How do European green deal and digital initiatives ensure environmental equity, so that everyone benefits equally from the green transition?
Ensuring environmental equity requires recognising that young people start from very different positions across Europe. Access to digital infrastructure, green education and decision-making spaces is not equal everywhere. European initiatives must therefore go beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and intentionally support regions and communities with fewer resources.
This means investing in digital literacy, supporting youth initiatives and creating platforms where young people from rural or less-developed areas can be heard just like those from more advantaged regions. Environmental equity also means acknowledging local realities and allowing young people to shape solutions that are relevant to their own communities. Only then can the green transition be both sustainable and fair.
Serbia faces the challenge of balancing development and environmental protection. How can youth engagement and digital tools support more sustainable use of natural resources?
Serbia’s natural resources represent both an opportunity for development and a responsibility to protect ecosystems and local communities. Youth engagement is crucial in navigating this balance, as young people often bring fresh perspectives and strong environmental awareness.
Digital tools can play a key role by improving transparency, environmental monitoring, and public participation. When young people have access to data, digital platforms and European networks, they are better equipped to understand the impacts of resource use and advocate for sustainable practices. This does not mean opposing development, but rather shaping it in a way that aligns economic growth with environmental responsibility and European sustainability values.
Why is it important that young people are actively involved in shaping environmental and digital policies, rather than only being their end users?
Young people are the ones who will live with the consequences of today’s environmental decisions, which is why their involvement must go beyond consultation. When youth are treated as partners rather than passive beneficiaries, policies become more forward-looking, innovative and socially grounded.
From my perspective, youth participation also creates a sense of responsibility and ownership. When young people help shape solutions, they are more likely to protect them and push for meaningful change within their own communities.
What does a truly sustainable and fair green future for Europe look like?
A truly sustainable and fair green future for Europe is one where environmental protection, social justice and economic development are not treated as competing priorities. It means recognising differences between regions, listening to local communities and ensuring that progress in one part of Europe does not come at the expense of another.
For me, sustainability also means thinking ahead, investing in education, youth participation and digital tools that empower people. Europe’s green future should be inclusive, transparent and built on cooperation, where countries like Serbia are seen not just as participants, but as equal partners contributing knowledge, resources and perspectives.
