JEF Finland’s Board has chosen Ukrainian activist Stanislav Horzov as the recipient of the Young European of the Year award.
Every year on Europe Day, 9 May, JEF Finland honours a Young European of the Year – someone who bravely promotes European values and takes an active, constructive part in European civic discourse.
“Russia’s monstrous attack on Ukraine has deeply shaken us all. Ukrainians are bravely fighting for democracy and freedom against a cruel oppressive state. We greatly value Stanislav’s courageous and persistent activism for human rights and peace, and we want to thank him for his important work. Europe and the whole free world must stand firmly behind Ukraine”, comments JEF Finland’s President Risto Rajala.
Stanislav Horzov is a Ukrainian student and activist currently living in Finland. He has actively organised demonstrations outside the Russian Embassy and Consulate in Helsinki ever since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. The demonstrations are still ongoing, and new participants are warmly welcome to join.
“It’s a great honour to receive this award from JEF Finland. It’s hard to put into words how important this moment is. I do want to point out, though, that activism isn’t a solo effort, and I’m no exception. From the very start, I’ve met many wonderful and courageous people who feel compassion for Ukraine and its people’s struggle, and without them, I couldn’t have achieved even a fraction of what I have. They’re the people who join the demonstrations, spread information, provide signs and ideas, and help in times of need. If I could dedicate this award to anyone, I would give it to the brave people of Ukraine and to everyone who makes it possible for these demonstrations to continue, whatever country, nationality, religion, language, or culture they represent”, says the Young European of the Year.
The board of JEF Finland has chosen Ukrainian activist Stanislav Horzov as the recipient of the Young European of the Year award.
Every year on Europe Day, 9 May, JEF Finland rewards a young European who has worked to advance European values and has actively and constructively participated in European dialogue.
“Russia’s monstrous attack on Ukraine has deeply devastated us all. Ukrainians are bravely fighting for freedom and democracy against a cruel oppressor. We greatly appreciate Stanislav’s persistent and courageous activism for peace and human rights and wish to thank him for his important work. Europe and the whole free world must stand firm in support of Ukraine”, states President of JEF Finland Risto Rajala.
Stanislav Horzov is a Ukrainian student and activist, currently living in Finland. He has been participating in and organising demonstrations in front of the Russian Embassy and Consulate in Helsinki since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. The demonstrations are still ongoing.
“It is the greatest honour to receive an award from JEF Finland. For me it is hard to put into words how important this moment is. Nevertheless, I would like to mention that activism is not a one player game, and my case is no exception. Since the beginning, I have met many great and courageous people, who feel for what Ukraine and its people are fighting for, and without them I would not have been able to achieve even part of what has been done. They are people who stand at the protests, who spread information about us, who provide posters and brilliant ideas, and who help us in the most dire need. If I could dedicate this award personally to anyone, I would give it to the brave people of Ukraine and everyone who has supported the protests in carrying on, people of many countries, nationalities, religious beliefs, languages, and cultures.” states the Young European of the Year.