The importance of youth in shaping the future of the European Union was stressed by Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna during an event at UCLan Cyprus University on Wednesday.

Raouna emphasized that young people are not just the future but also the present of the EU, which she described as "our shared home." Her comments were made during the opening of the 18th Conference of the European Youth Parliament Cyprus, where she praised the active engagement of young participants and stressed the government's commitment to empowering their role in democratic processes.

The conference comes in the context of Cyprus preparing to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026.

Raouna highlighted the strong youth participation and interest in European matters as "particularly encouraging," noting that such involvement strengthens democracy. She stated her intention to discuss with the young participants the issues that concern them, their anxieties, and their vision for the future of the European Union.

"Our youth are the present and future of the Union, which is our common home," Raouna affirmed. She further said that the European Union needs the enthusiasm and fresh ideas of its young people, which will be enhanced during Cyprus' EU presidency.

"The role and participation of young people strengthen democracy, and as a government, we believe in this and are taking initiatives to enhance their role."

For young people, Raouna noted, the European Union represents "a space of safety and opportunity."