Austrian Western Balkan Academy

Understand Europe. Grow Personally. Shape the Future.

The association Austrian Western Balkans Academy organizes an exclusive mentoring programme for future decision-makers from the six Western Balkan countries.

AWBA Programme

Develop Skills for Europe’s Future

Participants gain access to European networks, mentoring on an equal footing, and - through our alumni network with annual gatherings - a longterm perspective for continued professional cooperation.

Modules

Connecting Europe. Empowering Careers.

We strengthen European networks between the Western Balkans and Austria and build connections that will support participants in their future professional careers.

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About the programme

Why this programme is right for you?

The programme is aimed at high potentials from business, politics, public administration, and civil society up to the age of 30 who are citizens of one of the six Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia).Anyone with a strong interest in Europe, politics, and the economy should not miss this opportunity.

What makes the programme unique?

The mentoring programme covers all levels of governance – from cities and municipalities to federal states and regions, from the national level to the European level. It is specifically designed to include national, regional and local decision-makers. The application period for the first cohort of the mentoring programme with participants from all six Western Balkan countries opens 1 September 2026 and runs until 31 December 2026.

What are the benefits of participation?

The added value lies in acquiring key competencies and skills. Participants gain access to European networks, mentoring on an equal footing, and - through our alumni network with annual gatherings - a long-term perspective for continued professional cooperation.

Who are your mentors & partners?

The mentoring programme is organized and implemented by the independent association Austrian Western Balkans Academy. The Chair of the association is former Member of the European Parliament Christian Sagartz. Our mentors include former and current senior decision-makers from politics, business, and the public sphere, offering first-hand insight into leadership at the highest level. The programme is financed by partners and sponsors, who also provide speakers and mentors.

Modules

8–10 March 2027

Workshop “Europe, Austria and the Western Balkans” in Vienna
How does the European Union work?
Which European funding programmes exist, and how can the Western Balkans benefit from them?
How does Austria support the Western Balkans in the EU enlargement process?

11–12 March 2027

Internships in Vienna and the surrounding region
Participants gain practical experience with Austrian companies and institutions.
One-on-one mentoring with Austrian leaders and decision-makers.

May 2027

Partner Salon at the Europa-Forum Wachau
The Europa-Forum Wachau invites all participants to actively take part in its events.
Participants attend a dedicated networking event (Partner Salon) with high-level keynote speakers and guests, offering exclusive networking opportunities.

15–17 November 2027

Study Visit to Brussels
How do the European institutions work together?
How do the Permanent Representations of the Western Balkan countries operate in Brussels?
How does Austria represent its interests in Brussels?

Let's grow together

Empowering minds today to shape the leadership of tomorrow — where knowledge connects cultures and vision creates opportunity.

Christian Sagartz
Chairman of the Austrian Western Balkans Academy

How can I apply?

The selection process consists of a written application followed by online interviews (18-20 January 2027) in the second phase. The application process and all programme modules are conducted in English.Required Documents: CV, Motivation letter (max. 600 words)

Application deadline

31 December 2026

Participation fee

Participation in the programme is generally free of charge.However, participants who fail to attend one or more parts after confirmation and acceptance are required to reimburse the respective costs.

Travel and accommodation

Travel costs will be reimbursed for economy flights only up to a maximum of EUR 365 per person per part, upon submission of receipts. Travel arrangements are made individually. Accommodation and meals are provided for the duration of each module.

Application Contact

Applications should be sent by email to:  office@awb.academy

Austrian Western Balkans Academy

An exclusive mentoring programme for future decision-makers

Understand Europe. Grow Personally. Shape the Future.

The association Austrian Western Balkans Academy organizes an exclusive mentoring programme for future decision-makers from the six Western Balkan countries.

Develop Skills for Europe’s Future

Participants gain access to European networks, mentoring on an equal footing, and - through our alumni network with annual gatherings - a longterm perspective for continued professional cooperation.

Connecting Europe. Empowering Careers.

We strengthen European networks between the Western Balkans and Austria and build connections that will support participants in their future professional careers.

About the programme

Why this programme is right for you?

What makes the programme unique?

What are the benefits of participation?

The added value lies in acquiring key competencies and skills. Participants gain access to European networks, mentoring on an equal footing, and - through our alumni network with annual gatherings - a long-term perspective for continued professional cooperation.

Who are your mentors & partners?

Modules

8–10 March 2027

Workshop “Europe, Austria and the Western Balkans” in ViennaHow does the European Union work?Which European funding programmes exist, and how can the Western Balkans benefit from them?How does Austria support the Western Balkans in the EU enlargement process?

11–12 March 2027

Internships in Vienna and the surrounding regionParticipants gain practical experience with Austrian companies and institutions.One-on-one mentoring with Austrian leaders and decision-makers.

May 2027

Partner Salon at the Europa-Forum WachauThe Europa-Forum Wachau invites all participants to actively take part in its events.Participants attend a dedicated networking event (Partner Salon) with high-level keynote speakers and guests, offering exclusive networking opportunities.

15–17 November 2027

Study Visit to BrusselsHow do the European institutions work together?How do the Permanent Representations of the Western Balkan countries operate in Brussels?How does Austria represent its interests in Brussels?

Let's grow together

Empowering minds today to shape the leadership of tomorrow — where knowledge connects cultures and vision creates opportunity.

How can I apply?

How can I apply?

The selection process consists of a written application followed by online interviews (18-20 January 2027) in the second phase. The application process and all programme modules are conducted in English.Required Documents: CV, Motivation letter (max. 600 words)

Application deadline

31 December 2026

Participation fee

Participation in the programme is generally free of charge.However, participants who fail to attend one or more parts after confirmation and acceptance are required to reimburse the respective costs.

Travel and accommodation

Travel costs will be reimbursed for economy flights only up to a maximum of EUR 365 per person per part, upon submission of receipts. Travel arrangements are made individually. Accommodation and meals are provided for the duration of each module.

Application Contact

Applications should be sent by email to: office@awb.academy

Contact

Workshop “Europe, Austria and the Western Balkans” in Vienna
How does the European Union work?
Which European funding programmes exist, and how can the Western Balkans benefit from them?
How does Austria support the Western Balkans in the EU enlargement process?

Internships in Vienna and the surrounding region
Participants gain practical experience with Austrian companies and institutions.
One-on-one mentoring with Austrian leaders and decision-makers.

Partner Salon at the Europa-Forum Wachau
The Europa-Forum Wachau invites all participants to actively take part in its events.
Participants attend a dedicated networking event (Partner Salon) with high-level keynote speakers and guests, offering exclusive networking opportunities.

Study Visit to Brussels
How do the European institutions work together?
How do the Permanent Representations of the Western Balkan countries operate in Brussels?
How does Austria represent its interests in Brussels?

Applications should be sent by email to:  office@awb.academy