EU Ambassador to Ukraine visits Zhytomyr accompanied by Young European Ambassador

Young European Ambassador Kateryna Lysenko had the unique opportunity to accompany the Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová, during her official visit to Zhytomyr on 6 May.

Throughout the day, the delegation visited several projects transforming Ukrainian communities in the midst of wartime challenges. The projects are implemented with the support of the European Union and international partners.

One of the first stops included energy-efficient buildings renovated through the Energy Efficiency Fund with the support of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group and the largest global development institution, and GIZ, the German development agency.

The programme also marked the 30th anniversary of the Zhytomyr Euroclub, which for decades has promoted European values, youth engagement, and intercultural dialogue among Ukrainian students and young people. The event celebrated at the Zhytomyr Philharmonic brought together some 400 people. It highlighted the important role of youth in Ukraine’s European future and recognised young leaders who actively contribute to strengthening ties between Ukraine and the EU.

Another part of the visit was a lunch at a recently renovated school canteen modernised within the national school nutrition reform. The project was implemented with integrity monitoring support from the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI), ensuring transparency throughout all stages of procurement and construction. During the meeting, local authorities also presented the achievements of the Integrity City project, which aims to strengthen accountability, transparency, and public trust in local governance.

The day concluded with a visit to the Polissia Digital Innovation Hub (Polidih), co-funded by the EU Digital Europe Programme. The delegation explored how digital technologies and innovative solutions are helping Ukrainian cities and hromadas improve public services, strategic planning, and community development. The visit also included the Museum of Astronomy and the EU Information Centre.

For Kateryna Lysenko, accompanying EU Ambassador Katarína Mathernová during the visit to Zhytomyr was an inspiring opportunity. “Throughout the day, I had the chance to witness real diplomacy and the practical impact of EU support in Ukrainian communities. This visit became a powerful reminder that Ukrainian youth are an essential part of Ukraine’s European future, and it motivated me even more to continue contributing to this path,” Kateryna said after the visit.

The Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) initiative brings together socially engaged youth from the six Eastern Partner countries, the European Union and the United Kingdom to foster dialogue and to raise awareness about the EU and its cooperation with its Eastern partner countries.