Ukrainian City of Lviv Named European Youth Capital 2025
In a landmark achievement for Ukraine’s youth, Lviv — a major city in western Ukraine — was officially inaugurated as the European Youth Capital 2025 during a ceremony at the city’s Opera House.
The prestigious title, awarded by the European Youth Forum in November 2022, aims to empower young people, boost youth participation, and strengthen European identity. This marks the first time in the competition’s history that a Ukrainian city has received the honor — and Lviv kicked off the year in a powerful and emotional way.
The title is granted through an international competition, in which cities propose innovative programs and activities to engage young people and improve their quality of life. Lviv had applied four times and previously reached the finals twice.
“Ukraine’s recovery and long-term prosperity depend on the strength, resilience, and leadership of its young people,” said Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine, speaking at the opening evening. “Investing in young people is not an act of charity; it is the most strategic, high-impact investment any society can make. Young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow—they are driving change today,” added Mammadzade.
Neela Riehl, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education, noted during a briefing that the title would bring Lviv an influx of tourists and new opportunities for young people. She praised the capital of Galicia, particularly highlighting youth engagement in the city’s development.
Glenn Micallef, EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Equality, Youth, Culture and Sport, said: “This title reflects your commitment to your city and country. Today I visited the Lychakiv Cemetery and was very moved by how many young people gave their lives for European values. We are witnessing a dramatic change in the lives of young people in Ukraine: many were planning to go to university or get their first job, but went to war. And they are fighting for the security of the whole of Europe to ensure a brighter future for all of us. This reflects the greatest sacrifice for the most important values.”
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