From the #WesternBalkans to world’s screens, stages, farmers’ markets, pitches and back: follow the journey of our Europeans making a difference.
What’s your passion?
Cooking amazing food? Playing fabulous football or creating art?
Make a difference whatever you do!
Coming from all walks of life, these impressive and talented individuals who had the courage to follow their passion are telling the story of success and how they see the world we live in. They are the
EUROPEANS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Watch Edin Džeko, Miloš Karadaglić, Hristina Popović, Krenare Rugova, Altin Prenga and Milcho Manchevski tell their personal stories of how they got where they are now, what drives them and how their experiences shaped their view of the Western Balkans they come from and of the European Union.
Meet them in the heart of Europe, in the inspiring region with tremendous potential and cultural richness where they shared their history and values, and talked about challenges and opportunities for Europe and its citizens.
Fully grounded in their tradition, doing what they love and believe in, they are making a difference every day, living the European values and inspiring new generations of Europeans to work for a stronger, more united and tolerant Europe.
Miloš Karadaglić discovered the sound of guitar in his native Montenegro when he was eight years old. Ever since, he wanted to become a classical guitarist. He joined the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London as a teenager and then went on to become one of the world’s most renowned guitar players. His albums now top the world classical music charts.
New York, Paris, Pristina are some of the stations in the professional life of Kosovar fashion designer Krenare Rugova. After studying at the Parsons School of Design, Rugova decided to return to Kosovo, where she started her eponymous fashion label. Combining ancient techniques and traditions, Rugova creates environmentally-friendly and avant-garde pieces.
His Academy-award nominated film ‘Before the Rain’ won the Golden Lion in 1994, and received 30 other prestigious awards. The New York Times included it on its “1,000 Best Films Ever Made” list. Acclaimed filmmaker from Skopje, Milcho Manchevski had his work screened at more than 300 festivals worldwide. He is now finalising his 6th feature film ‘The Willow’.
Hristina Popović is one of Serbia’s most popular actresses. She grew up on stage and started acting at the age of seven. Hristina rose to fame for her role in movies such as ‘Parada’ (‘The Parade’) - critically acclaimed in Serbia and across Europe - and for her roles in theatre plays such as Waiting for Godot.
After many years in Italy, Altin Prenga returned to Albania to establish his restaurant “Mrizi i zanave”. At the heart of his concept is the respect for Albanian traditions and the love of nature. Prenga is an advocate of the Slow Food movement: he works with 400 local producers to protect and reclaim Albania’s culinary heritage.
He is the first player ever to score 50 goals in three of Europe’s major leagues. Captain of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, a striker for Roma, and UNICEF Ambassador Edin Džeko started his career in post-war Sarajevo. He says he was enriched by the experience of playing across Europe, from the Czech Republic to Germany, England and Italy.