Joint Statement: We cannot let war become the new normal

"The price for democracy, respect for human rights, and freedom are too high when you pay it with the lives of your citizens, family relatives, and friends. More and more young people are mobilized to fight for the future not only of Ukraine but of the whole of Europe and the democratic world. The peace formula is counted by the following calculations: support Ukraine and arm Ukraine in time, otherwise, the war will knock the next close by your doors. It is just a matter of time. If we stand for youth rights, then we should remember those who are on the occupied territories, those children and young people who russia illegally deported, and prisoners of war kept in non-human conditions. There are young people among and no one chooses this way of life. When we, Ukraine and international stakeholders, create recovery plans, young people should be at the core of planning and decision-making, including those who do not have a chance to raise their voices but are paying a huge price now," says Natalia Shevchuk, Chairwoman of National Youth Council of Ukraine.

“As EDS, we have a mission: to promote a Europe united in freedom and democracy. European integration is not just a project, it is a constant shared responsibility that requires our collective efforts. Diversity strengthens our organisation. It reflects the richness on which the EU is ultimately based. Let’s not miss this opportunity to cultivate an inclusive Europe that reaches beyond our borders,” says Beppe Galea, Chairman of the European Democrat Students.

"In Europe we keep our promises, our word has value and our principles are not negotiable. We promise Ukraine the necessary support, for as long as it takes, and we stand by our commitments. We cannot fail future Ukrainian generations: freedom and independence are coming at a very high price in lives, but that sacrifice must be honoured. Ukraine’s future can hold nothing but victory and prosperity in the great family of the European Union," says Lídia Pereira, President of the Youth of the European People’s Party.

“It is crucial to ensure that youth affected by the war can continue accessing education, living without fear, and dreaming of a future. We have to ensure this attack on Ukraine, its people, and all of Europe, will not destroy an entire generation, thus it is fundamental to develop a recovery plan for Ukrainian youth, to make sure they have opportunities in the near future,” says Enric Lopez Jurado, President of the Young European Socialists.

“The price of support is high, but the cost of inaction is far greater and dangerous. It is time for Europe to step up and do more. Arm Ukraine now for a better future tomorrow,” says Dan-Aria Sucuri, President of European Liberal Youth.

"The EU and western states must remain strong and show our full endorsement to Ukraine financially and humanitarian. Europe is the first and last border of our democratic and free lifestyle," says Asier Areitio, President of Young Democrats for Europe.

“For decades, European governments have let down the people of Ukraine, funding Putin’s imperial ambitions by buying his deadly fossil fuels. Now is the time to make up for this failure and support Ukraine to victory,” says Sean Currie, Co-spokesperson of the Young European Greens.