Matvii Bidnyi: Ukraine confidently advances on its European path

On 12–13 May, Brussels hosts the EU Council meeting on Education, Youth, Culture, and Sports. Ukraine is represented by a delegation from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, led by Minister Matvii Bidnyi.

During the session dedicated to youth policy, the Minister expressed gratitude to the European Union for its solidarity with Ukrainian youth.

“We deeply value your support for Ukraine and are sincerely grateful for the significant attention you give to Ukrainian youth,” the Minister stressed.

Matvii Bidnyi recalled that, due to the war, nearly 2 million young Ukrainians have sought refuge in EU countries, with over 2 million more becoming internally displaced persons.

“Every day, Ukraine loses defenders who uphold our shared democratic values, as well as civilians who share these values. Despite this, we remain committed to the pursuit of peace,” the Minister emphasised.

He also highlighted the symbolic significance of Lviv as the European Youth Capital 2025, describing it as a sign of trust in Ukraine and its European future. Matvii Bidnyi expressed particular gratitude to EU Commissioner Glenn Micallef for attending the opening ceremony in Lviv.

The Minister noted that a third of Ukraine’s armed forces are young people, and half of Ukrainian youth are either internally or externally displaced. Yet, despite these challenges, Ukraine continues to reform its youth policy on the path to EU accession.

“The experience of EU countries in ensuring an effective labour market, including mechanisms to support youth employment, is identified as one of the key strategic priorities for Ukraine’s socio-economic development,” the Minister underscored.

Matvii Bidnyi stressed that implementing the EU’s “Youth Guarantee” initiative in Ukraine opens new opportunities for Ukrainian youth, including development, self-realisation, and economic integration despite the challenges of war.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s participation in the EU’s Erasmus+ programme, noting that expanded access in 2023 has yielded tangible results.

“The active participation of Ukrainian civil society organisations in the EU’s Erasmus+ programme underscores Ukraine’s aspiration and readiness for deeper integration into the European community, as well as shaping a shared European future for Ukrainian youth,” the Minister stated.

During the meeting, Matvii Bidnyi presented a new initiative to European colleagues: the “Ukraine-EU Strategic Framework for Youth Development.” This project aims to unite efforts to support youth as the foundation of human capital.

“The strategic platform for institutional partnership will serve as a key mechanism to address shared challenges and prepare Ukraine for the transitional phase of EU integration,” said Matvii Bidnyi.

In concluding his speech, Matvii Bidnyi remarked: “Today, amid war, we face many challenges and human and migratory losses, but despite this, Ukraine confidently advances on its European path in youth policy.”

Consistent cooperation with EU institutions and the adoption of best European practices in Ukraine bring the country closer to EU membership every day.