Call for young professionals, students, recent graduates from Western Balkans for 2018 OSCE scholarship programme at European Innovation Academy

VIENNA, 3 May 2018 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) opens today a Call for Candidacies for 18 fully-paid scholarships at the European Innovation Academy (EIA), one of the world’s leading summer entrepreneurship programmes for young professionals, students, recent graduates and young start-uppers.

From 8 to 27 July in Turin, the selected finalists from the Western Balkans will be immersed in a multicultural ecosystem with professionals and mentors from the world’s top institutions, including business leaders from America, Europe and Asia, to help talents emerge and make a difference in the society. 

Sponsored by the Italian 2018 OSCE Chairmanship in the framework of the project YDEAS (Young Developers and Entrepreneurs to Advance Start-ups in the Western Balkans) managed by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), the scholarships will be promoted through the network of the OSCE Field Operations as well as the local branch offices of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO).

“Fostering the huge potential of young people in the Western Balkans is a long-term investment for the future of the whole region,” said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Italy’s Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano. “Youth is our main priority for the Western Balkans as OSCE Chairmanship. This program will help to create a community of young people with innovative ideas and cutting-edge skills, ready to compete in the global market.” 

From 3 May to 4 June 2018 (24:00 CET) applicants from the Western Balkans can send their candidacy to the European Innovation Academy HERE, indicating the title of the scholarship “OSCE scholarship programme”. Half of the scholarships are reserved for female candidates.

The scholarship includes 15-day program, mentorship, speaker sessions, tools, networking events, 6 ECTS credits, traveling and accommodation.

This pilot initiative is an integral component of the engagement of the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) in the field of human capital development, in line with the priorities of the Italian 2018 OSCE Chairmanship.

For further information, please contact the closest OSCE Field Operation or the local branch office of RYCO or send an email to YDEAS@osce.org.