How the EU supports young peacebuilders from the South Caucasus

The European Union's Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda recognises this potential and supports initiatives such as the Armenia-Azerbaijan youth dialogues. For many of the participants taking part in this year's edition of the event, held in Germany, it was the first time they had met someone from the other side in person. Until then, the "other" had largely been known only through the language of conflict, shaped by media, education and inherited trauma.

" I grew up believing your fear was proof of my safety. But sitting here, I realise your worst memory is the same as mine. We were never each other's enemy - we were both children of the same war.

Participant, Armenia-Azerbaijan youth dialogue

Through facilitated discussions, shared activities and open conversation, participants began to move beyond limited perceptions and recognise one another as individuals with personal histories, families and experiences of loss. In a context where de-humanisation has been deeply embedded, such encounters can help challenge long-standing narratives and create space for empathy and mutual understanding.

These exchanges matter not only for those directly involved, but also for the communities to which participants return. Each young person who experiences this shift carries it back into classrooms, social circles and local networks, contributing in small but meaningful ways to breaking cycles of hostility and mistrust.

Developing a lasting commitment to peace

EU support for these projects includes opportunities beyond the youth dialogues. These include the Young European Ambassadors network, participation in peacebuilding projects, academic study in the field and study opportunities at institutions such as the College of Europe.

In the South Caucasus, where an entire generation has grown up knowing the other side primarily through the vocabulary of conflict, peacebuilding requires sustained and patient investment in people willing to engage across divides. It is not built through high-level declarations alone, but through long-term support for those prepared to undertake the difficult work of listening, understanding and building trust.

Peace is never guaranteed - it has to be built, deliberately, by people willing to cross the lines drawn for them. The European Union invested in me: through the Young European Ambassadors network, a number of peacebuilding projects, the study of peacebuilding, and ultimately a place at the College of Europe. Today I help other young people build the peace I once believed impossible.

Edvard Grigoryan, participant in the Armenia-Azerbaijan youth dialogues

European Union, 2026

This EU support helps young people affected by war to become part of a growing network of young peace advocates, equipped to encourage a deeper understanding of and promote alternatives to conflict. Find out more about how the EU engages with young people in different ways to allow them to become involved in EU foreign policy.

Europe as a reliable partner

Follow the link to learn more about Europe's Offer and discover stories reflecting the core principle of EU foreign policy: lasting stability is built through reliable partnerships.

European Union, 2026