EU ambassador to Ukraine meets Young European Ambassadors in Kyiv

On 28 April, a group of Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) was welcomed by the EU Delegation to Ukraine for a special meeting with the Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová.

During the interactive discussion, the YEAs asked numerous questions about diplomatic service, the challenges faced by EU institutions, support for Ukraine during wartime, and the development of youth initiatives. The Ambassador’s openness and willingness to engage in an honest dialogue created a space where participants could not only better understand the EU’s strategic vision, but also feel heard and involved.

As Ukrainian YEA Olena Hafiak noted, the meeting was both inspiring and meaningful: “It was a true privilege to engage in such an open conversation and to hear the Ambassador’s personal and professional journey. Experiences like this show how important it is to create opportunities for young people, because our generation will shape Ukraine’s democratic future.”

Participants also highlighted the practical value of the discussion and the clarity it brought to complex topics. YEA Sofiia Prutska emphasised that the conversation touched upon key aspects of Ukraine’s path toward the EU: “The meeting offered valuable insights into Ukraine’s alignment with EU standards and the broader process of European integration. What mattered most was the genuine openness to dialogue and the feeling that young people’s voices are truly taken into account.”

“Being part of this open dialogue is not only inspiring, but also a reminder of responsibility. Meetings like this expand perspectives and create real opportunities for young people to grow and contribute,” added YEA Mariia Kravtsova.

On behalf of the Young European Ambassadors initiative in Ukraine, National Coordinator Yaroslav Morozov presented the Ambassador with a symbolic T-shirt signed by participants of the YEAs-led Model of European Institutions event in Bucha. The gesture reflected the resilience of Ukrainian youth and their shared commitment to European values, even in times of war.

The meeting concluded with informal networking, group photos, and continued exchanges of ideas, reinforcing the importance of creating spaces for direct dialogue between young people and diplomats. Such interactions not only strengthen mutual understanding but also empower youth to take an active role in shaping Ukraine’s European future.

The Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) initiative brings together socially engaged youth from the six Eastern Partner countries, the European Union and the United Kingdom to foster dialogue and to raise awareness about the EU and its cooperation with its Eastern partner countries.