Paula Andrea Lopez, who leads the World Youth Alliance (WYA), a global organization dedicated to promoting human dignity through education and public policy, shares insights on the challenges the organization faces in light of recent scrutiny by European Union agencies. Although WYA Europe has been involved in Erasmus+ programs successfully in the past, a surprising review was initiated in 2025. This review was not triggered by formal complaints regarding its project implementations or financial irregularities, but rather arose due to media reports and left-wing political pressures concerning the organization’s value positions on life and surrogacy.

Lopez, originally from Colombia and currently based in Spain, highlights that the recent review is concerning as it indicates a shift in how traditional values are perceived and can affect organizations that uphold them. She notes that the involvement in EU-funded projects had previously not faced significant challenges. The change, she suggests, is indicative of broader societal currents where varying views on moral and ethical issues are challenged, particularly in a EU framework that is expected to be inclusive of diverse perspectives.

As WYA continues its mission across various global platforms, such as New York, Brussels, and Manila, the organization advocates for open dialogue on human dignity while navigating the complexities of contemporary social and political landscapes. Lopez emphasizes the importance of sustaining their commitment amidst evolving political sentiments and reaffirms the need for true democracy which allows for pluralism in discussions surrounding life and surrogacy.