WBAA holds first 2026 Board meeting
On 28 February 2026, the Western Balkans Alumni Association (WBAA) Board convened in Niš to introduce new members and establish strategic thematic teams. The meeting focused on outlining the 2026 Action Plan and preparing for the upcoming General Assembly in Ohrid to strengthen regional cooperation.
The first WBAA Board Meeting of 2026 took place on 28 February 2026 in Niš, at the New City Hotel, bringing together Board members to discuss strategic priorities and the association’s activities for the year ahead.
The meeting opened with welcoming remarks and the formal adoption of the agenda. Two new Board members were introduced (Andrea from the WBAA Chapter Montenegro and Mladen from the WBAA Chapter Serbia), marking an important step in strengthening the leadership of the association.
Board members shared updates from their national chapters, highlighting ongoing alumni engagement activities, new member onboarding, and collaborations with partners. Discussions also included updates from the ESAA Liaison Group Member, focusing on new collaboration opportunities and developments within the wider Erasmus+ alumni network.
A key focus of the meeting was the establishment of WBAA thematic teams aimed at improving coordination and engagement among members. The Board brainstormed and discussed forming several teams covering areas such as Higher Education Modernisation, EU Opportunities and Career Development, Communication and Onboarding, and Research. These teams will operate collaboratively and support the implementation of WBAA’s future initiatives.
The Board also reviewed upcoming activities for 2026, including the WBAA training programme designed to support Erasmus+ ambassadors and strengthen alumni capacities across the region. In addition, members began preparations for the upcoming WBAA General Assembly and Annual Conference, planned to take place in Ohrid in April 2026, where key strategic decisions and discussions with external stakeholders are expected.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the draft WBAA Action Plan, outlining strategic priorities and the direction of the association’s work in the coming period.
The Niš meeting marked an important milestone for WBAA at the beginning of 2026, reinforcing the association’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, empowering alumni communities, and supporting the impact of Erasmus+ across the Western Balkans.
Bela Palanka, Niš, Serbia, 9 March 2026
Mladen Mitić, mladen.mtic@western-balkans-alumni.eu
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team