đ Danube Youth Organization Network (DYON): Youth moves the Danube region!
Origin of the idea – focus on young people and the Danube
The idea for DYON was born in 2018, when I led a workshop at the Agapedia Youth Boot Camp during the 48th Methodius Day in Ellwangen, while working as a journalist for the Danube Connects Magazine. The topic was âCreative Danubeâ, organized by Stefan Barth, Director of the NGO Agapedia Germany in Stuttgart. I was deeply inspired by the forward-thinking ideas of these young people.
No matter who we spoke to, they all had one thing in common: they wanted peaceful and open cooperation, united in the EU. Even back then, I said to Director Stefan Barth:
“We should organize a Youth Boot Camp in multicultural Bosnia and Herzegovina!”
Realizing the vision – DYON becomes reality
Seven years later, the vision became reality: in 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina took over the presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). This finally provided the opportunity to launch the Danube Youth Organization Network (DYON) with financial support from the Baden-WĂźrttemberg State Parliament and the Baden-WĂźrttemberg State Ministry.
DYON is a civil society initiative that connects young people and youth organizations from the 14 EUSDR countries. Inspired by the course of the Danube – from its source in the Black Forest to its delta on the Black Sea – DYON stands for cross-border cooperation, participation and empowerment.
It is the continuation of the important flagship project of the EU Danube Region Strategy Danube Youth Network (DYN). The network of various organizations from the Danube countries that jointly promote youth exchange was launched by Danube Confluence. As part of this project, four exciting camps took place in four different countries, where young people were able to experience and get to know Europe’s second longest river in a creative way.
Milestone for the Danube region – First DYON Boot Camp 2025
A significant milestone: The first DYON Boot Camp took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025 – a strong sign of diversity, dialog and shared perspectives.
Participants came from đ§đŹ Bulgaria, đŠđŞ Germany, đ˛đŞ Montenegro, đˇđ´ Romania, đˇđ¸ Serbia and đşđŚ Ukraine. Their joint mission:
đ Remembering the past. Shaping the future together.
Highlights of the DYON Boot Camp
Sarajevo – The multicultural identity of the city
Together, we explored the unique atmosphere of Sarajevo – a city in which the synagogue, mosque, Catholic cathedral and Orthodox church are just a few steps away from each other. A special moment was the visit to the grave of the Sephardic Zeki Efendi with Eli Tauber – a symbol of centuries of friendship and coexistence.
Srebrenica – Meeting with the “Mothers of Srebrenica”
A deeply moving visit to the “Mothers of Srebrenica” left us with lasting impressions. We were warmly welcomed, had profound conversations and felt a special atmosphere of respect, love and positive energy. It was hard to say goodbye. â¤ď¸
Film and sustainability – participation in the Silver Frame Film Festival
As the Green Vision Jury, twenty young changemakers from six Danube countries took part in the Silver Frame Film Festival 2025. Together with German filmmaker Juliane Ebner and in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut Bosnia and Herzegovina, we had the honor of presenting the Green Short Movie Award. Special thanks to Director Simone Voigt for her valuable support!
đ The winner was the Bulgarian short film “Lynx” by director Stefan Voyvodov. The prize money was presented directly by the DYON participants from Bulgaria.
Team building in the Bosnian-Herzegovinian mountains – nature and community at Lake BoraÄko
We strengthened our community during team building in the unique natural surroundings of Lake BoraÄko. We spoke with Muamer Klino, President of the International Police Association Sarajevo, about visions of a common future in peace.
Jumping into the Neretva – jumping into a shared future of peace đđ
Our teambuilding began in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the Neretva River carries the coolness of the mountains and the warmth of the community. This team building wasn’t just rafting and laughter – it was the start of something bigger.
The ascent to the summit of Crveni Kuk was rounded off with Faruk Osmanovic, accompanied by the legend of the “petrified dragon”.
Young people shape peace and cooperation in the Danube region
On the last evening, we felt like one big family – with a barbecue, music and lots of conversations. The farewell was full of emotion, but the boot camp showed: đ In just seven days, young people from six countries took the first step towards a more peaceful future – regardless of origin, ethnicity or religion.
Another step towards a Europe of peace starts here.
It starts with us.
It starts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Outlook – DYON presents results at the EUSDR Annual Forum
The results and impressions of this special exchange will be presented at the EUSDR Annual Forum 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
đ˘ HIer gab es einen Ăberblick! Und schon bald gibt es eine weitere Reportage bei Danube Connects zu lesen!
Focus on sustainability – on the road with an electric vehicle
Of course, sustainability also played an important role at the boot camp. We are therefore all the more grateful that Porsche Sarajevo presented us with the new all-electric Ĺ koda Elroq at our disposal. This meant we were able to cover our routes during the camp emission-free and climate-friendly This is a strong symbol that youth encounters and a responsible approach to our environment can go hand in hand.
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