Voting with Your Life (Episode 1)

Última actualización Lunes, 14/07/2025

Across Europe, political and social changes are starting to shape everyday life.

Movements driven by intolerance, division, and authoritarian ideas are no longer on the edges – they are influencing laws, institutions, and public conversations.

For many people, these changes are personal. They affect basic freedoms, safety, and the ability to imagine a future at home. Some have already chosen to leave their countries; others are wondering if they should.

This project shares the stories of people living through these shifts. Through honest, personal conversations, we explore how growing pressure – political, economic, cultural, and social –is changing communities, identities, and the feeling of belonging across Europe.

Friederike Kroeger & Guilherme Alexandre Jorge (Lexi) speak with Yauhen, a Belarusian national who moved to Lithuania in 2020 after the presidential elections. 

Young Journalists in Europe - Meet the authors

Friederike Kroeger

“I have always loved books, poetry, and languages. Over time, I started writing my own stories and became curious about exploring and uncovering new things. Now, I am studying journalism, where I can combine my passion for storytelling with my love for discovery. I enjoy travelling and always have a book with me wherever I go.”

Guilherme Alexandre Jorge (Lexi)

“You can call me Lexi. I'm navigating Law, Consulting, Journalism and Politics. When not promoting a European Federation or participating in Erasmus+ projects, I may be found reading, working out, writing poetry or making dad jokes. And I'm a swiftie. I like to write about things I believe we can fix together. And together we can fix almost everything.”

This article reflects the views of the authors only. The European Commission and Eurodesk cannot be held responsible for it.