YATA Slovenia (the Youth Section of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia) brings together students, young professionals and other individuals interested in security policy, international relations and contemporary security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic area and its wider neighbourhood. It provides young people with opportunities to deepen their understanding of the security environment, develop professional knowledge and skills, and actively engage in discussions on the future of Euro-Atlantic security.
It pursues its mission through educational, research and public diplomacy activities, the organisation of professional events and the active involvement of young people in national and international security processes. Particular emphasis is placed on connecting students and young professionals with experts, researchers, representatives of national and international institutions and decision-makers. In doing so, it contributes to a better understanding of security and defence among young people and encourages their active engagement in Euro-Atlantic cooperation.
YATA Slovenia’s substantive work covers a broad range of national, regional and international security issues, including international relations and diplomacy, security and defence policy, the work of NATO, the European Union and other Euro-Atlantic institutions, as well as broader geopolitical and strategic developments. It operates under the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia and represents its principal youth platform.
YATA Slovenia’s flagship annual project is Balkan SAYS – Security Atlantic Youth Seminar, a multi-day international conference bringing together young professionals, students, researchers and institutional representatives from numerous countries. The programme provides a platform for in-depth discussion on the future of European and Euro-Atlantic security, security challenges in the Western Balkans, and broader political, defence and societal issues. At the same time, Balkan SAYS creates opportunities for international networking, the exchange of perspectives, and the strengthening of dialogue, trust and regional cooperation.
YATA Slovenia is part of the international YATA – Youth Atlantic Treaty Association network, which connects the youth branches of Atlantic Councils in more than 30 countries across the Euro-Atlantic community. Through this network, members take part in international conferences, seminars, study visits and other professional activities, while building connections with peers, experts, researchers and institutional representatives from across the wider Euro-Atlantic area.
An important part of the YATA Slovenia’s substantive work is the Situation Room, an ad hoc analytical platform for monitoring ongoing international security crises and other significant geopolitical developments. Within the platform, members follow developments, prepare analyses, and produce research and informational content on conflicts, security trends and strategic issues. Members may also contribute expert articles to the Euro-Atlantic Bulletin and other publications of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia.
It has its own organisational and leadership structure, consisting of the President and the Executive Board, while its work is further organised through specialised teams responsible for different substantive and organisational areas. Membership provides opportunities to gain practical experience in research and analysis, the organisation of international events, project management, public relations, strategic communication, public speaking and cooperation with national and international institutions.
Through its activities, YATA Slovenia creates an environment in which young people can develop professional knowledge and skills, build international networks, and actively contribute to discussions on the issues that will shape the future of the European and Euro-Atlantic security environment.
The President of YATA Slovenia is Matic Kosirnik (since 2025).
Contact
Address: Kardeljeva ploščad 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Email: youth@euroatlantic.org
