The EU-Ukraine summit hosted in Kyiv last week reiterated that Ukraine`s future lies in the European family. Guided by people`s aspirations towards freedom and democracy, Ukraine followed a long path, but more is yet to come. To cover that rocky way and succeed in reforms, well-coordinated cooperation and shared responsibilities between the state and civil society are essential ingredients.
In this issue of our newsletter, we look into civil society`s vision of Ukraine-EU relations, follow recent updates from the sector, and offer you fresh opportunities to engage in activism. Enjoy our traditional read!
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Is the EU citizens’ support for Ukraine still strong, as the first anniversary of the full-fledged war approaches? A new Ipsos survey finds that citizens of most western nations are steadfast in their support of Ukraine. While the majority of citizens in each of the 28 surveyed countries agree that their state must support other sovereign countries when they are attacked (70%), they also believe that their motherlands should avoid military involvement in the war (71%). 66% agree that their country should take in Ukrainian refugees and 63% say that doing nothing will encourage Russia to take further military action elsewhere. 57% of respondents opine that their country should support Ukraine until all of Russia’s forces have withdrawn from the territories claimed by Ukraine.
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Civil Society News
Razumkov Center Evaluates the Realities and Prospects of Ukraine’s European Integration
On February 7, Razumkov Center presented the new issue of the National Security and Defence journal, dedicated to Ukraine-EU relations. The experts analyzed the European integration prospects and drew recommendations for optimizing this process. While the support for the movement toward the EU among Ukrainian citizens is growing, the government needs to implement the recommendations of the European Commission for further EU accession. Experts believe that the candidate’s status testifies to the real prospects for EU membership.
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Verkhovna Rada Adopts a Law on Defence Public Procurement, Co-Authored by Activists
On February 7, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the first reading draft law No. 8381, co-authored by the Anti-Corruption Action Center. The draft law obliges publishing in the Prozorro system detailed information about the customer, purchased goods in units with prices, services and related works ordered/performed. Activists believe that the law is the first step to solving the problem with procurement for the military and eliminating corruption risks.
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Vox Ukraine Ranks Ukraine’s Reform Progress in the Last Quarter of 2022
What key reforms did Ukraine implement in the last quarter of 2022? Check the answer in Vox Ukraine’s latest edition of the Index of Reforms dedicated to the EU-Ukraine legislative framework harmonization. According to the CSO, in the last quarter of 2022, Ukraine adopted 51 legislative changes, which experts predominantly assessed positively. Many of these reforms stem from the EU-Ukraine Association agreement or the recent commitments to advance membership negotiations.
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CSOs Promote Green Approach to Ukraine’s Recovery
On January 30, Working Group 3 of the Ukrainian National Platform of Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum released the research within the initiative “Green Recovery: Reconstruction for the Sake of Better Future.” The document analyzes the environmental perspective of the post-war recovery of Ukraine and calls to integrate the environmental approach in all areas of state policy. The research highlights the need for the government to develop a clear framework for transparent and accountable funding of environmental projects.
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International Center for Ukrainian Victory Discusses Challenges for International Support of Ukraine
Will Japan help get more support for Ukraine during its G7 presidency? How can Ukraine and Taiwan resist authoritarianism? International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) discussed these issues during the press briefing “Challenges for Ukraine Abroad: How the US, the EU and Asia Help Ukraine and What Hinders Them”. Activists also talked about the advocacy efforts in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan and explained why Ukraine should increase cooperation with these countries.
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Community Foundation of Kherson “Zakhyst” Awarded with Charity Compass of Ukraine
On January 27, the Community Foundation of Kherson “Zakhyst” received the highest ranking in the “Charity Compass of Ukraine” national rating introduced by the Association of Philanthropists of Ukraine in 2022 to acknowledge transparency, accountability and effectiveness of organizations delivering humanitarian aid.
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Opportunities
New Opportunities: USAID/ENGAGE is Looking for Qualified Specialists
We have updated the list of vacancies on the USAID/ENGAGE website! New opportunities include Senior Strategic Communications Advisor, Grants and Contracts Assistant, and Inclusion Program Officer. Click on the link to view all opportunities and do not hesitate to apply! Follow the updates on our website in the “Opportunities” section.
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IREX Invites Active Youth to the Presentation of the Civic Education Handbook
On February 23, IREX will present a handbook on civic education and will discuss the experience of youth work and its challenges during wartime. Representatives of youth councils and organizations, activists and volunteers, youth leaders, government representatives and international partners are invited to join. To participate, fill out the registration form by February 16.
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Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program Announces Open Competition
Leaders of Change Foundation announces an open competition for the Lane Kirkland scholarship program in Poland in the 2023–2024 academic year. The program supports the individual development of young, ambitious and active citizens and offers two terms of studies at Polish universities and two-week internships in state or private institutions. Eligible candidates are young leaders and experts with higher education who want to implement the knowledge gained during the scholarship in their home countries. The application deadline is March 1, 2023.
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What We Read
European Democracy Support Annual Review 2022
In a year dominated by the rhetoric of defending democracy, EU democracy support policies were adjusted to align with the new geopolitical context. The annual review of the European Democracy Hub aims to provide an empirical overview of European democracy support in 2022. It covers policies, strategies, and initiatives at the level of the European Union as well as those of its member states and non-EU European countries active in democracy support (Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom).
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