Explore the latest impactful stories from EFI and our partners as we expand economic understanding across the regions we serve. From new initiatives and partnerships to stories from educators and students, these updates show how economic ideas are opening doors to opportunity and helping people make more informed decisions.
In February, 31 high school students from across Albania gathered at Llogara Tourist Village for the winter school “What’s Next in Education? From ‘What Will I Become?’ to ‘What Can I Do?’”, organized by our partners at the Center for Education and Development.
EFI partner lead Orhan Ceka of the Liberal Alternative Institute shares how economic education and financial literacy are expanding opportunities for students and teachers in North Macedonia.
The Economic & Financial Journalism Academy brought together 22 journalists from across the Western Balkans for five days in Tirana. Through expert-led sessions and hands-on exercises, participants strengthened their skills in public finance, economic policy, data-driven storytelling, and tackling disinformation.
EFI partners in Armenia, the Center for Behavioral Decisions, have launched the Economics Club Public Lecture Series — a new initiative designed to encourage stronger economic thinking and open public discussion.
In Kyrgyzstan, close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and local authorities, supported by a mix of in-person and digital outreach, has driven significant growth in this year’s Economic Olympiad. Participation has more than doubled, reaching over 12,000 students across 400+ schools.
In 2025, Economic Fundamentals Initiative saw ambitious goals take root and inspire meaningful change across Kosovo, Georgia, Ukraine, and North Macedonia.
EFI countries made up 11 of the 28 participating nations, sending 55 bright young economists – and no doubt future leaders – to compete with the best out of 120,000 students worldwide at the International Final Round of the Economics Olympiad.
