Reflections on Emerging Perspectives: Kosovar Youth Narratives and their Path toward EU Integration

Since Kosovo's declaration of independence on February 17, 2008, the EU has played a significant role in its development, positioning Kosovo within the EU's peripheral category. As Kosovo navigates its path towards greater integration, the EU faces ongoing crises that challenge its cohesion and effectiveness. While extensive research has been conducted on general perceptions of the EU, there is limited focus on how these perceptions are shaped among future generations, particularly in the context of recent EU challenges. This chapter addresses this gap by exploring the perceptions of Kosovo's youth regarding the EU's influence and role. It investigates how recent crises within the EU have affected these perceptions, highlighting the importance of understanding youth views on the EU’s crisis management and integration efforts. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, including focus group discussions and statistical analysis, this chapter aims to provide a nuanced perspective on the relationship between Kosovo and the EU. The findings suggest that despite skepticism about the EU’s crisis response, young Kosovars continue to view EU integration as crucial for their country's future. This nuanced understanding offers insights into the evolving perceptions of the EU among Kosovo's younger generation and underscores the importance of these perceptions in shaping future EU-Kosovo relations.