Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!
European leaders and citizens have congratulated the people of Ukraine on their Independence Day, saying that Ukrainians inspire them and deserve respect for their unity and courage: «Europe stands firmly behind you. Our future is together.»
Charles Michel: European Council to discuss the possibility of opening negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU
European integration lessons for Ukraine
While the effectiveness of reforms and progress towards European integration are linked, Ukraine needs to manage post-war recovery in parallel. The main challenge will be to combine efforts in these three processes, but the unity the whole country has shown in response to the Russian aggression may make this task easier.
The essential prerequisite is a majority consensus and unanimity to carry out reforms, to move towards a European society, and to recognise and understand the need for all these changes.
ECONOMY, FINANCE, BUSINESS
EU redirects funds to Ukraine and Moldova
The European Commission has decided to redirect €135 million from the EU’s Neighbourhood, Development and International Co-operation Instrument, originally planned for 2021–2027 Interreg NEXT programmes with Russia and Belarus, to Interreg programmes with Ukraine and Moldova.
The European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: «The decision… is the result of the brutal war of Russia against Ukraine. This will help strengthen collaboration between EU regions and local stakeholders with Ukrainian and Moldovan partners.»
The goal is 50 million light bulbs. Let’s save even more light together!
On 18 August, the next stage of the all-Ukrainian programme to exchange incandescent light bulbs with energy- saving LED lamps, implemented by the Government of Ukraine and the EU, began. Since the launch of the programme, more than 4 million Ukrainians have taken advantage of the free exchange. In June this year, legal entities in the medical and educational sectors were able to join the programme. Now, it is the turn of cultural and sports institutions, housing associations, social protection services, and specialised support services for victims of domestic and gender-based violence.
HUMANITARIAN POLICY AND
SOCIAL SUPPORT
Preserving cultural heritage: a new public initiative in the EU
The European Commission has registered a new European Citizens’ Initiative calling for proposals for legislation to integrate Ukrainian asylum seekers in the EU and preserve Ukrainian cultural heritage. It also proposes the creation of a network of integration centres across Europe. For the initiative to be considered by the European Commission, it must gather 1 million votes from 7 different EU member states within a year.
Protecting the defenders: How to help veterans return to peaceful life
The Central Project Management Agency (as part of the EU-funded EU4Youth Phase III: Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Programme) conducted a survey, ‘Returning from the War!’, on the problems of young veterans and ex-combatants in Ukraine. The survey found that Ukrainian veterans face significant difficulties with reintegrating into civilian life. Read the story to find out how these problems can be overcome.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
Strengthening food security
U-LEAD with Europe, together with the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, organised an information session for community representatives on food security and ways to improve it in communities. The algorithm of actions developed by the U-LEAD with Europe team is the basis for the training of relevant specialists who will be responsible for creating communal pastures, greenhouses, etc. The urgent task is to create a platform for constructive communication between communities, state authorities and international organisations.
EDUCATION, SCIENCE, CULTURE
Digital ecosystem to be created in Ukrainian universities
Through a dedicated window for Ukraine, the European Commission has supported the creation of a unique structural digital ecosystem project in 59 Ukrainian universities.
In addition, universities and other relevant organisations from Ukraine continue to receive funding under the EU’s Erasmus+ Programme to build capacity in higher education. Among the 159 projects selected this year, Ukraine has the largest representation in the Eastern Partnership region, and is among the top eight countries participating in the programme.
EU supports development of modern vocational education and training in Ukraine
The European Investment Bank and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine have signed an agreement to implement the Vocational Education and Training Support Programme in Ukraine with an EU grant of €8.5 million. It complements a €58 million EIB loan agreement from 2021 to finance the construction, reconstruction, and upgrading of existing vocational education and training (VET) facilities and encourage young people’s interest in VET.
Culture as a defence and a weapon
At the forum ‘Cultural Restoration: Regional Dimension’ at the Korsaks’ Museum of Ukrainian Modern Art, representatives of cultural departments, officials, cultural figures and activists discussed ways to develop culture and its real role in life: «Who was killed by the Moscow enemy? Those who knew how to lead, who were leaders, who developed their talent. Such people were shot so that there would be no culture and no nation. Because a nation is a culture. Without history and culture, there is no nation».
Supporting, protecting and restoring Ukrainian culture
In response to the Russian attacks on Odesa, which have had a catastrophic impact on the city’s rich cultural heritage, ALIPH and its local partners (with funding from the European Union) are already providing direct emergency assistance to cultural institutions to help stabilise and preserve those affected by the recent bombing. This work is being carried out by one of ALIPH’s long-standing partners in Ukraine, the local NGO ‘Museum of Change’.