Thirty young photographers aged 18 to 30 from across the Western Balkans come together in this exhibition to explore how their generation sees, questions, and connects with the idea of Europe today.

Developed through the regional project "Are We There Yet: What Are the Road Signs to the EU?", initiated by the Embassies of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Western Balkans, this photography competition directly addresses disinformation surrounding the EU integration process. As the Western Balkans navigate their paths toward EU membership, young people in the region are confronted with competing narratives, misinformation, and stereotypes that often obscure the lived realities of EU accession. Through authentic visual storytelling, these thirty photographers counter false narratives and present genuine perspectives on what European integration means for their communities, their daily lives, and their futures. The exhibition presents visual stories that reflect the diversity, creativity, and critical awareness of a new generation. In an era where disinformation campaigns can distort public perception of the EU enlargement process, these photographs serve as powerful testimonies - revealing the complexities, hopes, challenges, and everyday realities of societies in transition. The project demonstrates how documentary photography can cut through noise and propaganda, offering truthful, nuanced portrayals that challenge both idealization and demonization of the European integration journey.

Under the mentorship of Ilvy Njiokiktjien, award-winning Dutch documentary photographer and Canon Ambassador, the thirty emerging photographers engaged in a collaborative process of learning, dialogue, and creation. Their photographs offer intimate portrayals of contemporary life in the region, moments of resilience, vulnerability, and hope, capturing shared emotions and experiences that connect people across borders.

This initiative is realized in cooperation with The VII Foundation (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Association of Journalists of Kosovo, PhotoCG (Montenegro), Blerta Kambo /imagine (Albania), Macedonian Centre for Photography, and Belgrade Photo Month (Serbia). Together, these organizations support young photographers in shaping new visual narratives that strengthen cultural and professional ties throughout the region and with the wider European community.
 
Exhibited Photographers

Albania: Kejsi Muharremi, Gerta Doçi, Flori Shatro, Ira Rapushaj, Muhamet Spahiu.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sergej Mačar, Armin Durgut, Una Filipović, Ljiljana Arsić, Kenan Tahmišić.
Kosovo: Esad Duraki, Liri Hashani, Enis Imeri, Trim Kuqi, Leon Bixhaku.
Montenegro: Ana Mitrović, Elma Džidić, Indrit Çitaku, Manuela Fetahović, Sofija Đukanović.
North Macedonia: Arbnora Memeti, Ana Gjorgjievska, Ivo Velchevski, Kaja Tasevska, Filip Lafazanovski.
Serbia: Emilija Kosić, Nađa Repman, Stefan Pavić, Katarina Trifunović, Ivona Despotović.

The exhibition opens on 3 November at 18:00, at ULUS GALLERY in Belgrade.