In this interview, Nicoletta MERLO (NAT member) talks to us about the creation of the EESC Youth Group - of which she's vice-president - and of the progress achieved so far, including the implementation of the Youth Test for EESC opinions.
Under daily bombardments, when their main goal is to stay alive, young Ukrainians cannot afford to think about the distant future, says 18-year-old Yevheniia Senyk, YEYS 2025 participant and youth activist from Ukraine. She shares how the war has affected youth organisations in her country and why it is important to give them a voice on the European stage.
Under daily bombardments, when their main goal is to stay alive, young Ukrainians cannot afford to think about the distant future, says 18-year-old Yevheniia Senyk, YEYS 2025 participant and youth activist from Ukraine. She shares how the war has affected youth organisations in her country and why it is important to give them a voice on the European stage.
How do you think your organisation has been impacted in the last three years by the war in Ukraine, and how have your operations changed?
Formed in 2013, the goal of SD Platform is to protect values such as freedom, solidarity, equality and justice because we believe that these are the most important values to create a progressive future in Ukraine. We also have a lot of foreign branches to maintain the engagement of Ukrainian youth abroad who have been forced to leave their homes.
First of all, the war has impacted the work of the regional branches because we have a lot of branches, for example, Odessa and Zaporizhzhia, that are very close to the front-line areas and the people there experience bomb shelling every day. It's hard for them to think about organising events when their main goal is just to stay alive. Daily bomb shelling affects youth all over the country because you can't afford to think about the distant future, because you don't know what will happen tomorrow or even what will happen in two hours.
Also, because of the war, the financial situation in Ukraine is unstable, resulting in a lack of employment for young people. Young people must find a job while also trying to study and to be involved in youth organisations, it's a difficult balance to achieve.
After the full-scale invasion, many young people started to fight against Russian aggression with weapons in their hands instead of through youth councils or youth organisations. As a result, young people do not have political experience. It will be hard in the future to make sure that everyone is able to participate in politics properly.
At SD Platform, we provide free, non-formal, political education to make sure that young people know how they can influence politics at regional and national levels.
Why do you think it's important for youth organisations or representatives of these organisations to come to events such as YEYS?
First of all, these international events show Ukrainians that Europe has not forgotten about us. It's important for us to be here, to have a voice, to ask others about their experiences and to bring new ideas back to our country.
Also, it shows that we are able, and we are committed to becoming part of the European Union because if we are here, then European youth can listen to us and we can listen to them. It's like a partnership between all of us.
What do you think young people need as support, as help, to encourage them to stay involved in youth work and youth activism?
I think it's very important for the European Union to consult with Ukrainian youth. I think if the European Union continues to provide us with these opportunities to have a voice in shaping EU policy, we will reach common conclusions that will be beneficial for both sides because we are part of Europe, so it must be a common conclusion in all policy areas. Also, if the European Union continues to provide financial support to Ukrainian youth to participate in events such as this one, it will encourage them to stay engaged in politics as the financial burden will not pose such a big barrier to participation.
Yevheniia Senyk is a youth activist with SD Platform, a member organisation of the National Youth Council of Ukraine. She is an international relations student at Lviv Polytechnic National University.
Bridging divides: How civil society can combat harmful polarisation
At a time when our societies face growing polarisation and trust in democratic institutions is waning, civil society must rise to the challenge. Polarisation, in itself, is not always negative; democratic debate thrives on different viewpoints. However, when polarisation leads to hostility, disinformation, and division, it threatens the very foundations of our democracies.
Bridging divides: How civil society can combat harmful polarisation
At a time when our societies face growing polarisation and trust in democratic institutions is waning, civil society must rise to the challenge. Polarisation, in itself, is not always negative; democratic debate thrives on different viewpoints. However, when polarisation leads to hostility, disinformation, and division, it threatens the very foundations of our democracies.
During this year’s Civil Society Week, we have seen remarkable examples of initiatives that fight harmful polarisation. The EESC Civil Society Prize has highlighted organisations working on media literacy, countering disinformation, and fostering intergenerational dialogue. These are the types of projects that must be supported if we want to build resilient, cohesive societies.
Across Europe, we are witnessing increasing societal fragmentation. The challenges are numerous: economic inequalities, social exclusion, digital misinformation, and political extremism. The recent rise of populist movements across Europe, shrinking media pluralism, and declining trust in institutions illustrate how polarisation fuels discontent. These trends weaken democratic structures and erode social cohesion. In such times, civil society is not just a participant in the democratic process—it is a guardian of its resilience.
Civil society organisations have long been at the forefront of defending democratic values. They act as mediators, bringing diverse voices to the table, countering misinformation, and fostering informed public debates. They provide a platform for those who feel unheard, advocating for inclusive policies that bridge divides rather than deepen them. Through civic engagement, fact-based discussions, and initiatives that promote tolerance, civil society actively combats the forces of division.
The EESC firmly believes that strengthening participation and dialogue is the only way forward. We see this in our work every day—our members, representing employers, trade unions, and NGOs, engage in robust debates, yet always with the goal of finding common ground. Our strength lies in consensus, and this is the model that must be expanded across Europe.
