A nome dei Giovani del Partito Democratico Europeo, e in qualità di Vicepresidente e Portavoce, desidero rivolgere a Pina Picierno il nostro più caloroso benvenuto e le nostre più sincere congratulazioni per il suo ingresso nella famiglia democratica europea.
Per noi non si tratta semplicemente di una nuova adesione politica. È il ritorno a casa di una delle voci più autorevoli, coraggiose e autenticamente europeiste del nostro tempo.
Le parole con cui la Vicepresidente del Parlamento europeo ha spiegato la sua scelta raccontano perfettamente la sfida che il riformismo è chiamato ad affrontare oggi:
“Il riformismo non nasce per custodire una comunità. Nasce per misurarsi con la realtà, soprattutto quando la realtà si presenta in forme nuove, scomode e persino inquietanti.”
È una sfida che sentiamo profondamente nostra.
Viviamo un’epoca in cui il progetto europeo è chiamato a dimostrare tutta la sua forza. La guerra è tornata nel nostro continente. Le autocrazie mettono in discussione la libertà, la democrazia e lo stato di diritto. L’intelligenza artificiale e le grandi trasformazioni tecnologiche stanno cambiando il lavoro, l’economia e il modo stesso in cui le nostre società si organizzano.
Di fronte a tutto questo, il riformismo europeo non può limitarsi a difendere ciò che esiste. Deve avere il coraggio di immaginare ciò che ancora non esiste.
Per noi giovani europei, il sogno di Ventotene non è un capitolo del passato. È una responsabilità del presente. Oggi quel sogno non vive soltanto nei palazzi di Bruxelles, Strasburgo o Lussemburgo. Vive anche a Kyiv.
Vive nelle donne e negli uomini ucraini che ogni giorno combattono e resistono per la libertà, per la democrazia e per quei valori europei che troppo spesso diamo per scontati. Vive in chi continua a credere che l’Europa non sia soltanto un mercato o un’istituzione, ma una comunità di destino fondata sulla pace, sulla libertà e sulla dignità della persona.
Come Giovani European Democrats crediamo in un’Europa che sia una vera casa comune per tutti i suoi cittadini. Un’Europa che offra alle nuove generazioni opportunità fondate sul merito, sull’inclusione e sulla mobilità sociale. Un’Europa che investa nella conoscenza, nell’innovazione, nella ricerca e nella produttività. Un’Europa capace di guidare la transizione ecologica trasformandola in crescita, competitività e sviluppo, non in declino o paura del futuro.
Siamo orgogliosi che Pina Picierno abbia scelto di portare il proprio impegno nella famiglia politica più europeista del Parlamento europeo. Una comunità che ha fatto del federalismo, dell’integrazione europea, della difesa dell’Ucraina, dello stato di diritto e della democrazia liberale le proprie battaglie fondative.
In queste ore desideriamo inoltre esprimere a Pina la nostra più sincera solidarietà per gli attacchi personali e politici che ha subito. La sua difesa della comunità ebraica europea e del diritto di Israele a esistere in sicurezza non è mai stata incompatibile con una critica ferma e rigorosa alle scelte dell’attuale governo israeliano. Al contrario, rappresenta l’espressione più autentica di quei valori democratici che rifiutano ogni estremismo e ogni forma di odio.
Allo stesso modo, condividiamo il suo appello affinché l’Europa sia protagonista di un’azione politica e diplomatica più forte per la tutela della popolazione civile palestinese e per la costruzione di una pace giusta e duratura nella regione.

