United Societies of Balkans
Budget
€1,572,114
EP Access
0
accredited persons
Staff
3
0.45 FTE
EU Grants
€1,572,114
Mission & Goals
United Societies of Balkans (U.S.B.) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation based in Thessaloniki, Greece working in the field of youth, human rights and intercultural dialogue. It was founded in 2008 by the inception of a group of active young people who wanted to address the social issues which affect the youngsters in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The vision and aim of the organisation is the promotion of youth empowerment, participation in the economic and political life, youth mobility, voluntarism and human rights. Fields of work: Youth work, non-formal education, human rights, arts, intercultural dialogue, new media and technologies. Activities: Key areas of the organisation’s activities concern the defence of human rights and the intercultural dialogue, the organisation of youth related projects such as youth exchanges and training courses, which can bring young people from Balkans and Europe together, and the organisation of local interventions.
EU Legislative Interests
USB’s work is primarily related to EU youth policy, social inclusion, and civic participation. The organisation contributes through consultations, advocacy, and structured dialogue projects with young people and local stakeholders. Our activities are linked to the following specific EU legislative proposals, strategies, and policy initiatives: European Union Youth Strategy 2019–2027 (Council Resolution of 26 November 2018) Erasmus+ Programme (Regulation (EU) 2021/817 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021) European Solidarity Corps Programme (Regulation (EU) 2021/888 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021) EU Youth Dialogue framework (Council Resolution on the framework for establishing the EU Youth Dialogue 2019–2027) EU Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021–2027 (COM/2020/758 final) Communication from the Commission on the European Year of Youth 2022 (COM/2021/634 final) European Parliament Resolution of 8 March 2022 on the European Year of Youth European Parliament Resolution of 20 May 2021 on the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027 Building of the new EU Youth Strategy 2028+ (ongoing through the EU youth Stakeholders Group) Intergenerational Fairness Strategy (ongoing) EU Civil Society Strategy (ongoing) New Action Plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights \ USB is actively involved in projects and consultations relating to these areas. We also respond to calls for input from the Representation of the European Commission in Greece and regularly provide expertise and policy recommendations through youth-led initiatives. These recommendations are directed to institutions such as the European Commission, DG EAC, and EACEA.
Communication Activities
USB is actively involved in projects and initiatives that promote the EU Youth Dialogue (formerly Structured Dialogue), mainly through Erasmus+ KA3 projects focused on youth participation and civic engagement. At the moment, USB coordinates a KA3 project aimed at providing essential input to the EU for the reform of its framework on volunteerism. Additionally, USB runs awareness campaigns encouraging participation in the European elections, particularly targeting young people and first-time voters but also receiving imput for the consultations that the organisation is taking part in. USB also contributes to EU youth policy discussions through its participation in consultations and position-gathering processes led by the European Youth Forum, particularly via its membership in Youth for Exchange and Understanding (YEU).
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
United Societies of Balkans believes in networking and the creation of long lasting synergies and has been a member organisation of Thess Network-regional NGO network, , Anna-Lindh Foundation (co-head of the Greek National Network), Youth for Exchange and Understanding (YEU International) which is part of the European Youth Forum, Youth Express Network (YEN) and coordinates Transnational United Network in Europe (TUNE).
Organisation Members
We do not have an active database of members at the moment but we are working on reinforcing it.
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.