Re:Generation: EUCFI and Younia bring together Ukrainian youth in Vienna

On 20 October the European Centre for Freedom and Independence (EUCFI) and Younia hosted Re:Generation – Meeting with Ukrainian Youth in Vienna at WU Vienna. The event brought together Ukrainian students and young professionals who are shaping their future in Austria while staying actively connected to Ukraine.

The evening began with presentations from both organisations. EUCFI introduced its key initiatives, including the Professional Integration HUB, the YOU!Community network, study visits to Austrian institutions and platforms for professional networking and civic participation.

Younia highlighted its work in representing Ukrainian students in Austria, building academic and cultural cooperation and supporting young people as they integrate while remaining connected to Ukraine. These presentations set a clear tone. Ukrainian youth in Vienna are not passive observers but a community that acts, creates and contributes.

As Olena Bekreniova, Co-Founder of EUCFI, said:
“Such events are essential because they turn a community into a voice. They help young Ukrainians abroad understand their role not as observers but as contributors, people who engage, propose solutions and represent Ukraine with dignity.”

The keynote address was given by Andriy Chesnokov, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to International Organisations in Vienna and former Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine. He spoke openly about how Ukrainian state institutions continue to function during the war and why youth remains a political and strategic priority. Andriy stressed that war crimes do not expire and that the demand for justice must come from society as a whole. He shared how the government develops opportunities for young people through initiatives such as Diia.Oswita, EntreGram4Youth, the employment and start-up programme єРобота, the accessible housing scheme єОселя, and the work of the Ukrainian Youth Fund and National Youth Centre. His message to Ukrainians in Austria was direct. Even abroad, they remain part of Ukraine’s development and their role should be active, confident and responsible.

After the official part participants continued the conversation informally. They exchanged ideas, made new connections and discussed how knowledge, skills and civic responsibility can be transformed into real projects that contribute to both Ukraine and Europe. The atmosphere was thoughtful, professional and constructive.

This event demonstrated how important it is for Ukrainian youth in Vienna to have spaces where they can meet, speak openly, understand state policies and see themselves as contributors rather than temporary guests. It also reflected the growing respect in Austria for the resilience, professionalism and determination of young Ukrainians.

EUCFI is deeply grateful to Younia Vienna for partnership, to WU Vienna for hosting the event, to ÖH for institutional support and to Andriy Chesnokov for an honest and meaningful conversation. Most of all we thank the participants who prove that Ukrainian youth abroad is not silent but active, thoughtful and united by responsibility.

We will continue to create opportunities for Ukrainian youth in Austria, building access to institutions, encouraging professional growth and supporting civic engagement. The future of Ukraine is being shaped not only at home but wherever Ukrainians choose to act.

Explore more photos from Re:Generation – Meeting with Ukrainian Youth in Vienna in our gallery: