For Erato Markantoni, a medical student from Cyprus and patient advocate, the youth dialogue was a chance to highlight the importance of inclusive preparedness strategies. She believes that preparedness should not just be about policies but about making sure everyone, especially those with chronic illnesses, are considered when decisions are made.
Clear communication and collaboration across sectors are key to creating effective disaster response policies that leave no one behind. By joining the EU Youth Policy Dialogue on Preparedness, she aimed to emphasise the need for healthcare and crisis planning to work together.
The opportunity to engage in a direct dialogue with Commissioner Hadja Lahbib was truly unmissable. Young people must voice their ideas, concerns, and expectations to ensure they are acknowledged in policymaking.
A healthcare perspective on preparedness
Erato’s background in medicine gives her a different perspective on disaster response. While most discussions focus on large-scale actions, she pointed out that preparedness must also consider the everyday challenges of people with health conditions.
“One important lesson was that clear communication and teamwork are essential. Preparedness must bring together experts from different fields to make sure no one is left out.’
She explained that even though there are policies in place, they are not always practical. Many people with chronic illnesses struggle to get the care they need during emergencies. Medicine shortages, hospital access, and even safe places to stay can become major problems.
For Erato, young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they have valuable ideas today. She believes that youth involvement makes crisis planning more creative, inclusive, and connected to real needs.
We are the next generation of leaders, policymakers, and advocates, but our contributions are needed now. By engaging with youth, decision-makers gain innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of the challenges we face, particularly in times of crisis.
She also stressed that young people bring digital skills and community connections that can make crisis response faster and better. Working together with experienced policymakers can lead to long-term improvements.
The biggest challenges
One of the biggest issues in crisis preparedness, according to Erato, is making sure healthcare services continue during emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how easily health systems can be disrupted, leaving people without important treatments.
“In the future, we need to make sure people can still access care. Telemedicine and better planning for healthcare services should be a priority.”
She also pointed out that patient organisations and health authorities need to work more closely together. During emergencies, people often turn to these organisations for help, but without proper coordination, information can be unclear or inconsistent.
“Stronger partnerships will make sure people get the right information when they need it most.”
Disasters and conflict and are not abstract threats; they are real, ongoing crises that can affect anyone, anywhere. This reinforced my belief that solidarity, collaboration, and proactive policy measures are essential in building a more resilient and prepared society.
A lasting impression
One moment from the Youth Policy Dialogue that stood out to Erato was a visit to the House of European History. Commissioner Lahbib showed the participants an exhibit with a car door covered in bullet holes from Ukraine.
For Erato, the discussion is just the beginning. As the EU works on new strategies for disaster preparedness, she remains committed to making sure healthcare is always part of the plan—so that no one is forgotten in times of crisis.