Ukraine continues to make determined strides toward EU membership, with civil society at the forefront of driving essential reforms. In this issue of Civil Society News, we explore Ukrainian experts’ perspectives on the obstacles to EU membership.
We also discuss community cohesion efforts among Kherson residents and highlight our partners’ advocacy efforts to bolster support for Ukraine.
Read on for key insights!
Most Ukrainian experts support the government’s efforts toward European Union integration and believe that Ukraine will eventually become a member. According to an expert survey by the Razumkov Center, 83% of respondents rate the government’s EU integration policy positively. However, they do not anticipate quick accession into the bloc—with only 3% of respondents expecting it to happen within a year, 15% within 3-5 years, and 35% within 5-10 years.
Among the main obstacles to EU membership, Ukrainian experts most frequently cite internal issues within Ukraine (77%), the full-scale war (65%), and opposition posed by some EU countries (61%).
Civil society news
USAID/ENGAGE Partner Advocates for Increased Support for Ukraine and Financial Accountability for Russia
On November 8-10, the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) team participated in NATO’s Future Seminar 2024. ICUV Program Director Iryna Krasnoshtan spoke on the panel, “From Support to Success: How Can NATO Ensure Victory for Ukraine?” The seminar brought together young people from NATO member states and the Partnership for Peace Program to discuss policy recommendations for NATO
*****
Kherson Community Foundation “Zakhyst” Assesses Resident Cohesion
On November 11, – Day of deocupation of Kherson – our partner, the Kherson Community Foundation “Zakhyst,” released a survey on social cohesion among residents during wartime. According to the survey, most respondents rate Kherson’s unity as “50-50.” Key factors contributing to cohesion include grassroots initiatives (72%), volunteering (57%), and social media (56%). The biggest obstacles identified were the Kherson Military Administration (51%) and certain local residents (25%)
*****
USAID/ENGAGE Program Partner Holds Roundtable on Ratification of the Rome Statute
On November 13, the Center for Civil Liberties will host a roundtable titled “The Rome Statute and Its Implementation: What Will Work and How.” This expert discussion brings together human rights defenders, scholars, judges, and government representatives. Topics will include the benefits and limitations of the implementation law, its alignment with international law, and the necessary legislative changes for fully integrating the Statute into Ukrainian law.
What we read?
How Western Companies Are Funding Russia’s War in Ukraine
Despite global sanctions and calls for moral responsibility, some Western firms continue operating in Russia, supporting its economy and, consequently, its war machine. In her article for TIME, Oleksandra Matviichuk examines how Western companies that maintain business in Russia effectively contribute to funding the war against Ukraine. Matviichuk urges Western businesses to take a stronger stance and uphold their responsibility amid the ongoing conflict.
