JEF Finland is awarding the Young European of the Year title in 2023 exceptionally to three people: Emil Kastehelmi, John Helin and Eerik Matero.
The award is given out every year on Europe Day, 9 May, to a person who boldly promotes European values and who takes an active, constructive part in European civic debate.
Kastehelmi’s, Helin’s, and Matero’s work on a live map tracking the war in Ukraine has promoted European values such as democracy and freedom of speech and of the press. Their map of the situation in Russia’s war of aggression has provided significant information to the general public and helped counter disinformation.
“Increasing awareness about the war also helps make sure the shocking situation in Ukraine isn’t forgotten. The trio’s work has demanded great dedication for over a year, and it has been highly visible and impactful. Each of them truly deserves this recognition, which is why it is exceptionally being awarded to three people”, comments JEF Finland’s President Amanda Alvesalo.
“We want to warmly thank JEF Finland for the Young European of the Year title on behalf of the whole team. A young expert’s work isn’t always easy, and it occasionally attracts scepticism that might be avoided if we had grey hair or deeper wrinkles, and recognition like this helps us believe in our own work. This recognition from JEF Finland instils confidence that Finland and Europe value the kind of even-handed knowledge production we strive for, which is a prerequisite for a stable, functioning civil society. That same civil society is also the complete antithesis of Putin’s Russia, and the foundation of European values”, comment Helin, Kastehelmi and Matero.
You can follow the map at: https://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/The-War-in-Ukraine/091194
Further information:
Amanda Alvesalo
President
+358 50 321 6600