Enlargement CEmp 2025 (2-6.09.2025, Lviv)

From 3 to 5 September 2025, the Enlargement CEmp 2025 programme took place in Lviv. The event was organised by the Portuguese National Erasmus+ Agency, with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in Portugal, the Lviv City Council, EU Delegation to Portugal, and the National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine.

The programme brought together 40 young people representing Portugal and Ukraine, alongside mentors, representatives of the Portuguese media, and prominent public figures.

The aim of the programme was to engage Ukrainian and Portuguese youth in a joint dialogue regarding the future of Ukraine in Europe, EU enlargement, and the significance of European values and the pan-European project for the continent’s prosperity. Additionally, the programme provided an insight into the wartime realities of Ukraine, fostering solidarity and mutual understanding between the youth of both nations.

From 3 to 5 September 2025, participants engaged in a comprehensive programme that allowed them to familiarise themselves with one another and the historical and social context of Ukraine. The first day offered an intensive agenda, providing a deeper understanding of Ukraine’s past and present while fostering intercultural communication.

Day 1: Context and Connection

• Icebreaker Activity – Interactive games, including Human Bingo, to introduce participants and create an atmosphere of openness.

• Welcome Session – Presentation of the programme’s goals and structure. Speakers: Sofia MOREIRA DE SOUSA, Luís ALVES, and Andriy MOSKALENKO.

• “Where are we? Ukraine, unbroken nation” Session – Historian Yaroslav HRYTSAK discussed Ukraine’s current state and its struggle for independence; moderated by Catia CARVALHO.

• Presidential Welcome Video Messages – Provided a motivational and symbolic launch to the programme.

• “Images That Matter” Practical Session – Speakers João PORFÍRIO and Maria VILALOBOS led exercises on analysing pivotal images that influence social and political processes.

• Commemoration of Ukraine’s Defenders – A visit to Lychakiv Cemetery to honour the memory of the fallen.

• Sunset Talk – A discussion on the role of partner cities and youth initiatives featuring Mayors Rui MOREIRA (Porto), Ricardo RIO (Braga), and Andriy SADOVYI (Lviv).

Day 2: Strategy, Innovation, and Democracy The second day focused on strategic themes, innovation, and the role of youth in democratic processes, helping participants discuss contemporary European and Ukrainian challenges while developing critical thinking and strategic vision:

• “Europe in the World: Strategic Autonomy and Partnerships” – Speakers Marilyn JOSEFSON and Dmytro TUZHANSKYI (MFA of Ukraine) discussed the importance of European strategic autonomy and international partnerships; moderated by Rui Pedro ANTUNES.

• “Preparedness for Crises: Lessons from Ukraine” – Speakers Peter WAGNER (EU) and Viktoriia LYALINA (MFA of Ukraine) shared lessons on crisis management and wartime diplomacy; moderated by Filipe CAETANO and Maria TARP.

• “Innovation for Growth” – A session on innovation and economic growth with speakers Germano ALMEIDA and Olena VOVK; moderated by Noemia PIZARRO.

• Urban Dance Workshop – An interactive session promoting team interaction and creativity.

• “Challenges and Opportunities of the Digital Space in Democracies” – Discussion on the role of social media and digital tools with speakers Mafalda ANJOS and Olena HUNKO (CDTO); moderated by Jau SALIU.

• Visit to the Unbroken Centre – A presentation of the centre’s activities and an exchange of experience regarding democratic development and youth programmes.

• Sunset Talk: Strengthening Democracy – A discussion featuring MEPs Sebastião BUGALHO and Ana Catarina MENDES.

Day 3: Diplomacy and Future Visions The final day was dedicated to diplomacy, security issues, and shaping a vision for the future of Europe:

• “Time for Diplomacy?” – Helga SCHMID, former Secretary General of the OSCE and EEAS, discussed the role of diplomacy in the modern world.

• “Ukraine in the European Security Architecture” – Speakers Vadym HALAICHUK and Sviatoslav YURASH discussed Ukraine’s integration into European security structures; moderated by Noemia PIZARRO.

• “EU Enlargement – A Geopolitical Necessity for Europe, an Existential Condition for Ukraine?” – Speakers Ricardo BORGES DE CASTRO and Ivan NAHORNYAK discussed the importance of EU expansion; moderated by Rebeca ABECASSIS.

• “Managing Expectations: Ukraine and the EU” – Speakers from the EU Delegation and/or ENEST, alongside Mariia MARCHENKO (Office of the President of Ukraine), discussed mutual expectations; moderated by Henrique BURNAY.

• “Youth Vision: Choices for a Stronger, United Europe” – An interactive session on shaping a vision for Europe with Richard KÜHNEL (DG COMM) and Barbara REIS.

• “Foresight and Letters to the Future” – Each participant wrote a letter to their future self; led by Ricardo BORGES DE CASTRO.

• “Images That Matter” – A presentation of photo participation by João PORFÍRIO and Maria VILALOBOS.

• “From Insight to Action: What Will I Take With Me?” – A concluding pitch session by participants; moderated by Jau SALIU and Raquel GOMES.

The Enlargement CEmp 2025 programme served as a powerful platform for intercultural exchange, deepening the understanding of European values and strategic challenges. Participants not only exchanged experiences but also formed their own vision of the youth’s role in developing a democratic society and Ukraine’s future integration into the EU. This programme laid a solid foundation for the continued active participation of Ukrainian youth in European initiatives and served as an inspiration for developing leadership potential.