Mikuláš Lakatoš is Young European of the Year 2023

As the country’s youngest public servant and policy specialist, Mikuláš Lakatoš is part of the Slovakian government’s office for Roma communities. In this role, he is focusing on awareness towards the situation of Roma minorities, on youth policy making and public health policy development. He was one of the co-developers of the new national strategic framework for Roma inclusion. At the same time, Mikuláš is working for the biggest Slovakian humanitarian organization (Clovek v ohrozeni) where he is coordinating support for the most vulnerable groups within the country, including people who had to flee their homes due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Mikuláš would like to use the grant to improve the housing situation for Roma people in the Slovak Republic. “I am thankful to be awarded because this creates opportunities for the communities I am representing to be heard and visible. I am working for a European society that holds equal opportunities for everybody, enabling marginalised groups to contribute to and shape a common future”, the awardee states.

The jury is impressed by Mikuláš‘ tireless efforts to strengthen vulnerable groups: Tomáš Sacher, Executive Director of the Schwarzkopf Foundation states “Mikuláš courageously shapes the world around him and is a vivid and inspiring example for what young Europeans can achieve. His passionate and diverse involvement in the local community, but also in non-profit organizations and at governmental level is admirable.” Anahita Neghabat, member of the Jury and Young European of 2022, comments: “I voted for Mikuláš because he is a passionate and dedicated person, whose work revolves around community, care, and bettering the lives of those who are most marginalised and vulnerable.” Members of the Representation of the European Commission in Germany state “Mikuláš is highly committed to promoting social inclusion, be it for ethnic or sexual minorities or for refugees. In his fight for the equal treatment and the recognition of marginalised groups in his region he is a role model for the European youth, activists as well as public servants.”

Each Year the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe awards the Young European of the Year Award to young people between the ages of 18 and 26 who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to a peaceful, diverse and inclusive Europe. This year’s jury consists of Tomáš Sacher (Executive director of Schwarzkopf Foundation), Anahita Neghabat (Young European of 2022) and Alexandru Manda (Young European of 2021), and members of the Representation of the European Commission in Germany. More information on the award can be found here.