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.
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.
Never before have we had such an educated generation with so much potential, yet also under so much pressure and facing so many doubts about what lies ahead, says youth expert and keynote speaker at YEYS 2025, Bruno António. He talked to EESC Info about how to amplify the voices of young people and why, at a time when discrimination and xenophobia are on the rise in Europe, it is crucial for future EU youth programmes to continue teaching them about the importance of democracy.
Never before have we had such an educated generation with so much potential, yet also under so much pressure and facing so many doubts about what lies ahead, says youth expert and keynote speaker at YEYS 2025, Bruno António. He talked to EESC Info about how to amplify the voices of young people and why, at a time when discrimination and xenophobia are on the rise in Europe, it is crucial for future EU youth programmes to continue teaching them about the importance of democracy.
Are young people today passive or active in political and community life? In what ways can young people be more engaged in policymaking?
Different studies show that young people care and actively participate. If we define political engagement as being aware of critical societal issues, it is evident that young people are taking action to drive change. What’s particularly interesting is how they choose to engage. Traditional ways of participation include voting, volunteering in NGOs or joining the youth wings of political parties. Today, these seem to be less popular among young people, who prefer to influence public policymaking by signing petitions or by participating in protests and other innovative ways. At DYPALL Network, we explore these engagement tools, which include consultancies, participation in local youth councils, and other local youth dialogue mechanisms. We see strong interest among young people to participate, but most mainstream mechanisms remain neither youth-friendly nor truly meaningful.
Recent European election results and national polls show that many young people have voted for right-wing parties. Why do you think this is so and do you see this as a worrying trend that could jeopardise European values such as equality and inclusion?
The rise in right-wing votes among young people is a worrying trend. We believe it stems from dissatisfaction with mainstream politics, a deep distrust of political institutions, a desire for a strong national identity, and fears about economic and social security. We have to be able to understand the root causes of these alarming voting tendencies. This generation has grown up in a time of constant crises and uncertainty about their future. Never before have we had such an educated generation with so much potential, yet also under so much pressure and facing so many doubts about what lies ahead. Social media algorithms amplify polarising content, shaping perspectives.
All this creates uncertainty about the future. Voting for populist parties may be both a form of protest and of general dissatisfaction on the one hand. But on the other, it can also reflect the desire for a strong voice in power that brings a sense of security. However, history has shown that when such populist right-wing parties gain power, young people often lose their hope and feel betrayed. Often this is too late when they realise that rights, freedoms and other important values to them are being taken away or put in question.
This trend is already jeopardising our European values, we can see this not only in political discourse but also in the daily lives of people in our communities, where acts of xenophobia or discrimination towards those who are different are becoming normalised. Therefore, it is essential that future EU youth programmes continue to support young people in understanding the importance of democracy, learning about it and experiencing it, while also helping them to develop the skills needed to build resilience against the threats posed by anti-democratic movements.
How aware are young Europeans of what the EU does for them? How can they be encouraged to take a greater interest in the EU? How would you assess the EU's communication efforts?
We can easily say that young people's awareness of what the EU does for them is definitely higher than in older generations. Youth programmes such as Erasmus+, ESC, and DiscoverEU contribute to building this sense of belonging to a European identity, and they should be reinforced and made available to all young people in Europe.
But are they truly aware of what Europe does for them? In our opinion, no. The EU's ability to demonstrate its impact on society —especially on young people—still needs to be more visible and better understood. The decisions made by EU institutions have a huge impact, and this should push young people to take a greater interest in EU affairs. How? Two ideas come to mind: EU institutions need to send an eye-opening message that what is decided at the EU level directly affects their lives. Also, they should expand programmes that offer young people more opportunities to learn about, experience and discover the EU. This can increase a sense of belonging, empathy, connection and friendship among Europeans.
Despite an enormous effort undertaken by different EU institutions to reach out to citizens, and despite significant improvements in various campaigns and tools, we cannot say that they are enough. In practice, they are often far from the realities of young people.
