Zoran Djindjic Internship Programme of German Business for the Countries of Western Balkans
The Zoran Djindjic Internship Programme of German Business has been implemented since 2004 with the aim of enabling young people from Serbia and the region to gain their first professional experience through internships in leading German companies. Through internships lasting three to six months, final-year students and young graduates were given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice, become acquainted with modern business practices, and develop professional and intercultural skills in an international environment. The programme has concluded on December 31, 2025, with the return of the 22nd generation of interns from Germany.
History of the Programme
The Programme was initiated in memory of Dr Zoran Djindjic, a strong advocate of European integration, education, and the modernization of Serbia. It was launched under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and with the support of participating companies, at the initiative of the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations (Ost-Ausschuss der Deutschen Wirtschaft e.V.). Until the end of 2025, the Programme was implemented by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and carried out by the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations in cooperation with the Zoran Djindjic Foundation.
Since 2007, the Programme has been extended to other Western Balkan countries and has enabled more than 1,000 young people from the region to gain work experience in over 260 German companies. In addition to their internships, participants took part in preparatory training and intensive workshops, and upon returning home, they became part of an active regional alumni network.
The Zoran Djindjic Internship Programme of German Business stands as a successful example of public-private partnership that fosters education, youth employability, and regional cooperation — in the spirit of the ideas championed by Zoran Djindjic.
Organzation of the Programme
The Zoran Djindjic Internship Programme of German Business offered young people the opportunity to gain professional training in some of the most successful German companies and institutions. Participants acquired practical experience in fields such as economics, law, engineering, IT, architecture, agriculture, journalism, and other related disciplines, working side by side with experienced professionals on real projects.
Throughout the entire internship, scholars had access to mentoring support within the host company. Through daily collaboration with their mentors, participants not only applied their theoretical knowledge but also developed professional skills, critical thinking, and the ability to tackle concrete challenges in an international business environment.
Participants also received significant financial support – a monthly scholarship, covered travel, insurance, and accommodation costs, or a salary, depending on the internship and host company. The stay in Germany was further facilitated by the Programme’s comprehensive organizational support, which included assistance with visas, housing, local registrations, and communication with companies.
Before departing for their internships, all scholars took part in an introductory week in Berlin. This week included intercultural workshops, practical preparations for life and work in Germany, and opportunities to connect with fellow participants from across the region. This stage represented an important step in strengthening confidence and intercultural competencies.
Upon returning from Germany, participants became part of an active, regionally connected alumni network that enabled further professional development through training, networking, and joint projects. The Programme formally concluded on December 31, 2025, with the return of the 22nd generation of interns from Germany, while the Zoran Djindjic Foundation will continue to support the alumni network.
Closure of the Programme
After 22 years of successful cooperation, the Zoran Djindjic Internship Programme of German Business for the Countries of the Western Balkans is, unfortunately, coming to an end. The decision to discontinue the Programme was announced on September 19th, 2025, by our partners at the German Eastern Business Association.
The Zoran Djindjic Foundation extends its gratitude to the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), the German Eastern Business Association (OA), the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Belgrade, as well as all the German companies that took part in the Programme, for their long-standing cooperation and support for young people in Serbia and the region.
We owe special gratitude to Prof. Klaus Mangold, the former Chairman of the Board of the German Eastern Business Association, who, together with the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, initiated the Programme in 2003 in memory of Zoran Djindjic.
We are grateful to all scholarship holders for their trust, achievements, and contributions to the development of their home countries by implementing the knowledge and experience gained during their internships in Germany. The Zoran Djindjic Foundation will continue to nurture and support the alumni network, as well as cooperation between Serbia, the region, and Germany.
Despite the Programme ending in this form, we hope that, together with our German partners, we will find ways to support young people in Serbia through new projects and initiatives.