Europe is undergoing a period of upheaval. War has returned to the continent, economic and technological competition is intensifying, and the question of Europe’s future is more pressing than ever. These developments affect young people in particular, but their voices are not always heard in political discourse and decision-making.
For this reason, The Ulkopolitist and Eurooppanuoret organized a writing contest in the fall of 2026 on the theme of “Europe and European Identity” for young people aged 14–19.
Participants were asked to consider the topic from a broad perspective and to share their personal experiences as well. The competition received numerous excellent entries that addressed topics such as the importance of peace and security, European identity, experiences of exclusion, racism, and Europe’s position amid great-power competition and technological development. The winners of the contest were selected by a panel of judges from The Ulkopolitist.
The contest was won by Vivian Castrén, who reminded readers in her essay that peace, security, and a diverse Europe cannot be taken for granted, but must be appreciated and defended amid growing polarization. Lily Fu took second place in the contest; she reflected on nostalgia for Europe and experiences of exclusion, and challenged readers to ask who exactly is included in the phrase “our continent.” Greta Lindroos, who placed third, wrote that being European is not merely a place on the map, but a conscious decision to defend peace, democracy, and cooperation even in the most difficult times.
Several honorable mentions were also awarded in the competition. The texts of the honorable mention recipients will be published in The Ulkopolitist on November 10. The Ulkopolitist and Eurooppanuoret warmly congratulate the winners and thank everyone who participated in the competition!
