OSCE strengthens regional co-operation to prevent youth violence in South-Eastern Europe

Addressing the growing challenges posed by youth violence in South-Eastern Europe was at the center of the OSCE regional training held on 22 and 23 June 2026 in Tarčin, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event was organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, in close co-operation with OSCE field operations in the region.

The training convened 38 practitioners from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, including social workers, educators, psychologists, youth security officers, law enforcement officials and civil society representatives. It combined strategic discussions with hands-on learning exercises. Through country presentations, theatre-based simulations, role-play activities and case-based group work, participants examined realistic scenarios of escalating youth violence—including violence linked to criminal influences and recruitment by organized criminal groups—and shared experiences from their respective contexts. 

Participants strengthened their ability to identify early warning signs and risk factors across individual, family, peer and online environments, while also practicing de-escalation and mediation techniques in high-risk situations. Particular attention was given to understanding the links between online dynamics and offline violence, as well as to enhancing multi-agency co-operation and information-sharing among stakeholders involved in youth violence prevention.

“The training reaffirmed the importance of early detection and prevention of violence, drug use and criminal behaviour in school environments. Strengthening preventive measures and supporting professionals working with young people remain key priorities for our education system,” said Azra Šulić, Assistant Minister for Pre-school and Primary Education, Inclusion, EU Integration and Projects at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Una-Sana Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The practical exercises and exchange of experiences with colleagues from across the region provided valuable tools for recognizing risk factors, responding to violent behaviour and strengthening co-operation among institutions working with children and young people,” said Arijana Muzagerović, Director of the Public Institution Centre for Social Work Bosanska Krupa, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Looking ahead, participants identified practical steps to translate the knowledge and skills gained during the training into concrete actions in their respective countries. Discussions underscored the importance of multidisciplinary approaches, effective information-sharing and sustained co-operation among education, social service, law enforcement and civil society actors. Participants emphasized that preventing youth violence requires early engagement, co-ordinated interventions and a long-term commitment from all institutions working with young people.

The training also provided a platform for strengthening regional networks among practitioners and fostering a common understanding of effective prevention approaches. By promoting co-operation across sectors and borders, the initiative contributed to building more resilient communities and reducing the risks of youth involvement in violence, crime and other harmful behaviours.

The training was organized within the framework of the OSCE-wide extrabudgetary project “Enhancing youth crime and drug use prevention through education on legality and awareness campaigns addressing threats of organized crime and corruption”, funded by Italy, with additional support from Andorra, Finland, Germany, Norway, Poland and Thailand.