Youth Dialogue: Meeting with Marta Kos and Maia Sandu After Two Days of Preparations at Europe Café

Thirty young people from the Republic of Moldova, European Union Member States, and partner countries demonstrated that their voices truly matter in the decision-making process. After two days of intensive working sessions and preparations hosted by Europe Café, they took part in a direct and open dialogue with Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, during the Youth Policy Forum.

From Brainstorming to Official Dialogue

Ahead of the high-level meeting, the participants spent two intensive days working at Europe Café. The venue became a genuine hub of ideas, where young people formed working groups, discussed the challenges facing their generation, and developed recommendations to present to policymakers.

“Call Things by Their Name”

Well-prepared and ready to engage, the young participants brought some of today’s most pressing issues to the attention of the European Commissioner. The event was held under the theme “Youth for Democratic Resilience.”

Recognizing their efforts and commitment, Marta Kos encouraged the participants not to be afraid to make their voices heard:

“Be honest. Be open. Call things by their name. Be brave.”

This was the European official’s clear and powerful message to the young people taking part in the dialogue.

The Agenda of a Generation Defending Democracy

Discussions during the forum focused on the real challenges facing modern societies. Young participants and EU representatives explored solutions for:

• safeguarding democracy in the face of current geopolitical challenges;
• actively combating disinformation, a phenomenon that significantly affects social stability;
• strengthening democratic resilience, with a particular focus on the online environment.

A Clear Conclusion: Young Voices Matter

The conclusion of this dialogue is clear: young people’s voices matter greatly. Through their active engagement, well-structured ideas, and courage to speak openly, they represent a driving force capable of helping build stronger, better-informed, and more resilient societies.