While the EU has made strides in social media presence and youth-targeted campaigns, its messaging still lacks relatability, especially for the diverse young people in our societies. The EU’s communication efforts need further development and structuring by incorporating new outreach methods, such as hiring youth NGOs as ambassadors of young people’s voices, developing decentralised platforms for outreach, and structuring storytelling campaigns that connect EU policies to relatable everyday experiences. In this context, it is essential to experiment with new communication approaches and to have young people directly involved in creating and implementing campaigns and other communication efforts.
How can we amplify the voices of young people?
By taking them seriously and recognising their value. Institutions have the power and capacity to amplify young people's voices, but what is sometimes missing is the willingness to provide the space, support, opportunities and tools to engage them meaningfully. Youth participation should not be treated as a checklist: inviting young people to public events, taking pictures for social media, and then neglecting their contributions. Youth participation needs to be impactful, meaning young people need to see the results of their engagement and the changes that follow.
Amplifying young voices requires institutional support, such as youth representation in decision-making bodies. It also requires building trust, which takes time, quality spaces and processes to work together. For this to happen, proper funding must be allocated, and institutions need the capacity to work better and engage young people in decision-making. This demands investment, genuine commitment and time.
Bruno António is Executive Director at DYPALL Network, a European platform of civil society organisations, local authorities, and research institutions for promoting youth participation in local decision-making. For the past 12 years, Bruno has been working as a youth expert and external consultant for several institutions, such as the European Commission and the Council of Europe. He previously served as Secretary-General of Youth for Exchange and Understanding, as well as Executive Director at ECOS – Cooperativa de Educação, Cooperação e Desenvolvimento. He has a degree in Social Education from the University of the Algarve in Faro, Portugal.
Young Moldovan Mădălina-Mihaela Antoci was one of the representatives of EU candidate countries at this year’s EESC annual youth event Your Europe Your Say! (YEYS). She also took part in the EESC’s Civil Society Week where she delivered an inspiring speech during the opening panel Still united in diversity. President ofErasmus Student Network Moldova and a board member of the country’s National Youth Council, Mădălina-Mihaela shared what the EU means for young Moldovans and told us about her mission to encourage young people from her country to study abroad and embrace a global mindset.
Young Moldovan Mădălina-Mihaela Antoci was one of the representatives of EU candidate countries at this year's EESC annual youth event Your Europe Your Say! (YEYS). She also took part in the EESC’s Civil Society Week where she delivered an inspiring speech during the opening panel Still united in diversity. President ofErasmus Student Network Moldova and a board member of the country’s National Youth Council, Mădălina-Mihaela shared what the EU means for young Moldovans and told us about her mission to encourage young people from her country to study abroad and embrace a global mindset.
Is the National Youth Council of Moldova engaging young people in discussions about EU integration? How do young Moldovans perceive the EU?
Absolutely! The National Youth Council of Moldovaensures that young voices are heard in Moldova’s EU integration process through consultations, advocacy campaigns and direct engagement with policymakers. For many young Moldovans, the EU represents progress, new horizons, and a future where their talents are recognised and valued. However, there are still gaps in awareness, and that’s where we step in – turning curiosity into active participation.
We are organising forums, debates and workshops on EU integration, policy and youth rights. We are calling for youth inclusion in national decision-making processes. We are launching campaigns to inform and educate young Moldovans about the benefits of EU membership.
Could you briefly introduce your work with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Moldova?
As President of ESN Moldova, I’m on a mission to connect young people to life-changing international opportunities. Our team works to promote mobility, create a welcoming environment for exchange students, and advocate international education. One of my key initiatives is Erasmus in Schools, where we inspire high school students to dream beyond borders and embrace a global mindset.
Could you share any figures on how many Moldovan students have benefited from the Erasmus+ academic programme so far, either in total or annually?
Right now, Moldova does not host incoming Erasmus+ students, but our young people are making waves abroad! Every year, between 500 and 700 Moldovan students study or do traineeships in top European institutions through Erasmus+. Since the programme’s launch, thousands have gained international experience, bringing back innovation, leadership and a fresh perspective. Through Erasmus in Schools, I strive to make mobility a reality for even more young Moldovans, proving that the world is theirs to explore.
In your view, what is the value of such academic exchange programmes for young people in a candidate country like Moldova?
