EU4Business and Eurochambres propel Ukrainian entrepreneurs to global markets

Small and Medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, are often considered the backbone of the economy. In the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region, they comprise over 98% of businesses and employ 60% to 80% of the workforce. Developing a strong and sustainable SME sector is vital for economic recovery and growth.

Eurochambres, which is dedicated to empowering local chambers and business communities across the European Union and beyond, is intensifying its efforts through the EU4Business: Connecting Companies (EU4BCC) project.

Supported by the European Union’s EU4Business initiative, EU4BCC strives to foster sustainable economic development and job creation in EaP countries by nurturing the growth of SMEs. The project prioritises the bio-food, creative, textiles, tourism, and wine industries.

EU4Business and Eurochambres gain international recognition for Ukrainian filmmakers

Ukrainian film director Lana Shapoval was documenting a shelter for the children of Ukrainian military doctors in Portugal. But she soon found out this was no ordinary refuge – it was funded by a Russian-operated business, and the children were being exposed to Russian propaganda news. Together with her producer Hanna Burdina, Lana launched an investigation into the Russian government’s ties with international businesses.

The result was an award-winning Ukrainian documentary film – “Quiet War.”

“The documentary ‘Quiet War’ demonstrates that the impact of the war and its ‘front line’ extend beyond Ukraine,” says Burdina. “Everyone in the EU has to decide which side they support.”

While Burdina has now stepped away from the project, Shapoval continues to explore the war’s impact on European countries, the United States and Canada as part of her personal journey as a Ukrainian refugee.

Given the film’s central theme, the filmmakers believed it was essential to gain international exposure. Fortunately, the EU4BCC project was able to provide them with the perfect opportunity.

In spring 2024, Burdina, together with a group of 28 film industry representatives from Ukraine and other EU Eastern Partnership countries, participated in the Work in Progress pitching session of the 15th Kino Pavasaris independent film festival, a renowned event held annually in Vilnius, Lithuania.

At the event, “Quiet War” won three awards – The No Problemo Music Licensing Award, the Marche du Film (2 x MDF / Producers Network Badge), and the Ji.hlava New Visions Award.

The week-long SME Tour to Meeting Point – Vilnius, organized by the EU4BCC project, immersed its participants in the global film industry. It showcased cutting-edge independent cinema and offered opportunities for creativity, networking, collaboration, and market expansion. Attendees engaged in B2B matchmaking sessions, interacted with key stakeholders, and explored potential collaborations.

Most participants engaged in the Talents Point program. It is designed for young talents seeking career advancement and featured diverse workshops, masterclasses, work-in-progress sessions, and previews of upcoming projects. Participants also benefited from personalized guidance, including one-on-one meetings to foster connections.

Meeting Point Vilnius went far beyond networking. It offered SMEs and freelancers a platform to present their work to a global audience. This exposure extended their market reach and facilitated connections with distributors, investors, and fellow creatives, fostering international collaborations and deals.

“It was a perfect opportunity to connect with other film industry representatives, share ideas, and discuss potential future collaborations,” says Burdina. “It (film festival) featured a lot of compelling projects. The awards (for “Quiet War”) are not just for us; they also honour Ukraine. The EU4BCC project helped me grow and take steps forward in my career as a film producer.”

Burdina is now working on “The Story of People Who Keep Living,” a poetic documentary about Chad, a Greek immigrant, and Lviv’s “night mayor.” Stuck in Ukraine due to an immigration error, Chad revitalised the city’s cultural life during Russia’s brutal war by organising daytime raves in unconventional locations like bunkers and metro stations.

The film highlights his efforts to bring joy and normalcy to Ukrainians during the full-scale Russian invasion, showcasing their resilience and ability to find happiness even in the darkest times.