

The total budget of the Ministry of Tourism and Youth, which amounts to 5,623,759,000 dinars(approximately €47.8 million), the percentage allocated to youth is 15.22%. This represents a slight increase compared to the previous year, when the share was 13.35%, although it is still lower than in 2023, when it amounted to 19.06%.

When examining the overall budget of the Republic of Serbia, the share allocated to youth through the Ministry has remained practically unchanged, at only 0.03% of the annual state budget. These findings have not changed over the past four years, despite the absolute increase in the amount allocated to youth.

Solution:

In the coming period, the share of funds allocated to youth should be increased to at least 1%. This is not merely about “throwing more money” at the issue, but about strategic investment in education, employment, health, and housing for young people. Measures could include subsidies for first-time employment and internship programs. Housing support should be provided for young couples and for those wishing to remain in the country.

Mental health support is crucial and should be expanded through psychological and counseling programs. Participatory budgets for youth could allow a portion of funds to be directly managed by local youth organizations, enabling them to decide how to spend these resources. Currently, most of the money flows through a single ministry, leading to bureaucratic inefficiency. A solution would be to transfer part of the funds directly to local governments and youth centers.

Serbia already has access to IPA funds and programs such as Erasmus+. Pairing increased national budget allocations with EU funds would significantly amplify the impact. A key shift is to view investment in youth not as a cost, but as an investment in economic growth and demographic stability. Private sector involvement can also be incentivized through tax breaks for companies that invest in youth programs. By increasing both the budget and opportunities available to young people, the likelihood of brain drain decreases, while long-term societal stability is strengthened.

# data[].attributes.body
The Alternative Report on the Status and Needs of Youth in the Republic of Serbia represents the largest study on young people in the country. This year’s research was conducted from April 25 to May 5, 2025, on a representative sample of 1,259 young people aged 15 to 30.

The survey shows that only 15.4% of young people live in their own apartment, while the majority (57.6%) live with their family. 8.6% live alone in a rented apartment, and 13% share a rented apartment with roommates or a partner. Only 0.4% live in other forms of accommodation (shelters, dormitories, asylum centers, etc.) or are without permanent housing.

This situation affects young people’s independence, family formation, and highlights the need for youth housing to be a priority in both youth policy and national policy, rather than addressed only through ad hoc measures like preferential mortgage laws. Housing insecurity also contributes to youth emigration, one of Serbia’s major societal challenges. Policies promoting earlier independence could reduce young people’s motivation to leave the country.

Among renters, the average housing cost concern is 3.12 on a scale of 1 (not a problem) to 5 (a very serious problem). Women report higher concern than men (3.26 vs. 2.98).

Of those living with parents, 53.8% are still in education, and 28.7% remain at home due to financial constraints. Another 13.1% live with parents for convenience, while 3.9% cited other reasons.

Income levels are low: 20% earn up to 80,000 RSD, 16% earn between 80,000–130,000 RSD, and only 8.7% earn more than 130,000 RSD. More than half (55.3%) of young people have no income, affecting their ability to live independently. Higher earnings are mostly seen among 25–30-year-olds, men, and those in Belgrade, while only 4.2% of youth in Southern and Eastern Serbia earn above 130,000 RSD.

Finally, the survey shows that 1.8% of young people have some form of disability.

Solution:

To address youth housing challenges, it is essential to develop programs that encourage young people to live independently earlier, reducing their financial dependence on parents. This can include rental assistance, low-interest loans, and co-living initiatives to make independent living more attainable. Youth housing should be treated as a strategic priority in both national and local youth policies, rather than an ad hoc measure. Housing support should be linked to education, employment, and social programs to tackle multiple barriers simultaneously.

Private sector participation can be incentivized through tax breaks for companies investing in youth housing or related benefits. Additionally, stipends, grants, and other income support mechanisms can help young people afford rent or mortgages.

Programs should be monitored and evaluated to ensure equitable access and effective impact. Overall, investing in youth housing as a social and economic strategy can reduce emigration, strengthen demographic stability, and improve the quality of life for young people.

# data[].attributes.headline
Ministry for Tourism and Youth -Reform & Social Media [Serbia]

# data[].attributes.subject
Ministry for Tourism and Youth -Reform & Social Media [Serbia]

# data[].attributes.body
The Alternative Report on the Status and Needs of Youth in the Republic of Serbia represents the largest study on young people in the country. This year’s research was conducted from April 25 to May 5, 2025, on a representative sample of 1,259 young people aged 15 to 30.

The Alternative Report, in its previous six editions, has monitored the communication of the ministries responsible for youth – the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Tourism and Youth. For the period July–December 2024, posts on the MTO Instagram profile were analyzed.

Compared to the previous year, when most posts were focused on youth, the majority of posts this year were dedicated to tourism. KOMS considers that the ministry should strive to communicate at least equally about all areas under its competence.