Erasmus+ is not just a study programme – it’s a launchpad for Moldova’s future. It gives young people more than an education; it gives them adaptability, resilience and a European perspective. In a candidate country like Moldova, it’s about building a generation that sees beyond limitations, that innovates, collaborates, and is ready to lead our country into the European future.
What were your expectations for YEYS and Civil Society Week?
I expected powerful discussions, bold ideas and real commitments to youth inclusion in policymaking. These events are more than just meetings – they are platforms where young change-makers challenge the status quo and push for a stronger, more inclusive Europe. For Moldova, this is another step toward bridging the gap between the local reality on the ground and European ambitions, proving that our young people are not waiting for the future – we are creating it.
Mădălina Mihaela Antoci is a 21-year-old youth leader passionate about education, civic engagement and youth empowerment. She currently serves as the President of Erasmus Student Network Moldova and is a board member of the National Youth Council of Moldova.
A tireless advocate of the Erasmus+ academic programme, she has achieved remarkable success in encouraging young people to explore international opportunities while also emphasising the value of education at home. Through her efforts, she has inspired hundreds of students to engage in academic mobility and contribute actively to their local communities.
The European Citizens’ Initiative has proved to be an effective tool for increasing citizens’ participation in the political life of the EU. But it must be reinforced to counter the risk of the EU institutions becoming detached from ordinary Europeans.
In a precarious world where long-standing beliefs are crumbling, and previously shared values no longer unite but divide us, young people must be given opportunities to engage meaningfully here and now to address the many pressing issues that continue to grow before our eyes. The YEYS 2025 discussions clearly showed that there is no one topic that can be called the 'youth topic' and that young people are rightfully concerned about many different problems – ranging from fighting corruption and promoting equality to tackling climate change, writes Czech student and YEYS participant Kristýna Bulvasová who represented YEYS at the EESC's Civil Society Week.
In a precarious world where long-standing beliefs are crumbling, and previously shared values no longer unite but divide us, young people must be given opportunities to engage meaningfully here and now to address the many pressing issues that continue to grow before our eyes. The YEYS 2025 discussions clearly showed that there is no one topic that can be called the 'youth topic' and that young people are rightfully concerned about many different problems – ranging from fighting corruption and promoting equality to tackling climate change, writes Czech student and YEYS participant Kristýna Bulvasová who represented YEYS at the EESC's Civil Society Week.
How many times have I, as a young Gen Z person, heard the words 'your generation is facing unprecedented issues', or 'it's up to your leadership to help solve the current challenges'. The stakes are high, but so are the challenges we face: unprecedented democratic backsliding, polarisation of our societies over matters that have previously been 'shared values', the destabilisation of long-standing beliefs and systems, along with increasing precariousness.
The high expectations place demands not only on young people but also on underfunded civil society organisations and their crucial role in guiding youth values, as well as on educational systems. Formal education should have the power to equip young people with the skills and tools they need to become the problem-solvers and leaders of today and tomorrow. I am afraid that many education systems are too rigid to stand up to the 21st century, with schools failing to offer education on climate change or comprehensive health matters – be it mental or reproductive. They also lack state-of-the-art-technology and proper access for vulnerable groups.
Even the question of who is considered vulnerable has become politicised – or worse, weaponised – placing additional strain on those who can least afford it and should not be left behind.
Our societies no longer agree on what vulnerability means or how to recognise it, something I experienced first-hand while leading a workshop at a school near the Czech-Slovak border, where I addressed the gender pay gap and other gender-related inequalities. Students and teachers reacted with utter disbelief, outright rejecting the idea that any inequalities exist in our society. This makes me believe that we need more discussions and capacity-building on existing vulnerabilities and inequality, regardless of age group.
Equal access to education and opportunities for youth – including disadvantaged women and girls, people with disabilities, young people with migration backgrounds – continues to be an elusive dream. If our shared goal is to provide young people with a strong foundation to fulfil their potential and dreams, we need to start taking action. Proposing a solution is not simple, but strengthening EU Member States' ties with civil societies – especially those in informal education – could help bridge gaps once a thorough geographical and social assessment identifes the most vulnerable areas. The subsequent reskilling of teachers and all youth workers in community-building practice might provide a framework for some of the targeted and systematic solutions.
