Dear colleagues, friends of Europe, and friends of the Arctic,

In our Arctic policy, the EU acknowledges the crucial role of young people living in the Arctic.

Young people are both the present and the future.

This is clear to the European Union.

We believe no discussion is complete without listening to young voices, which is now a clear mandate for all EU Commissioners for the next five years.

Arctic young voices have featured prominently at the EU Arctic Forum for years.

In 2023, we launched the Arctic Youth Dialogue, a new initiative to empower Arctic young voices.

Our first activity was a policy lab at the EU Arctic Forum in Nuuk, Greenland, with overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The next step was a project to connect European and Arctic youth, providing Arctic young people with tools to enhance their skills, awarded to the Youth Together for Arctic Futures consortium.

In 2024, we introduced a full segment for the Arctic Youth Dialogue at the EU Arctic Forum and the Indigenous Peoples Dialogue.

The Arctic Youth Dialogue is unique; it is led by youth, for youth.

This approach has been adopted in various settings.

Now, the Arctic Youth Dialogue is a full segment within the larger EU Arctic Forum and Indigenous Peoples Dialogue.

In 2025, we integrated part of the Arctic Youth Dialogue into the main program of the EU Arctic Forum, starting with a panel discussion right after the opening.

This year, we also held the first Arctic Youth Policy Dialogue, part of the Youth Policy Dialogues, aimed at engaging youth in shaping EU policies, driven by President von der Leyens push for closer interactions between European Commissioners and young people.

This was my second Youth Policy Dialogue but the first with Arctic youth, including many Indigenous youth.

Yesterday’s dialogue was inspiring, with strong messages from Indigenous youth.

Thank you to all participants for helping me understand Arctic realities, reinforcing my mission as the Commissioner responsible for Arctic matters.

Your voices resonate powerfully, and your messages are received with open hearts and minds. We aim to continuously improve.

We look forward to Tromsø next year as it becomes the European Youth Capital, a landmark celebration.

We anticipate fostering exchanges among young people through specific projects or larger programs like Interrail and Erasmus.

We will continue to offer opportunities for personal growth, exploration, and purpose.

This Arctic Youth Dialogue exemplifies our commitment.

Planned by Arctic and European youth, we only facilitate as needed.

Upcoming discussions on achieving a just sustainable transition, developing sustainable mobility in Arctic regions, and ensuring economic development harmonizes with Arctic nature are crucial.

Most importantly, the role of youth in these discussions is vital for meaningful change.

The EUs work is for its citizens, leading change for current and future generations.

While youth will inherit the world we shape today, they are also a powerful force in shaping today’s reality.

I encourage you to envision and strive for a better world.

Though challenges may seem daunting individually, together, we can create the change we seek.

As individuals, we may feel like drops of water; together, we are as powerful as the ocean.

Let us work together!