Project “We Are Here, You Will Be Here” – YATA Latvia & YATA Ukraine
YATA Latvia, in cooperation with YATA Ukraine, implemented the project “We Are Here, You Will Be Here.” As the war in Ukraine continues, the project was created to encourage discussion on Ukraine’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic space, with a particular focus on how these processes affect young people and their future opportunities.
The project aimed to support the inclusion and integration of Ukrainian youth living in Latvia, helping them feel empowered and more connected to Latvian society. Through a three-stage integration approach, the project explored both the practical aspects of integration in Latvia and the wider political and security context of Ukraine’s path towards the European Union and NATO.
The main topics were addressed through three online workshops focusing on the integration of Ukrainian youth in Latvia, Ukraine’s integration into the EU and NATO, and the engagement of Ukrainian civilians in the NGO sector and volunteer work. These discussions provided participants with an opportunity to learn, exchange experiences, and strengthen their understanding of civic participation and international cooperation.
At the end of the project, active young people from Latvia and Ukraine met in Līvāni (Latvia’s Youth Capital at the time) to develop a resolution with key insights and recommendations. The resolution was submitted to relevant decision-makers at the national and municipal level, as well as to Ukrainian authorities, ensuring that youth perspectives were included in policy discussions.
The project was open to Ukrainian young people who have found refuge in Latvia and wanted to gain deeper knowledge about civic participation, security and defence policy, and the importance of strengthening cooperation in the Euro-Atlantic area, while also connecting with like-minded peers to build a better future together.
Funding was provided by the European Union Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).