The 19th DRC Summer School on Regional Cooperation took place in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The theme for 2024 was "Losing the Momentum? The Western Balkans and the Complexity of Today's World." The University of Sarajevo - School of Economics and Business hosted the event. Participants not only listened to speeches related to the week's themes but also engaged in forum discussions and research presentations.

The main themes of this year's Summer School were European Integration, Demographic Change, Higher Education, and National Policy Making. With 19 participants from 10 different countries, there was a diverse range of cultures and expertise. This led to a highly engaging and productive week, with each participant contributing knowledge to the presentations and forums.

The 19th Summer School commenced with welcoming speeches by Emir Kurtić, Vice Dean for International Cooperation of the School of Economics and Business; Ivanka Popović, DRC Honorary President; and Ljilijan Veselinović, Assistant Professor at the University of Sarajevo and co-organiser for the week. They were joined in these warm remarks by Daniel Martínek, responsible for the organisation of the Summer School and Manager of the DRC Permanent Secretariat. Together, they wished the participants a fruitful and engaging experience in Sarajevo and thanked them for participating. 

The specific topics of the lectures given by visiting experts and professors were part of a wider four-part thematic program for the week. Each lecture was followed by active Q&A sessions and the chance to further discuss ideas and learn more about the themes of the Summer School.

The 19th DRC Summer School's general topics were:

• The Western Balkans and European Integration - An Unfulfilled Promise
• Labour, Mobility, and Manpower - Is the Western Balkans Turning Into a Human Desert?
• Reconciliation, Resilience, Revenue - Role of Higher Education in Southeast Europe
• Glocalization in Europe - Has the EU Lost its Momentum?

Participants could also present their research topics to fellow students and scholars. The wide range of diverse issues, varying from economics to migration, EU integration, and international politics, were all linked to the themes of the Summer School and demonstrated the interdisciplinary aspects of the week's themes. The presentations led to conductive debate and discourse around the topics presented by the young researchers, broadened participants' knowledge on many themes, and functioned further as helpful academic feedback.

On Friday, the participants also visited the Europe House to play the roles of the EU, Western Balkans countries and local stakeholders in a simulated negotiation on a possible Schengen Area for the Balkans. During the same occasion they met Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the EU to Bosnia and Herzegovina: he shared his experience in the European External Action Service and his perspectives on the EU enlargement in the region.  

The week also provided ample opportunity for the participants to take in Sarajevo's cultural sights and sounds, as well as the beautiful nature of the surrounding area. The group indulged in delicious Bosnian cuisine at local restaurants and cafes, visited sites such as the War Childhood Museum and Latin Bridge, and participated in a walking tour led by our co-organiser, Ljiljan Veselinović. 

Participants could also leave the city's bustle for excursions outside Sarajevo. A short hike on the outskirts of the city yielded beautiful panoramic views.  A day trip to the Mostar served as a wonderful respite from the heat of the Bosnian Summer, with the group able to enjoy the cool water at the breathtaking Kravica Falls on the Trebižat River.