Civil society must be empowered to play its full role in addressing polarisation. This means ensuring their access to funding, protecting their ability to operate freely, and fostering an environment where their contributions to democratic life are recognised and valued. Participatory mechanisms, whether through citizen consultations, grassroots initiatives, or deliberative democracy tools, must be reinforced to ensure people feel included in decision-making.
The future of Europe depends on its citizens feeling represented, engaged, and heard. Civil society is not an accessory to democracy—it is its backbone. As we navigate an era of division, we must equip it with the tools, recognition, and space it needs to continue safeguarding our democratic values. By fostering dialogue, promoting social inclusion, and countering extremism, civil society can be the force that turns polarisation from a source of conflict into a driver of constructive debate and social progress.
Let us work together to ensure that division does not define our future. Instead, let’s build a Europe where diversity of opinion strengthens our unity, where engagement rebuilds trust, and where civil society leads the way in bridging divides.
Seventeen-year-old student Adam Mokhtari was one of Ireland's representatives at Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS). He later presented the YEYS recommendations at EESC's Civil Society Week where he spoke in a session titled Charting Europe’s course - Reconnecting polarised societies through community learning and citizenship education. Adam describes what he liked about YEYS and shares his personal story to highlight why he wants a Europe where everyone feels included.
Seventeen-year-old student Adam Mokhtari was one of Ireland's representatives at Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) . He later presented the YEYS recommendations at EESC's Civil Society Week where he spoke in a session titled Charting Europe’s course - Reconnecting polarised societies through community learning and citizenship education. Adam describes what he liked about YEYS and shares his personal story to highlight why he wants a Europe where everyone feels included.
By Adam Mokhtari
Hi, my name is Adam Mokhtari, and I had an amazing experience representing Ireland at Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) 2025. Around 90 young people from across Europe came together to share ideas and shape the future.
One of my favourite parts was working in groups to discuss important issues and make decisions. I also really enjoyed the activity where we took turns being a listener, speaker and observer, discussing what Europe meant for each of us personally. Each of us had seven minutes to speak—it made sure everyone’s voice was heard.
At the end, we agreed on five key recommendations. They are to make governments more transparent and include young people, teach active citizenship in schools, ensure equality for all, give young people a real say in politics and create a strong climate action plan.
I was honoured to represent all YEYS participants at EESC Civil Society Week, sharing our recommendations with policymakers. It showed me that young voices matter!
The power of education
Education plays a huge role in helping young people get involved in democracy. It teaches us how to think critically, spot fake news, and take action. Without my school’s support, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity. Now, I want to encourage others to get involved too.
At YEYS, EESC President Oliver Röpke and the EU Youth Coordinator Biliana Sirakova listened to our ideas and encouraged us to keep pushing for change.
My story & why inclusion matters
I was born in Ireland, but my parents moved here in the late 90s. When they arrived, they experienced love and respect from the Irish people. My mum and dad told me that during that period, there was very little diversity in Ireland. Despite this, my parents thrived in the 90s.
I am Irish and I am European. I have Algerian heritage. Sometimes, I have felt different from others, but most of the time I feel like everyone else. I have learned a lot from different cultures, and I think that’s what makes life better. If we were all the same, it would be boring. It's all about being open to differences and understanding of others.
Unfortunately, some migrants and young people today face discrimination, hate and unfair treatment, which can be encouraged by social media. It needs to change. It makes me unhappy to see this. Some immigrants in Ireland now have a bad time, living on the streets, and they are seen as a problem. It's not easy and it is so sad.
I’ve been lucky to attend schools where everyone feels included, but not all young people have that experience. We need to make sure all young people feel accepted and that they belong, so they don’t feel left out or disconnected from society.
Building a better future
To make Ireland and the European Union more inclusive, we need better education about different cultures and what the EU does for us. This will help with understanding and improve inclusion.
We need community events to bring people together and interact in a positive way with each other. More young people need to be involved in decisions at a local level, even in youth clubs, sports clubs or school or at EU level. This will make them feel included in the things that are important to them. Show young people how to get involved.
We need support from the EU to make inclusion a priority. It was great to hear that inclusion was a priority for the EESC.
What I want for Europe
Many young people don’t know much about what the EU does for them. The EU should do more to help us get involved in politics and voting.
I want a Europe that is united, fair and welcoming—where everyone feels included, no matter their background.
YEYS showed me that young people can make a difference. Even if our ideas aren’t all accepted right away, at least they’re being heard. As an Irish young person with Algerian heritage, I feel that my voice matters—and I want others to have the same opportunity.
Education can help bring people together, fight discrimination, and give young people a voice. I’ll be taking this experience back home and encouraging others to get involved. The future is in our hands! It is our Europe and we have a say!
Adam Mokhtari is a 17-year-old student from Ireland. He attends Bremore Educate Together Secondary School in Balbriggan near Dublin. Passionate about the EU and about making societies more inclusive and successful, Adam took part in YEYS 2025 and was a YEYS representative at this year's Civil Society Week.
