Guardians of freedom and engines of change: how Ukrainian youth are shaping a new agenda

Author: Viktoriia Kravets/ Editor: Nico Preikschat 

Imagine a country where young people don’t just dream but actively realise their dreams. A country where the  pursuit of European values unites young people, and where their energy and creativity become the driving force for change. This is Ukraine, rapidly moving towards European integration, striving to become a full member of the European Union. 

Ukraine is currently at a crucial stage of its European integration path. Expectations from Ukrainians and European partners are growing, and support for European integration in society remains consistently high. According to recent polls, 69% of Ukrainians support joining the European Union, 14 percentage points more than in February 2022. This support is particularly important in the face of the Russian aggression, since European integration is perceived as a cornerstone of national security and stability. Ukrainian Deputy Prime  Minister Olha Stefanishyna deems the possibility of EU accession before 2030 to be realistic, thanks to the level of integration already achieved in many sectors, and the deep desire of the Ukrainian people, which is particularly evident among young people. In the face of Russia’s full-scale war, not only is the desire to integrate into the EU not diminishing, but rather it is increasing. This testifies to Ukraine’s aspiration for security, stability and European values. 

One important step taken by Ukrainian youth is the awarding of the European Youth Capital to Lviv in 2025. This prestigious title, awarded annually by the European Youth Forum, is based on innovative ideas  and projects that strengthen the role of young people in city life. Lviv, having passed a multi-stage competition, demonstrated a high level of youth involvement in local government, the development of youth infrastructure, and support for youth initiatives. This title is not only a recognition of achievements, but also an opportunity to attract international attention and support for the development of youth projects. Lviv’s achievements are particularly significant against the backdrop of the war, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian youth. 

In April 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the ‘Level Up’ youth event in Brussels with the ambassadors of the European Youth Capital, which gathered over 2,000 participants from European and Eastern Partnership countries. We were able to advocate for youth participation, dispel stereotypes about Ukraine, and establish partnerships with dozens of youth organisations. Thanks to initiatives like the ‘TVORY!’, a network of youth spaces in Lviv, and flagship events like the All-Ukrainian Youth Event ‘Molodvizh’ — a platform for youth networking, policy dialogue, and research that defines the country’s youth development agenda for the year — Lviv has become a powerful centre of youth activity in Ukraine, creating incubators for ideas, and supporting diverse initiatives, from volunteering to developing educational programmes. The Urban Camp youth centre in Lviv, created with the participation of internally displaced persons from Kharkiv, exemplifies the adaptation to challenges and support for young people. Young Ukrainians actively participate in initiatives and projects from the European Union, cultivating its values and capitalising on the results. The Young European Ambassadors initiative has helped thousands of Ukrainians to learn about the EU, increase their awareness of disinformation and environmental issues, understand the country’s integration process, and discover the opportunities offered by the  EU. 

The European Union actively supports Ukrainian education and youth, providing young people with  access to new opportunities. A press tour to Poltava and the Poltava region, organised by the EU Delegation to Ukraine in December 2024, demonstrated the scale and effectiveness of this support, highlighting projects focused on modernising education and training new personnel. EU investments in Ukraine’s future have exceeded €200 million. Programmes such as Erasmus+, eTwinning, and Jean Monnet provide Ukrainian youth and teachers with the opportunity to study in European countries, adapting European practices to local realities. 

Ukraine is a place where innovative projects are made. It’s a flexible environment where European youth can cooperate, test solutions, and create creative projects that will improve the well-being of their countries. We have repeatedly proven our resilience and flexibility in the context of a full-scale war — creating start-ups, a digital state, and remaining open to cooperation, new projects, and the adoption  of experience. 

Ukraine is a country of contrasts. Many young people study at university while simultaneously collecting aid for the army and volunteering. Many are currently defending the country and its skies on the front lines. Let me tell you about a day that I will never forget: 4 September, 2024. There’s an air raid alert, followed by two hypersonic missiles over my house in Lviv. In these situations, you press yourself tightly into the pillow and repeat: “If it whistles, it’s not me.” Then you run into the hallway and hear a series of explosions.  Your heart is pounding wildly. On this day, among the rubble of destroyed buildings, was Yaryna Bazylevych, the programme manager of the ‘Molodvizh’ event, with her family. We worked together on the Youth Capital and other youth activities. 

While our friends are being killed by Russia, we keep organising projects and large-scale events. This is  what young Ukrainians do. Ukrainian youth have become guardians of freedom, defending Ukrainian and  European democracy. Quoting the Ukrainian media outlet Grunt — “Ukrainian youth is a story about people.  About those who at 20 years old manage volunteer headquarters and initiatives. About those who shape and cultivate the culture of memory. About those who create the country’s first educational programmes on mental health for young people. About those who, after work and studies, weave camouflage nets or raise funds for drones. This is the story of a generation that doesn’t ask what to do but takes and does.” Every decision we make is a step with consequences, and we are the main characters of our lives and have the right to change direction towards a democratic path. 

Europe must not only listen to Ukraine but also unite. Not only support but become true ambassadors of Ukraine during these difficult times.