From the period of 13th to 18th of July 2014, delegation from YATA Macedonia has participated at the summer school named “The Balkans Success Story – Maintaining Regional Security and Enhancing Stability ” organized by the Atlantic Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the city of Neum. The Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia was represented by Mr. Ilija Djugumanov, President of YATA Macedonia/ Vice President for Communication of YATA International, Mr. Hristijan Despotovski, Mrs. Frosina Doninovska and Mr. Filip Cvetanovski members of YATA Macedonia.



Together with them, representatives of others YATA National Chapters and students from more than 15 deferent countries were attending panels and discussions of various topics. Most interesting were the ones about the upcoming summit in Wales, unresolved territorial disputes and self-determination: from Dayton to Maiden, engagement of women (UNSCR 1325) and the future of the Western Balkan Countries. One of the interesting panels was the one about the future of transAtlantic relations and what is the role of the Western Balkan States in it were Mr. Djugumanov was presenting his opinions and research conclusions.

Also there was a special topic discussion about the dilemmas the Balkans face from returning foreign fighter held by H.E. Amb. Burak Ozugergin, Turkish Ambassador in Croatia.



Even if this event was organized in Neum, at the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the organizers were great host and made special arrangements to visit some of the local heritage such as the old bridge in Mostar, Pocitelj, Buna River and Tekija.

During this four days summer school participants were divided in five deferent working groups and after researching and debating they adopted short policy papers. The five topics were:
•    The progress of gender mainstreaming (implementation of UNSCR 1325) in the Western Balkans
•    Sharing of defence capabilities within the region
•    Involving minority groups and diasporas to promote Euro-Atlantic integration
•    Promoting collective strategies to counter cyber attacks
•    Integrating the Western Balkan partners into NATO

The summer school ended with brief presentations of the policy papers by the working groups