Dear Minister Abodi,
Dear Minister Bidnyi,
Fellow panellists,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you, Minister Abodi and Minister Bidnyi – caro Andrea, dear Matvii, for hosting this event.
Vi ringrazio per linvito.
I’m pleased to see the focus this Conference places on the human aspect of Ukraines recovery and resilience.
Engaging youth through sports and other activities is essential for mobilizing Ukraines human resources.
This holds true in both peace and war.
Let me share a poignant remark from President Zelenskyy during last months NATO Summit.
When an 11-year-old journalist asked him for a message to young people, he said:
“We wish only for peace […] You are our future. And I think you are a basis for peace in the world”.
His words remind us of the vital role young Ukrainians play in driving recovery and advancing towards European integration.
On my visits to Ukraine, I witnessed the incredible spirit of Ukrainian youth.
The images I saw in Lvivs City Hall of amputees engaged in sports left a lasting impression.
These young individuals refuse to let the scars from Russias harsh war diminish their resolve.
Through sports, they are healing physically and mentally.
They serve as role models for both Ukrainians and Europeans, sending a powerful message to the Russian aggressor:
We, the future of Ukraine, exemplify resilience.
And we will succeed.
They embody the motto of Lviv Capital of Youth 2025:
Not easy, but keep moving.
And the entire nation is moving with them.
I experienced this firsthand in Lviv.
Russian bombs could not dampen the enthusiasm for Lviv as the European Youth Capital 2025.
Young Ukrainian heroes made this possible.
Including those who did not survive, like Yaryna Bazylevych, whose memorial I visited in Lviv.
Yaryna was a 21-year-old youth activist.
She dedicated herself to supporting Lvivs European Youth Capital efforts.
She was tragically killed in a Russian drone attack along with her mother and two sisters.
Yaryna lost her life while shaping Ukraines European future.
The youth of Lviv and Ukraine honor her legacy through their resilience and continued work.
They represent a people and nation that remains unbroken.
Unbroken, like the EU co-funded program by the Municipality of Lviv.
This initiative, comprising over 20 projects, has provided treatment for more than 19,000 wounded Ukrainians.
The EU proudly supports Ukraines recovery and resilience efforts.
By harnessing the power of youth and sports.
Last year, we expanded our Erasmus+ program to include Ukraine.
This allows participation in our youth and sports Capacity-Building actions.
These innovative transnational projects empower Ukrainians to enhance their contributions to Ukraines recovery.
Last year, nine youth Capacity-Building projects received funding.
So far, 2 million euros in grants have been contracted.
Among these projects is ‘PACT’.
With an EU grant of nearly 300,000 euros, PACT addresses the trauma faced by young Ukrainians.
Project partners have co-created a manual on providing psychological first aid.
They employ techniques like art therapy to promote well-being.
To deepen our collaboration, we aim to fully associate Ukraine with Erasmus+ as soon as possible.
So we can fully leverage the opportunities the program offers.
This work also includes actions in sports.
Whether in international competitions or through numerous projects we support.
As the European Commissioner for Sport, I will continue to convey our Unions core values – peace, freedom, and democracy – as non-negotiable.
I will ensure that no international competition allows countries that disregard these principles to spread their propaganda.
In these trying times, Ukraine is showcasing its ability to build a robust youth and sports ecosystem.
I commend you on this achievement, against all odds.
I would also like to thank the Ministers and representatives of EU Member States present today for their steadfast support of Ukraine.
Together, by harnessing the power of youth and sports, we strive for a peaceful future for the Ukrainian people.
To the young people whose lives have been disrupted or cut short by Russias brutal war,
we thank you for your immense sacrifice.
It will not be in vain.
Your resilience is propelling a nation towards recovery and a bright future in the EU.