Pina Picierno ha dimostrato in questi anni coraggio, indipendenza e coerenza. Valori che oggi sono più necessari che mai.
Per questo siamo felici di dirle: bentornata a casa.
Siamo pronti a lavorare insieme, nelle istituzioni europee come in Italia, per costruire un’Europa più forte, più giusta e più unita. Un’Europa che non abbia paura di difendere i propri valori e che continui a essere un faro di libertà nel mondo.
Il sogno europeo ha bisogno di donne e uomini che abbiano il coraggio di crederci. Pina Picierno è una di loro.
Vicepresidente e Portavoce dei Young Democrats for Europe Matteo Brizzi

On behalf of the Young Democrats for Europe, the youth organisation of the European Democratic Party, and in my capacity as Vice President, Spokesperson and Italian coordinator, I would like to extend our warmest welcome and heartfelt congratulations to Pina Picierno as she joins the European Democratic family.
For us, this is not simply a political affiliation. It is a homecoming.
A homecoming for one of the strongest, most courageous and most genuinely European voices of our generation.
The words with which the Vicepresident of the European Parliament explained her choice capture the challenge facing reformists today:
“Reformism was not born to preserve a community. It was born to confront reality, especially when reality appears in new, uncomfortable and even unsettling forms.”
This is our challenge too.
We are living through a defining moment for Europe. War has returned to our continent. Authoritarian regimes challenge freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Artificial intelligence and technological transformation are reshaping work, production and the very structure of our societies.
At times like these, reformism cannot simply defend what already exists. It must dare to imagine what does not yet exist.
For us, as young Europeans, the dream of Ventotene is not a memory. It is a mission.
Today, that dream lives not only in Brussels, Strasbourg or Luxembourg. It also lives in Kyiv.
It lives in the courage of the Ukrainian people who continue to fight for freedom, democracy and the European values that unite us. It lives in all those who believe that Europe is more than a market, more than institutions, more than treaties. Europe is a shared destiny built on peace, freedom and human dignity.
As Young European Democrats, we believe in a Europe that is a true common home for all its citizens. A Europe where young people can build their future through merit, inclusion and opportunity. A Europe that invests in knowledge, innovation, research and productivity. A Europe capable of turning the green transition into growth, competitiveness and prosperity.
We are proud that Pina Picierno has chosen to bring her commitment and leadership to the most pro-European political family in the European Parliament. A political family
that has consistently stood for European integration, federalism, support for Ukraine, the rule of law and the defence of liberal democracy.
We also want to express our full solidarity with Pina following the unacceptable personal and political attacks she has faced in recent days. Her support for the European Jewish community and for Israel’s right to exist and live in security has never meant uncritical support for the actions of the current Israeli government. On the contrary, it reflects a principled commitment to democratic values, human rights and peace.
Likewise, we share her call for Europe to take a stronger diplomatic and political role in protecting Palestinian civilians and advancing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Throughout her political career, Pina Picierno has shown courage, independence and consistency. These are qualities Europe desperately needs today.
That is why we are proud to say: welcome home, Pina.
We look forward to working alongside her, both in Europe and in Italy, to build a stronger, fairer and more united Europe. An Europe that is not afraid to defend its values and its place in the world.
The European dream has always moved forward thanks to those who had the courage to believe in it.
Pina Picierno is one of them.
Matteo Brizzi Vice President and Spokesperson, Young European Democrats

Four years after Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, our message is clear: our solidarity has not weakened — it has grown stronger.

Ukrainian youth have sacrificed their studies, their careers, their safety and, for many, their lives to defend the very foundations of Europe: independence, freedom, democracy and the rule of law. They are not only fighting for their homeland. They are fighting for the future of Europe itself.

We must never allow fatigue to replace commitment. We must never allow distance to dilute responsibility.

Today, as Young Democrats for Europe, we send our unwavering support to:
• the young women and men defending their country on the frontlines,
• the students whose universities have been destroyed,
• and especially the children and young people unlawfully deported to Russia or to occupied territories.

Their courage is extraordinary. Their suffering is real. Their cause is just.

Ukraine’s youth are paying the price for Europe’s freedom.
We owe them more than words — we owe them steadfast support, action and remembrance.

We stand with you. Today. Tomorrow. For as long as it takes.”

— Young Democrats for Europe (YDE)

The Young Democrats for Europe deliberately chose to wait before issuing this statement, and to do so in English, allowing ourselves the necessary time to better understand the evolving situation and to reflect with clarity and responsibility. In a society that often demands a tweet or an instant reaction mere minutes after events unfold, we believe that the complexity of geopolitics requires pause, judgment, and thoughtful consideration—especially when addressing young people and future generations.