It should be noted that the anticipated reform to establish a separate ministry exclusively for youth did not occur, and as a result, youth remain under the jurisdiction of the dual Ministry of Tourism and Youth. This continued structural arrangement legally and administratively consolidates the responsibilities for both tourism and youth within a single ministry, potentially limiting the focus and prioritization of youth-specific policies.

Solution:

To ensure effective youth policy, it is essential to create a separate ministry or at least a fully empowered government department exclusively responsible for youth programs and initiatives. This body must have legal authority and budgetary control to develop and implement youth policies independently from other sectors such as tourism. Additionally, there should be an independent youth council with the authority to advise the government, operating free from political party influence, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and rights of young people rather than political agendas. The existing Youth Council should be restructured, as it currently fails to deliver results, with meetings not being held and no proposals presented even during periods when fundamental rights of youth and students are violated.

A comprehensive communication plan should be developed, prioritizing youth engagement, information dissemination, and visibility of programs. To ensure accountability and effectiveness, performance indicators must be introduced for youth programs, including metrics on communication reach, engagement, and policy outcomes.

# data[].attributes.body
The Alternative Report on the Status and Needs of Youth in the Republic of Serbia represents the largest study on young people in the country. This year’s research was conducted from April 25 to May 5, 2025, on a representative sample of 1,259 young people aged 15 to 30.

In accordance with the Youth Law and the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the Youth Council was established on January 24, 2014, and constituted at a session held on February 24, 2014.

The primary task of the Council is to promote and coordinate activities related to the development, implementation, and execution of youth policy, propose measures for its improvement, and suggest actions for the coordination of ministries and other authorities responsible for specific areas within the youth sector, as well as all other actors in youth policy, in accordance with strategic and legal documents in this area.

As an advisory body to the Government, the Council is intended to ensure that the voice of young people is heard and considered, enabling youth to participate in the development, implementation, and monitoring of public policies. The Council is chaired by the Minister of Tourism and Youth, Husein Memić. In October 2024, a Decision on the appointment of Youth Council members was issued, appointing representatives from government bodies as well as representatives of youth organizations and their associations.

From its establishment until 2020, 13 Council sessions were held. No sessions were held in 2020. Since 2021, eight additional sessions have taken place, along with one new session not covered in the previous Alternative Report.

Additionally, on a joint initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and Youth and the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, an informal meeting was held first, followed by a joint session of the Youth Council and the Council for Monitoring the Implementation of UN Human Rights Recommendations.

The umbrella organization of youth in Serbia, in accordance with its status as the national youth umbrella body acquired in 2020 and pursuant to Article 14 of the Youth Law, issued a call for the election of 15 Youth Council members representing youth associations and their alliances.

The Youth Council has 38 members, of which, according to the law, at least one-third must be youth representatives; currently, there are 15 youth members representing youth associations and alliances. Previous Alternative Reports analyzing 22 Council sessions have shown that the Council meets far less frequently than in its early years. One or two sessions per year, especially near the end of the year, do not reflect the Council’s operational role as a creator of public policies and youth measures. The situation improved somewhat from 2021, when the Council began meeting more regularly. Since the last report, one session was held.

In 2023, two sessions were held, and in 2024, only one session, with an additional session in early 2025. The 23rd Council session took place on December 24, 2024, where the following were discussed: the Annual Report for 2023 on the implementation of the Youth Strategy, the Youth Wellbeing Index, activities realized in 2024, and other business added to the agenda. An addition proposed by youth representatives was adopted, including updates on ongoing processes such as the Youth Law, Volunteering Law, Labor Practice Law, the election of representatives to the Regional Youth Cooperation Office, the position and protection of young activists, and the annual work plan of the Youth Council.

Given the context of student protests and university blockades, it is important to note that the minutes include youth representatives’ statements expressing concerns about the safety of young people organizing these activities. The Council, along with Minister Husein Memić, condemned any form of violence or abuse against youth, emphasizing the importance of institutional work and the need for continuous dialogue and trust-building between youth and institutions. The minutes also document the statements of youth representatives and associations highlighting how young people have been targeted in media coverage.

At the end of January 2025 (January 30), the 24th Youth Council session was held, addressing the proposed 2025 Work Plan and information regarding the draft Law on Guarantee Schemes for Subsidized Interest Rates as a measure supporting youth in purchasing their first home. This session faced difficulties, including the departure of most youth representatives. According to KOMS, after the 23rd session, youth representatives were assured that their comments on the draft housing law would be discussed at the next Council session; however, the government passed the draft law so quickly that it entered parliamentary procedure before the Youth Council could review it.

During the Council vote, youth representatives proposed that the government withdraw the housing loan law from parliamentary procedure, which was rejected: 14 votes against (all government representatives), 12 votes in favor (youth representatives), and 1 abstention.

