cybermona

Yoga Student; Fitness Enthusiast; International development communications specialist

[cybermona @cybermona]

@Cubelina Pumpi

[Reuters @Reuters]

567 photographers, 150 countries, 1.6 million photos: Reuters Pictures 2025 https://t.co/QUP0PhpJLX

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

As EC President @vonderleyen completes her visit to the #WesternBalkans, our #EUPath animation from #IgnitaForum2025 traces every Western Balkan country’s journey toward accession: from application & candidate status, to negotiation milestones & reform clusters.

👀 How the region is shaping its EU future 👇🏻

#EUIntegration #OSFWB

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

“EU accession cannot be a check-the-box process- it must be about quality reforms that truly transform citizens’ lives.”

@BlerjanaB (@SCiDEV_Center ) on the need for deeper democratic reform and stronger EU conditionality- yesterday at the Ignita Express Corner.

In collaboration with @kosovo2point0

#IgnitaForum2025 #OnTheEdge #OSFWB #ExpressCorner

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

We opened the friday with “Carbon, Communities, and Conditionality- Who Will Carry the Green Transition in the Western Balkans?”

From funding gaps to fragile governance and the promise of local energy communities, today’s panel dived into the hard questions behind a just, transparent, and future-proof green transition.

Speakers noted that while large infrastructure budgets often capture the spotlight, it’s the smaller, people-centered investments, in household energy and efficiency- that deliver outsized impact and deserve greater focus.

Thanks to our incredible speakers:
·Marta Schulte-Fischedick (@Ener_Community )
·Aleksandar Macura (RES Foundation)
·Jadranka Ivanova (IPECC)
·Aurora Popova (@EconomyRks )

Special thanks also to the moderator Engjellushe Morina and to the audience for their insightful comments.

#IgnitaForum #OnTheEdge #OSFWB #GreenTransition #WesternBalkans

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

“The Western Balkans have been on the edge of EU accession for too long- internal EU politics should not stall the region’s future.”

@bonomimat (@IAIonline) on the delays in enlargement and the challenges of a more heterogeneous European Union- today at the Ignita Express Corner.

In collaboration with @kosovo2point0

#IgnitaForum2025 #OnTheEdge #OSFWB

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping everything from governance to everyday life, the Western Balkans find themselves at a digital crossroads- balancing innovation with responsibility.

Moderated by @vesna_ba (TechSoup), and joining experts like Sasa Ivanovic (Montenegro's Innovation Fund), Aleksandar Mastilovic (Engineer and Digital Transformation Expert), @AnaToskic (@PartnersSerbia) and @TeutaSahatqija from @wit_kosovo - the chat was a mix of optimism and caution, highlighting that algorithms aren't magic wands for deep-rooted issues.

Participants in smaller groups explored how AI could drive progress in governance, innovation, and inclusion across the region.

The panel also reminded us: “We shouldn't blindly trust or fear AI, but rather treat it as a powerful agent of helping you”.

This perspective frames AI not as a replacement for human judgment or institutional reform, but as a sophisticated tool- a really smart assistant, that can enhance our capabilities.

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

Closing the Forum, Opening the Future!

The "Edge of Integration" has brought our discussions to a close. Huge appreciation to our moderators, speakers, participants, and the amazing team who made these sessions possible.

Thank you for shaping the future!

#IgnitaForum2025 #OnTheEdge #OSFWB

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

Ignita Forum 2025: On the Edge is officially underway!

The spark has been lit- we are thrilled to kick off two days of critical dialogue aimed at charting a bold new course for the Western Balkans.

@ADobrushi  (@OpenSocietyWB ) kicked things off:
“Ignita was built for this: a place for courage to challenge, to build. Ignita is our spark for a future worth fighting for.”

This spirit was powerfully reinforced by Prime Minister of Kosovo @albinkurti adding:
"We can’t start the fire without a spark. That's why I like the name Ignita."

@marie_bjerre in a video message, reminded us:
“Democracy, rule of law, and human rights are non-negotiable. These values define who we are.”

A big thanks to @Nafisa_Latic  for guiding the conversation. Stay tuned for updates over the next two days!

Also, don’t miss the quick chats from our Ignita Express Corner powered by @kosovo2point0

#IgnitaForum2025 #OSFWB #WesternBalkans #EUIntegration #OnTheEdge

ITP Prizren

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

“The Western Balkans can remind Europe what its values truly mean.”

@leonardbenardo1 reflecting on why the region still carries the spark of European ideals- today at the Ignita Express Corner.

In collaboration with @Kosovo2point0

#IgnitaForum2025 #OnTheEdge #OSFWB

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

📘 Launching today at #IgnitaForum 2025: #IgnitaMemos: seven strategic briefs shaping #EUintegration of the #WesternBalkans.
From #greentransition to digital convergence, each Memo outlines key steps toward a stronger Europe with fairer, more resilient Western Balkans as its integral part.

🔗 https://t.co/0TGeoqKBpE

#WesternBalkans #EUIntegration #OSFWB

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

The inaugural session highlight: How far are the Western Balkans from EU living standards- and what will it take to bridge the gap?