Our foremost hope is that the current situation in Venezuela will be resolved in a way that serves, above all, the interests of Venezuelan citizens. In particular, we think of the younger generations: young Venezuelans who deserve to live in a country that offers real opportunities, democratic institutions, freedom, and dignity.

While few will mourn the political departure of Nicolás Maduro given the profound damage his rule has inflicted on Venezuelan society and democratic life, it is nevertheless impossible to be satisfied with the manner in which recent events have unfolded. In politics—Politics with a capital “P”—form is substance. Methods matter. If the world’s largest democracy finds itself resorting to such actions, this raises serious concerns for international law and for a global order based on shared rules, legality, and multilateralism.

The erosion of respect for international law, regardless of the actors involved or the individuals targeted, represents a dangerous precedent. A rules-based international system cannot be defended selectively; it must be upheld consistently if it is to retain legitimacy and credibility.

We therefore conclude with a clear appeal to the European Union. Europe must speak with one voice and assume a coherent, authoritative position in foreign policy. Only a united Europe can effectively defend democracy, international law, and multilateral cooperation on the global stage. This is precisely why we continue to believe that the future lies in the creation of a true political union: the United States of Europe.

Only then can Europe be a principled, credible, and independent actor in shaping a just international order.

Matteo Brizzi, YDE Spokesperson

Giving a voice to youth: for a stronger European democracy

Europe is our heritage and our future. Yet, faced with the challenges ahead, a growing gap separates young people from the political world. This disconnection is not due to a lack of engagement, but rather to a sense of powerlessness and a perception of institutions far removed from our concerns. As Young Democrats for Europe, we believe it is our duty to bridge this gap, drawing on our values of freedom, enthusiasm, and generosity.

Criticisms of the political class

Despite the rhetoric of inclusion, the current political class struggles to meaningfully integrate young people. The main criticisms that can be made are as follows:

1. Chronic underrepresentation: the presence of young people under 35 in the European Parliament and national parliaments is remarkably low. This generational imbalance prevents the full consideration of the opportunities and challenges facing our generation, whether in terms of climate, housing, employment, or social rights.

2. Lack of genuine dialogue: young people are often perceived as a subject of study or an electoral target, rather than a full partner. Consultations are often superficial, and final decisions do not always reflect the proposals put forward by young people.

3. A misunderstanding of modes of engagement: the current political class tends to value only traditional forms of engagement (parties, elections), while ignoring or minimizing the importance of civil society activism, online activism or citizen movements.

4. Short-term policies: political decisions are often focused on immediate electoral gains, without considering the long-term consequences for future generations.

Our ways to strengthen youth participation in politics

For a truly representative and engaged democracy, it is crucial to consider youth engagement in the broadest sense. Here are concrete solutions to strengthen youth participation in politics:

1. Strengthen civic education: integration of school programs that explain in a concrete and interactive way how democracies and European institutions work.

2. Establishment of digital platforms for dialogue: creation of online tools so that young people can participate in debates and public consultations in a simple and accessible way

3. Ensuring diverse representation: ensuring that bodies like the European Commission’s Youth Advisory Board include not only national youth councils, but also international non-governmental youth organizations (INGYOs).

4. Supporting civic activism: providing more funding to youth associations and citizen movements so they can develop their activities.

5. Adoption of the “Youth Check”: evaluation of the impact of all public policies on young people under 35 before their adoption.

6. Simplify access to information: make political documents and party programs more understandable and accessible to all.

7. Promotion of mentors and role models: highlighting young leaders who are successfully engaging in politics and civil society to inspire other young people.

8. Lowering the voting age: consider lowering the age of political majority for local, national or European elections, to give citizens an earlier say in decisions that affect them.

Europe’s youth is a force of creativity and optimism. It’s up to us to show that politics can be a place of solutions, dialogue, and progress. By investing in youth participation, we’re not just strengthening democracy, we’re building Europe’s future