Ukrainian youth is truly powerful

Your Europe, Your Say! 2025 (YEYS) brought together around 90 students from the EU, candidate countries and the UK. Valeriia Makarenko came all the way from war-torn Kharkiv in Ukraine to represent her country at the event. She told us why participating in YEYS was very important for young Ukrainians and shared her hopes that her generation, shaped by resilience and unity forged during the war, would lead Ukraine towards a brighter future.

Why do you think it’s important for young people to attend EU events such as Your Europe, Your Say?

I believe that attending EU events like Your Europe, Your Say! is crucial for young people because it gives them a platform to voice their opinions, engage in meaningful discussions and actively shape the future of Europe. These events provide truly priceless opportunities to learn about decision-making processes, develop leadership skills and connect with peers from different countries. As for young Ukrainians, participation is even more significant as it allows us to share our authentic experiences, advocate Ukraine’s European integration and foster solidarity among European youth.

How do you think the war has impacted young people in Ukraine?
Without a doubt, the full-scale war has significantly changed the lives of young people in Ukraine, affecting their education, mental health and overall sense of security. For instance, many have had to adapt to studying online or relocating, often in unstable conditions. However, the war has also fostered resilience – young Ukrainians have become not only symbols of power and strength, but also more engaged in volunteering, activism and rebuilding efforts, such as urban planning projects. Despite the difficulties, we remain determined to protect our identity and contribute to our country’s future.

What are your hopes for the future of young people in Ukraine?
For sure, the question of the future is complicated for almost every Ukrainian teen. My community and I hope that all young people in Ukraine will have access to quality education, opportunities for professional growth and a secure future within a strong, independent Ukraine. I also hope that the international community continues to support Ukraine in rebuilding so that young people can thrive rather than just survive. Ukrainian youth is truly powerful, so it’s inspiring to see more and more young people participating in various projects in education, science, infrastructure restoration and other fields. Most importantly, I hope that our generation, shaped by resilience and unity, will lead Ukraine towards a brighter, more innovative and democratic future.

Your final thoughts on the event? 

I was really inspired. Even by chatting, listening and analysing what other participants were saying, I can tell that, yes, it’s a really powerful scene, and just by uniting, we can show what we’re really capable of. For example, some projects that we did really helped us to understand other countries better. I heard so many facts about different countries that I hadn’t heard before. I’m delighted, I was proud to be there. 

Valeriia Makarenko is a 16-year-old student from Kharkiv, Ukraine. She attends the 10th grade at Kharkiv Lyceum #99.