European integration and youth. Results of the Youth Analytical Forum

On September 26, the Youth Analytical Forum “European Integration and Youth: From Challenges to Opportunities” took place in Kyiv. The event was organized by the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform in partnership with the Public Diplomacy Platform and the UPLAN Civic Network for Public Law and Administration. Participants gathered to discuss key issues related to engaging youth in the European integration processes and strengthening their role in the future development of the country. 

Opening the Youth Forum, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniyenko emphasized the importance of active youth participation in integration processes: “European integration and youth is an important topic, and there is much to discuss in this context. Frankly speaking, it is the younger generation that will live in the EU longer than us. Therefore, it is crucial for them to learn now, to understand how the European Union functions and what it means for the country, so they can directly engage in these processes in the future. We are always on the side of the younger generation, and even during the full-scale invasion, we are working to provide them with more opportunities and to create conditions that will enhance their capabilities. We have ambitious plans for reforming public governance, particularly to attract young professionals. For the second year in a row, we are implementing the fair pay reform. Youth is not just our future; they are also our present”.

“This is really an important contribution to shaping the future of Ukrainian democracy”, shared his thoughts on the significance of the Youth Forum Ihor Koliushko, Head of the Board of the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform. He also noted that “today’s surge of populism around the world, including in democratic countries, reflects profound societal transformations. Over time, public influence on politics will become more constructive and thoughtful. The future belongs to the youth, who must acquire knowledge and technologies to actively participate in political life and shape a new vision for the development of our country”.

Denys Hanzha, Head of the CSO “Public Diplomacy Platform” and a member of the Youth Affairs Council under the President of Ukraine, expressed his belief that: “Youth policy has finally received the attention it deserves. Now our main goal is not to lose this opportunity. The trend towards creating youth councils within central government bodies and involving youth at all levels is clear. It is time to take responsibility and work effectively, so that we are perceived as equal partners. Youth is not just the future; they are shaping the present, holding weapons in their hands and defending the country. Our priority is to prepare our communities for European integration, but equally important is creating comfortable conditions for those who are fighting for our future on the frontlines. If we do not take into account the interests of young veterans, youth policy will lose its meaning. This must be a key issue in all our discussions and decisions”.

As part of the panel discussion “Ukraine’s integration into the European Union: the role of youth, ways of engagement, and government demand”, Oleksandr Korniyenko, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine; Andriy Chesnokov, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine; Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech; Volodymyr Venger, Dean of the Law Faculty at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA); and Mykola Kobysia, Director of the Ukrainian Youth Fund shared their thoughts and advice. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Ukraine’s EU integration, addressed the Forum participants via video message. Ms. Ivanna emphasized that despite the devastating war occurring in our country daily, events like the Youth Forum are still taking place, gathering a significant number of intelligent, value-driven, and determined young people who will strengthen state institutions and become a reliable backbone of independence and democracy in the future.

Participants of the Youth Forum had the opportunity not only to listen to representatives of the Ukrainian government and youth organizations, but also to work in groups on issues related to youth involvement in the European integration process, decision-making, and policy development. They also discussed youth participation in professional activities within government bodies and explored opportunities available to young people at the local level.

The closing panel of the event, which focused on the prospects and opportunities for youth involvement at the local level, proved to be both valuable and inspiring. It highlighted success stories of territorial communities and the needs of local self-governance. Oleh Pylypenko, Head of the Shevchenkivska Territorial Community in Mykolaiv Oblast; Mykyta Herashchenko, Head of the International Cooperation Department of the Kyiv Regional State Administration; Heorhiy Paziy, Director of the Kharkiv Regional Youth Center; Mariya Levanchuk, Head of Vinnytsia City Representation in Brussels (online); and Maksym Svysenko, Advisor to the Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration and Head of the Ukrainian Student League Congress shared their experiences with the Youth Forum participants. All speakers emphasized the importance of active involvement of young people in local self-governance processes and community development.

The Youth Forum became an important platform for discussing the role of young people in the European integration processes and exchanging ideas on reforming civil service, local self-governance, and the civic participation of young citizens in the development of Ukraine.

Watch the video recording of the Youth Forum discussion panels.

The event was organized by the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform in partnership with the Public Diplomacy Platform and the Public Law and Administration Civic Network UPLAN within the framework of the USAID/ENGAGE activity, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Pact in Ukraine. The contents of this event are the sole responsibility of Pact and its partners and do not necessary reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

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