Keynote Speaker @erwanfouere  urged the region to "Join the EU for a liberating experience," focusing on improving education and making countries more attractive.

Branimir Jovanović (@wiiw_ac_at ) presented data showing that while the region performs relatively well in digitalisation, its weakest sides remain economics, environment, and infrastructure- with worrying in education and environmental standards.

Olimpija Hristova Zaevska (Elson Solutions) called for a creative rethink of investment: “As a region, we should negotiate smarter- every investor should open a classroom and invest in it.”

@MZakonjsek (@EUWB6_TCT) urged policymakers to reframe the debate: “What is the most important gap to close?”- pointing to the need for prioritisation and clarity in the reform process.

And from the @OECD , @BenoitDicharry  emphasised the importance of renewing old infrastructure: “Building greener and stronger energy systems is not only possible- it’s necessary.”

Moderated by @IlvaTare (Atlantic Council)

#IgnitaForum2025 #OnTheEdge #OSFWB #WesternBalkans #EUIntegration

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

“Europe cannot be truly free, at peace, or prosperous without the Western Balkans- it’s not about enlargement, it’s about reunification. The region is Europe’s natural habitat, reminding the continent of its own values.”

@ValbonaZeneliTo (@AtlanticCouncil) on why the Western Balkans remain central to the European project- today at the Ignita Express Corner.

In collaboration with @Kosovo2point0

#IgnitaForum2025 #OnTheEdge #OSFWB

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

🇪🇺“We grew up with the EU dream- but will we ever wake up in it?”

At today’s #IgnitaForum2025 session, voices from across the Western Balkans explored how a generation raised on the EU promise now questions what that future really means.

🎙 Moderated by Nol Musa, the discussion brought together Ina Majko, Lura Pollozhani, Dardana Fetahu, Dusan Pajovic, and Stefan Boskovic- unpacking Gen Z’s hopes, political realities, and what it takes to feel included in Europe’s story.

💭 A reminder that the future of Europe isn’t just about enlargement- it’s about who gets to dream it.

#IgnitaForum #OnTheEdge #OSFWB #WesternBalkans #GenZVoices

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

The pre-forum program of #IgnitaForum2025 wrapped up with “Nocturnal Ideas”!

Director @ADobrushi invited the audience to see Ignita as a space for critical reflection where regional voices and young thinkers come together to exchange ideas that transcend borders.

Huge thanks to @sunraysunray (Jacobin), @Oliver_Eagleton (Phenomenal World / New Left Review), and moderator @leonardbenardo1 (OSF) for pushing these ideas to their limits.

Here are some highlights 👇
➡️ @leonardbenardo1: “It’s a bad scene in global politics. We’ve lost the sense of how to imagine a better world.”
➡️ @Oliver_Eagleton: “When politics becomes conflict, people feel threatened - the boundaries of identity become harder to cross.”
➡️ @sunraysunray: “We’re all human beings with the same needs. Progressive politics must let people represent themselves and build democratic communities.”

A big thank you to everyone who joined!

#IgnitaForum #OnTheEdge #OpenSociety #OSFWB #WesternBalkans

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

Can’t be in Prizren? Join Ignita Forum 2025: On the Edge live online!

Watch sessions from the Main Hall and spontaneous talks from the Ignita Express Corner- all streamed right here: https://t.co/ofQZKDU9Dy

Powered by: @kosovo2point0 & @OpenSocietyWB

🕖 Starts 19:00 CET | Oct 8, 2025
#IgnitaForum2025 #OnTheEdge #OSFWB

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

- On the Edge of Socialism -
📅 6 Oct | 18:00
📍 K2.0 Concept Library, Prishtina

@Oliver_Eagleton (an editor at Phenomenal World & New Left Review, author of The Starmer Project (2022) & Your Party (2025)) in conversation w/ Adea Kondirolli.
Free & open to the public: warming up for #IgnitaForum 2025: On the Edge (Oct 8–10).

👉🏻 https://t.co/FIfNI3lxZW

#OnTheEdge #WesternBalkans #EUIntegration

[Oasis @oasis]

WEMBLEY VIBES IN THE AREA!
#OasisLive25

[Open Society Foundations Western Balkans @OpenSocietyWB]

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝗴𝗲 | October 8–10, 2025 | 𝘐𝘛𝘗 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘳𝘦𝘯

A new regional platform that will bring together policymakers, civil society, researchers, and young people in one space to contribute to the European future of the Western Balkans.

“𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝗴𝗲”, is about reclaiming our voice, showcasing fresh ideas, and turning challenges into momentum for change.

In Prizren, the #IgnitaForum will set the stage for bold conversations, inspiring research, and a shared commitment to move beyond inertia, toward a European future that delivers. 🇪🇺

Learn more of Ignita Forum here: https://t.co/o56N6V3D2W

#StayTuned #Ignita2025 #OnTheEdge #WesternBalkans #OSFWB #EUIntegrationLearn more of Ignita Forum here: https://t.co/o56N6V3D2W