On 12 November, newly selected Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) from Armenia met with the Head of the EU Delegation to the country, Ambassador Piotr Świtalski. They presented past activities implemented within the YEAs initiative, discussed ways to empower Armenian youth and initiated plans for future activities.
In 2018, 44 young Armenians were selected to act as YEAs. Some of them had already served as YEAs in previous years.
The existing YEAs, who have actively participated in various events in Armenia and abroad, shared their volunteering experience at the event. They have also been awarded certificates in recognition of their active roles as YEAs.
EU Ambassador Piotr Świtalski mentioned the importance of youth for the future for Armenia. “An open mind is like a parachute, if you don’t open it, it doesn’t work,” he said. “I invite you to open your mind and encourage you to show initiative.”
The Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia added that Young European Ambassadors are working on two sides: “First, you will project a good image of Armenia, an Armenia of young and talented people. Secondly, we count on you to bring a good image of the European Union to Armenia.”
“I strongly believe that youth should have a greater role in the society. You as Young European Ambassadors are the future for this country,” Ambassador Świtalski reiterated.
The Young European Ambassadors initiative aims to foster cooperation and sustainable links between young people and youth organisations from the EU and its Eastern Partner countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The YEAs are part of the Young European Neighbours network, an online platform that facilitates the mutual exchange of ideas and information on the EU, as well as the engagement of young people in informative activities. It is focused on people-to-people contacts and dialogue-driven activities that contribute to greater awareness and improved perception of the EU and the enhanced assessment of its relations with the Eastern Neighbourhood.
