The Final Conference of the INTERVET WB Project, titled "Internalization of VET in the Western Balkans: State of Play and Future Challenges," marked a significant milestone in the promotion of vocational education and training (VET) in the Western Balkan region. The Conference took place on September 26, 2023, at the headquarters of the Emilia-Romagna Region in Brussels, Belgium. The event brought together key stakeholders, including all INTERVET Project partners, representatives from the European Commission - European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), and special guest and speaker, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr. Erol Avdović.
Ambassador Avdović 's decision to interrupt his vacation reflects his commitment to engage constructively on the Conference's key topics – Vocational Education and Training (VET) initiatives and the INTERVET Project. Ambassador Avdović voiced his support for this original project and complemented its impact. Furthermore, Ambassador Avdović 's attendance and participation in the panel further exemplifies an unwavering commitment to promoting Bosnia and Herzegovina's interests, education, and strengthening cooperation with other countries. From the moment Ambassador Avdović assumed his diplomatic post, he embarked on a mission to elevate Bosnia and Herzegovina's status on the international stage. Ambassador Avdović 's tireless efforts and steadfast commitment to presenting the Country and fostering strong relationships with other countries are greatly appreciated. Mrs. Mirsada Mehremić, the Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning Center and IUS Project Coordinator for INTERVET WB, and Dr. Nađa Beglerović, the Manager of the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP), expressed deep gratitude for the honor of being invited to the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Brussels and thanked the Ambassador for accepting the IUS invitation to attend the Conference.
Apart from the Final Conference, the INTERVET organized its last transnational meeting on September 27, 2023. The Project INTERVET WB (Internationalisation of VET Systems in Western Balkans) focused on creating mobility opportunities for VET learners and introducing the culture of learning mobility in the Western Balkans VET Systems. The project included the Western Balkan partners from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, as well as eight partners from the EU Member states (Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Malta, Spain, Slovenia, and Poland).
The final conference and transnational meeting served as an opportunity to reflect on the project's accomplishments and discuss the future challenges and opportunities for VET in the region. The events highlighted the fruitful collaboration between various stakeholders involved in the Intervet WB Project, and representatives from partner countries in the Western Balkans shared their experiences and progress in internationalizing their VET systems.
In a recent report by the European Commission, Bosnia and Herzegovina has emerged as a standout destination for International Vocational Education and Training (VET) mobilities. The report, which analyzed data since 2021, revealed that Bosnia and Herzegovina secured the seventh position on the list of top ten destination countries, making Bosnia and Herzegovina the sole representative from the Western Balkans. International University of Sarajevo (IUS) is extremely proud to be part of the INTERVET Project and contribute to the VET international mobility. Ambassador Avdović expressed unwavering support for educational projects and opportunities in the region while underscoring the pivotal role of collaboration between Western Balkan countries and the European Union (EU). As the Western Balkans continue to build strong ties with the EU, educational collaborations are poised to play a central role in shaping a brighter future for the region. It is closely connected with the EU’s commitment to VET. The European Union has designated VET as a central focus area within its European Education Initiative for the period 2021-2030. This commitment solidifies VET’s standing as an essential component of Europe’s educational landscape and its contribution to the overarching goals of sustainability, fairness, and resilience.
The INTERVET project data speak volumes: Intervet organized short and long-term mobilities for students while it provided job shadowing, summer school, and EFVET Thematic team conferences for teachers, headmasters, and staff. In total, there were 372 short-term mobilities for VET learners in EU companies, 54 long-term mobilities for VET learners in EU companies, 208 staff mobilities in Job shadowing, summer schools, EFVET thematic team conferences, and 278 VET schools have applied to take part in the project.
International University of Sarajevo wants to thank all its project partners for their amazing cooperation and accomplishments.
