Vinnytsya hosts next #TogetherWeActFest

#TogetherWeActFest – Vinnytsya is organised by the European Union Delegation to Ukraine in partnership withall-Ukrainian CSO “Association of Participants, Veterans, and Disabled People of the ATO and Combat Actions” (SUVIATO) to celebrate Europe Days in Ukraine as part of the Communication Campaign on EU support for civil society and independent media in Ukraine “Together We Act. Together We Are Europe”.

In the Vinnytsya Oblast, 60 sub-grant projects in the civil sector are currently being implemented with EU support. Today, 56 grant and 1,877 sub-grant EU projects are active in Ukraine, with assistance to CSOs surpassing €104 million.

#TogetherWeActFest – Vinnytsya opening ceremony on the European Square was attended by the officials of the European Union Delegation to Ukraine, local authorities, activists of civil society organisations, and media of the Vinnytsya Oblast.

The key event of the #TogetherWeActFest – Vinnytsya was the panel discussion “EU and Ukraine: Partnership, Support, and Future.” Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale war, the EU has promptly adopted several decisions to finance and reformat the activities of Ukrainian civil society organisations (CSOs). This shift in priorities has enabled CSOs to persevere through challenging circumstances, establish themselves, mobilise resources, and ultimately expand their operations. Participants in the panel discussion evaluated the impact of EU aid at the regional level and the new opportunities that the European Union offers the civil sector.

The festival venue located at the European Square in Vinnytsya featured an information booth of the EU Delegation to Ukraine and the Alley of Civil Society Organisations “Solidarity”.

Guests of the festival had the opportunity to visit thematic interactive zones, photo and lounge areas, and participate in public discussions on the role of civil society and media in reforming Ukraine and advancing its European integration. Attendees watched presentations, participated in workshops and psycho-inducement exercises for children and adults, and competed for prizes in the “Together: Ukraine and the EU” quest.

A Street-talk “Public Podcast about the Important” on the topic of psychological support and rehabilitation for military personnel and their families was held for event attendees. Guests of the TogetherWeActFest also had an opportunity to explore the SUPPORT exhibition, which showcases civil society organisations that have received support from the European Union since the onset of the full-scale war. The exhibition opened in Vinnytsya on July 8 and will continue until July 22.

“The #TogetherWeActFest in Vinnytsya is yet another testament to the powerful partnership between the EU and Ukrainian civil society. By supporting over 60 sub-grant projects in the Vinnytsya Oblast alone, and investing more than €104 million across Ukraine, the EU is committed to fostering resilience, resourcefulness, and growth within the civil sector. This festival not only celebrates our shared values but also highlights the new opportunities the EU offers to Ukrainian civil society in these challenging times,” said Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

Olha Kharkina, Board Member of CSO SUVIATO:

“Our focus is on Ukrainian defenders, their families, and fostering collaboration among volunteers. We support our warriors both on the frontline and as they transition back to civilian life. It is in this critical moment that Ukrainians safeguard the freedom of Europe.

However, the conditions of martial law affect all of Ukrainian society. Therefore, we are deeply grateful for the EU’s timely support of our initiative to introduce a psycho-educational course. This project has resulted in the creation of an educational resource that addresses a vital question: how can individuals maintain resilience and effectiveness amidst the challenges of war?

Today, at this event, we have established a platform for open dialogue on issues that affect us all – emotional burnout, rehabilitation of soldiers, and support for families of the fallen. We firmly believe that our experience will benefit communities across Ukraine, and we are ready to share it. We also extend our gratitude to the EU Delegation for the opportunity to be a regional partner of the #TogetherWeActFest – Vinnytsya. Thanks to this event, more people have become aware of the opportunities the EU offers the public sector and will be able to join our collective efforts, because we must act together!”

Background info

#TogetherWeActFest – Vinnytsya continued a series of regional events as part of the Together We Act. Together We Are Europe communication campaign, implemented by the European Union Delegation to Ukraine. The campaign aims to inform Ukrainians about the EU’s unprecedented and unwavering support for Ukraine, particularly for civil society organisations (CSOs) and independent media since the onset of the full-scale war. This assistance has enabled CSOs and media to protect human rights, advocate for vulnerable groups, enhance public oversight and accountability of government bodies, and facilitate the implementation of reforms. The campaign’s first major public event, #TogetherWeAct Fest, took place in Kyiv on May 25 and attracted over 3,000 attendees. The second event was hosted by Khmelnytskiy on June 22, and Rivne hosted the festival on June 30. The final event of the #TogetherWeActFest will take place in Poltava on July 27.

The Together We Act. Together We Are Europe communication campaign showcases the European Union’s support for civil society and independent media. Running from May to July 2024 across the entire territory of Ukraine, except for occupied territories and combat zones, the campaign features informational and educational events, interactive sessions, discussions, and seminars involving CSOs, the public, and media representatives. Press tours and media meetings are also planned as part of the campaign.

Informational partner of the campaign – Suspilne.

Join the communication campaign “Together We Act. Together We Are Europe” and follow its events on the official website or follow the pages of the EU Delegation to Ukraine on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X.

Contacts:

Tetiana Voronina, media expert, EU Project Communicating EU for Ukrainians (CEU4U), which is being implemented by Ecorys, tvoronina9@gmail.com, +38 067 501 11 83