Analysis: The housing loan law was therefore not adopted to improve the lives of young people, but rather as a political tool of the ruling party, with the draft prepared overnight and under a veil of secrecy, which even used provocative messages such as “for our children” on billboards placed at locations where 16 people, including minors, had lost their lives. This case illustrates how the voices of young people in the creation of laws and legislative proposals are largely ignored. The lack of meaningful consultation with youth means that policies often fail to address their real needs, leaving them financially vulnerable, limited in opportunities for independent living, and exposed to social and economic risks. The absence of a dedicated, empowered body representing youth interests further exacerbates their marginalization and reduces accountability in policy-making.

Solution:

It is proposed to establish mandatory public consultations with young people for every initiative that affects their interests. All university centers should report on meetings related to youth issues to ensure that all young people are informed about proposed decisions and adopted measures. Youth organizations, university student councils, and local young leaders should be actively involved in the decision-making process.

An independent body should be established with legal authority and its own budget, operating autonomously from the government but empowered to influence state policy and legislative proposals. This body could be both advisory and initiative-driven, with the right to submit legislative proposals and analyses. Its operations must be fully transparent, and members must be protected from political pressure.

The role of the Youth Council should be redefined to function effectively as an advisory body to the government. Mandatory meetings, clear agendas, and public reports on proposals and recommendations should be introduced. Success indicators should be established, such as the number of implemented recommendations and the number of young people engaged in the decision-making process.

Educational programs on political participation, rights, and legislative procedures should be organized, enabling young people to develop lobbying, advocacy, and legislative monitoring skills. Every stage of the lawmaking process should be publicly accessible, with mandatory reporting on youth consultations. Media outlets and social networks should actively report on the inclusion of youth in policy-making.

Mechanisms should be introduced to sanction violations when youth input is ignored in lawmaking, and young people should have the ability to submit initiatives or complaints if their right to participate in decision-making is disregarded.

# data[].attributes.headline
Systemic Repression of Youth and Violations of Academic Autonomy [Serbia]

# data[].attributes.subject
Systemic Repression of Youth and Violations of Academic Autonomy [Serbia]

# data[].attributes.body
Young people in Serbia are presently experiencing an unprecedented crisis. Protests and faculty blockades have persisted for ten months following the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, which resulted in the deaths of sixteen individuals and caused permanent injuries to several others. According to the report of the leading youth organization in Serbia, it is particularly notable and deeply concerning that the newly appointed Prime Minister allocated only thirteen seconds to the topic of youth policy, despite the ongoing largest and longest-lasting student protests in the country’s history.

The situation is characterized by systematic repression and the disproportionate use of police force against students and young people. The independence and autonomy of universities and academic campuses are under grave threat. Of particular concern is the public statement of the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Ivica Dačić, advocating the use of batons over diplomacy, thereby inciting violence.

Professors, students, and faculty administration have been subjected to an unprecedented media campaign for months. The academic community has become a target of regime-controlled media, as well as both physical and psychological violence. Students have been subjected to harassment and inhumane treatment by law enforcement officers, including assaults within faculty premises and arbitrary arrests. Both students and their parents have been assaulted and intimidated by organized groups demonstrably linked to the ruling political party. Faculty staff, including professors and porters, have been physically attacked at their workplaces.

The autonomy of universities has been flagrantly violated through gendarmerie raids and the use of tear gas within faculty premises. Deans not affiliated with the ruling party have called for an end to repression and targeting of students who are exercising their rights peacefully. Despite these appeals, the authorities continue to implement increasingly desperate and repressive measures on a daily basis.

# data[].attributes.headline
Youth Underrepresentation in Politics: Less Than 10% Voice in Decision-Making

# data[].attributes.subject
Youth Underrepresentation in Politics: Less Than 10% Voice in Decision-Making

# data[].attributes.body
Problem:

Young people remain heavily underrepresented in parliaments and local councils, with the share of elected officials under 30 often falling below 10% in many countries. This lack of representation means that the specific interests and challenges of youth—such as education, employment, housing, and mental health—rarely find adequate space on political agendas. The problem is further reinforced by the absence of youth-focused content in political party programs, where issues affecting young people are either marginalized or addressed superficially. This disconnect between institutions and youth deepens political apathy, discourages participation, and fuels emigration.

Solution:

To address this gap, political systems should introduce mechanisms that guarantee greater youth representation, such as youth quotas on candidate lists, lower age thresholds for candidacy, and internal party reforms that establish youth wings with real influence over policy-making. Political parties should be required to include dedicated youth policy chapters in their programs, developed in consultation with youth organizations, student unions, and young professionals. Additionally, training and mentorship programs for young political leaders can strengthen their capacity to participate effectively in decision-making. Finally, creating formal channels for youth consultation on laws and policies ensures that even outside of elected office, the voices of young people directly shape public policy.

Establish a Committee on Youth Policy within the National Assembly.

Enable voting rights in local elections starting at the age of 16.

Regulate the status of youth media.

Expand the mandate of the Ombudsman regarding the protection of human rights and human rights defenders.