Public International Business College Mitrovica (IBCM) has been awarded two new EU-funded projects that strengthen its commitment to civic engagement, inclusion, and active participation among young people in Kosovo and beyond.
These initiatives: CIVIC under Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges and ACTIVATE under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme will create new opportunities for youth across Europe and the Western Balkans to connect, learn, and lead positive change.

CIVIC – Crafting Innovative Virtual Interactions for Civic Competences (Erasmus+)

The Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges project will bring together young people from the Western Balkans and the EU through interactive, digital learning environments.

Over the next three years, the project will engage more than 10,000 young people, promoting digital citizenship, media literacy, and civic participation through a gamified online platform. CIVIC aims to empower participants with the skills to use digital tools effectively for civic engagement, counter disinformation, and foster intercultural understanding across partner institutions.

The CIVIC consortium includes 13 partner institutions from Belgium, Greece, Kosovo, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, representing universities, colleges, and youth organizations. Key partners include:

• UC Leuven-Limburg (Belgium) – Coordinator
• Public International Business College Mitrovica (Kosovo)
• Metropolitan College (Greece)
• Connect Your City Brussels (Belgium)
• European University of Tirana (Albania)

Through CIVIC, IBCM continues to enhance digital and civic competencies among youth, fostering inclusion, creativity, and meaningful engagement in an increasingly interconnected world.

ACTIVATE – Active Citizens for a Stronger Europe (CERV Programme)

IBCM has also been awarded the ACTIVATE project under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme of the European Union. Over the next two years, ACTIVATE will host debates, creative workshops, and youth exchanges throughout Europe, integrating civic education, digital engagement, and storytelling to inspire more participatory and inclusive forms of democracy among young Europeans.

The project specifically targets youth aged 18–27, with a focus on individuals from underrepresented and marginalized groups, helping them develop civic competencies, digital skills, and confidence to engage in both formal and informal democratic processes.

The ACTIVATE consortium brings together nine partner organizations from seven countries, including:

• CIFAL Málaga (Spain) – Lead Partner
• CIFAL Flanders (Belgium)
• Public International Business College Mitrovica (Kosovo)
• Centro per lo Sviluppo Creativo Danilo Dolci (Italy)
• CIEDES (Spain)
• Hungarian National Youth Council (Hungary)
• Bakcsó Association (Hungary)
• Youth Power Germany (Germany)
• UNITAR (Switzerland)

By taking part in ACTIVATE, IBCM reinforces its mission to empower young people to think critically, engage constructively, and shape a more inclusive European future.

With the implementation of both CIVIC and ACTIVATE, IBCM continues to expand its impact as a regional leader in innovative education and civic empowerment.

These projects reflect the institution’s dedication to preparing students and communities to play an active role in democratic life, both online and offline, and to strengthen cross-border collaboration between the Western Balkans and the European Union.

Stay tuned for updates on activities, opportunities for participation, and milestones as these transformative projects unfold.