Civil society has taken on the role of encouraging active civic participation, but youth engagement in decision-making and democratic governance remains low. There is a clear gap between young people's aspirations and the spaces and opportunities available to achieve them. Elections alone are not delivering the desired results, as fighting against political cultures and disinformation in some countries remains challenging. However, not voting does not mean lacking an opinion or issues to address. To encourage active citizenship, young people need not just positive experiences of democratic action but tangible results – without youthwashing, tokenism or selectiveness. I remain hopeful that EU Member States will be able to create these spaces and maybe move past the point where young people have to wait to be given opportunities to meaningfully engage and co-create. But this must not happen in three, five or 10 years. Change must happen now to prevent societal divides from widening further.
At YEYS 2025, I had the pleasure of participating in the drafting of one recommendation related particularly to climate change as I personally believe the triple planetary crisis is one of the biggest challenges for humanity. Development of a coherent climate change strategy for the EU was one of the five YEYS recommendations, alongside fighting corruption through transparency and youth participation, active citizenship, equality and the idea that 'youth deserves a seat'. Since it made the list of commonly endorsed recommendations, it is clear that young YEYSers see it as a crucial challenge to address. However, this reflects the perspective of an already somewhat empowered group of young people and cannot be considered representative of all EU Member States. Some might have thought that this particular recommendation would be the most important for the YEYS 2025 participants, yet it ranked last in the final vote. Let this serve as a reminder that there is no one topic that can be called the 'youth topic'. Young people are rightfully concerned about all current issues and the youth agenda is inherently broad and intersectional.
Some young people recognise the importance of environmental protection and sustainability, while others cannot afford to prioritise it as they are struggling to meet their basic needs. I have mentioned the triple planetary crisis as one of humanity's major challenges, but when we consider the need to address all major issues at once for effective solutions, the picture changes. The current geopolitical context and the EU’s fight for global competitiveness are diverting attention and slowing down transition processes. But at the end of the day, neither we nor future generations have a planet to B to solve these issues on, and we can no longer afford to exceed planetary boundaries.
Returning to the high stakes, young people in all their diversity should still be able to embrace their youth with all its privileges, challenges and beauty. However, a recent UN report shows a clear decline in life satisfaction and happiness among young adults over the past decade. Even with the serious challenges we face, I firmly believe that if we can inspire young people through tangible results from their actions, we stand a fair chance of addressing pressing issues and improving quality of life for all.
Kristýna Bulvasová is a member of the European Sustainable Development Youth Network. She has served as a Youth Delegate to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and as a Czech UN Youth Delegate. A former spokesperson of the Czech-German Youth Forum, she remains actively engaged in strengthening Czech-German cooperation. A youth activist focused on future-oriented education and sustainability, Kristýna currently leads the Czech NGO MOB – Young Citizens while completing her studies at Charles University in Prague and the University of Regensburg. Apart from taking an active part in YEYS, Kristýna was also a speaker at the EESC's Civil Society Week during the session on Foresight for inclusive just transition and green-blue growth. As a YEYS representiative, she will also address the EESC plenary in March.
As the EU is looking to expand its circle of key partners – against a backdrop of uncertainty over transatlantic relations - India seems to be a perfect ally, being the largest formal democracy in the world, whose market and economic growth (including in green technology) represent a valuable opportunity for EU companies.
A pivotal reference for our exploratory opinion is the Draghi Report that lays out a comprehensive analysis of EU’s competitiveness and key challenges and opportunities for the EU to achieve a sustainable growth.
During the meeting, the EU DAG will receive an update from the European Commission's DG TRADE on EU-Vietnam FTA trade statistics and the implementation of the TSD chapter, as well as a report on the Joint Forum on Trade and Sustainable Development held in November 2024. Furthermore, EU DAG members will exchange with the European Parliament's standing rapporteur on Vietnam. Important features of the meeting will be the Commission’s assessment of the Vietnam Workers’ complaint to the Single Entry Point (SEP) and a discussion with the ILO.
