A symbolic installation unveiled in front of Lviv City Hall to honour the title of European Youth Capital

In front of Lviv City Hall, the European Union flag was ceremoniously raised and a special installation, “Not easy, but move,” was unveiled to mark the city’s new title. Lviv, as the European Youth Capital, is dedicating this year to all the heroic youth who are defending our country and setting an example for Europe and the entire world.

The EU flag in front of Lviv City Hall honouring Lviv’s title as European Youth Capital was raised by tenth-grader Yustyna Duhina and eighth-grader Hordiy Kuzminskyy, accomplished youth leaders, winners of all-Ukrainian and international youth Olympiads, volunteers, and socially active individuals.

“It is an honour for me to be in this wonderful city. Earlier today, I attended the farewell ceremony for soldiers, young people who had died at the front. Sadly, too many young people are dying on the front lines today in the fight for this country’s future. Europe is with you. I know this is a very difficult period, but we see Ukraine’s future in the European Union, and nothing could be more symbolic than raising the EU flag to mark Lviv’s title as the European Youth Capital,” said EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernová.

According to Lviv Mayor Sadovyi, the raising of the flag and the unveiling of the sign are taking place without grand celebrations, as the city bids farewell to fallen heroes every day, most of whom are young people. Therefore, this status is a responsibility to honour the struggle of those who have laid down their lives.

“This year, we have set ourselves numerous tasks. This year, we must share this status with all the cities of Ukraine. We must be useful to those cities that are struggling today. We are extremely grateful to all our partners and the government, without whom this would have been impossible. May this year be a year of great opportunities for development and creativity, so that we can show the whole world our strength and our capability. Lviv is the European Youth Capital, and our city is leading Ukraine into the European Union,” said Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi.

A special installation was also erected in front of City Hall. It symbolises a path that is not always easy but is always worth moving forward. A brutalist-style concrete base embodies the challenges Ukraine faces today, yet through the stone and concrete breaks the main message of the European Youth Capital: ‘Not easy, but move.’ The metal frame is a portal to the future, to a new year, new opportunities, and bold changes for those making history.

“Today, we raised the European Union flag as a key step of Lviv’s year as the European Youth Capital. And today, we unveiled a symbolic sign bearing our motto – ‘Not easy, but move.’

This year is dedicated to all the heroic youth who are defending, have defended, and will defend our country. This heroic youth sets an example for all of Europe and the entire world. This is a special year in which we celebrate heroic youth, create new grant opportunities, and new spaces. This is what we are doing, and for whom we are doing it,” emphasised Andriy Moskalenko, the First Deputy Mayor of Lviv.

Throughout this year, Lviv will erect several different signs in honour of the Youth Capital, which will migrate around the city. Now, in Rynok Square, those interested can approach, take photos, learn more about the programme, and, most importantly, participate.

Also today, the European Commission is holding a youth forum on opportunities for young people, where attendees can learn more about career opportunities, project creation, and start-ups.