As Lviv officially launched its year as the European Youth Capital 2025, the city welcomed those already shaping the future of their hromadas. Fifteen young professionals working in local municipalities across Ukraine took part in the “Residence of Ideas for European Integration”, organised by Cities4Cities with the support of the Swedish-Ukrainian programme "Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine", implemented by SALAR International.
Over the course of three days, participants explored Lviv’s experience as a city actively engaging with European partners. They visited completed projects and met with the teams delivering these initiatives. At the Opera House, the young leaders heard from representatives of European institutions about concrete tools for supporting Ukraine and opportunities available for young people through EU programmes.
“We have expanded the European Solidarity Corps, enabling young Ukrainians to join volunteer and social initiatives that support the rebuilding of hromadas and strengthen European ties. Through initiatives such as Horizon Europe and Creative Europe, the EU fosters collaboration in science, culture, and innovation. These programmes are essential to Ukraine’s integration into the European community, creating genuine connections between people, ideas, and aspirations,”
— Nella Rihl, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education.
“As European Commissioner, I have launched a series of youth dialogues with commissioners on sport, culture, inclusion, and security. Findings from the Euromarathon survey show that peace and global security are top concerns for Europe’s youth. Around 30% of young people cite conflict, instability, and the erosion of democracy as the greatest threats to their future,”
— Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Youth, Culture and Sport.
The Commissioner also noted:
“Another important instrument is the Erasmus+ programme, which supports youth initiatives including those in Ukraine. For example, the PACT programme helps youth workers address mental health using psychological support and art therapy techniques. This enables young people to process the trauma of war and adapt to new realities.
Together, we are creating opportunities and hope for Ukrainian youth. Lviv’s title as European Youth Capital is a symbol that youth are the key to the future of both Ukraine and Europe.”
Residencies of Ideas by Cities4Cities are a series of regular professional gatherings of specialists from Ukrainian hromadas held in Lviv. These sessions aim to exchange experience and promote best practices in local development in response to current governance challenges. The initiative is supported by the Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine programme, implemented by SALAR International.
Photo credit: Lviv City Council
