Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has been facing Russian invasion. In addition to the military and financial aid that arrives from all over the world, European and Ukrainian civil societies are working hand in hand to help the populations in distress. In this episode of The Grassroots View, we invited some of their representatives to tell us their stories.

Elena Calistru, member of the European Economic and Social 
Committee, explains how and why many Romanian citizens help fleeing Ukrainian refugees find shelter and food. She also talks about the role of the EESC which, by using the power of its network, manages to quickly set up mechanisms to help the weakest.

Marta Barandiy, founder of the NGO Promote Ukraine, based in Brussels and Kyiv, gives us a Ukrainian perspective on the situation. She tells us how her work changed when the war broke out, how the role of civil society is crucial, and how the Ukrainian people will never give up in the face of an invader.

Finally, Bartosz Wieliński, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Gazeta Wyborcza, tells about the impact of the war in Poland and how the Polish people adopt a new view on the phenomenon of refugees. For example, he explains how the school system welcomes and
helps young Ukrainians.

17. Civil societies hand in hand against barbarism

The EU and the African continent share interests and concerns: a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery, the green transition and the access to energy, the digital transformation, human development, peace and good governance or even migration and mobility. That’s why a frank and ongoing dialogue between civil society stakeholders from both sides is so important. In this episode of The Grassroots View, we have invited some of their representatives to tell us their stories.

Dimitris Dimitriadis, President of the external relations section of the EESC, explains how the Committee maintains close relations with its African counterparts and how it helps promoting European values to the world. He also talks about the growing influence of China and Russia on the African continent, and how important it is that the EU doesn't lose its presence there.

Ben Fox, Editor at EURACTIV and Africa Confidential, helps us understanding the state of civil society across Africa. He also explains how the EU can compete with other players and where its added value is.

Rose Omamo represents the metal workers in Kenya, and is the first woman to lead the union in its history. She describes how Kenyan civil society acts as the watchdog to the government and what the opportunities are for both sides of a collaboration with the European civil society.

18. Europe and Africa: a common response to common challenges

With 57 being the average age of a farmer in the EU, and alarmingly few young people attracted to farming - even fewer of them young women - the European Commission’s directorate-general for agriculture and rural development (DG AGRI) is investing in reversing this reality through generational renewal. 

Improving the quality of life in rural areas and assisting young farmers to launch or expand their activities are at the heart of DG AGRI’s efforts, which recognise that Europe’s food security, social cohesion and even its historic character will disappear without the presence and commitment of young people.

During the recent European Youth Week kick-off event in Brussels, DG AGRI held a breakout session for young farmers, rural activists and twentysomethings interested in a life on the land. The purpose of the session was to learn more about these young people’s aspirations, concerns and perspectives, to better tailor policy in favour of generational renewal. 

Our 43rd episode of Food for Europe travels to Ireland and Spain to meet two young people living in rural areas, and to follow them to Brussels as they contribute to the European Youth Week event. We hear also from DG AGRI Haude Blanc, who hails herself from a tiny village in southern France, about the challenges and opportunities of generational renewal in the countryside.

43. Generational renewal in Europe’s countryside

Have you ever wondered how food in Europe is produced or where it comes from? ‘Food for Europe’ brings you stories, analysis, and in-depth interviews on agriculture, rural development, and the developments that are transforming the way we shop, eat and cultivate our precious, scattered farmland. 

Brought to you by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, the podcast will shed light on the most important European policies for food and agriculture and discuss the ambitions to become a greener and more sustainable Europe.
© European Union, 2021

43. Generational renewal in Europe’s countryside

Food for Europe

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