Tomorrow Ukraine can acquire a long-awaited candidacy for EU membership. We asked the New Europe Center, one of the most vocal advocates for Ukraine’s EU integration, to share why this historic step is so essential for Ukraine.
First, a candidate status will accelerate implementation of reforms. If the European Council decides to grant Ukraine candidate status with a number of conditions, Ukraine needs to implement reforms in the area of rule of law and anti-corruption in order to proceed to accession negotiations. We can already see the first successful steps: the Verkhovna Rada has ratified the Istanbul Convention on the Prevention of Domestic Violence, which has long been one of the recommendations of the EU.
Second, a candidate status will open up new opportunities for rebuilding the country after the war. Ukraine will gain access to several EU financial instruments and become an attractive destination for European investors.
Finally, the decision will send an important political signal to Russia: Ukraine belongs to the European family and is supported by 27 EU member states in its fight against aggression.
Let’s look forward to the western wind and the good news it is sure to bring. In the meantime, read our weekly newsletter with the most interesting events of the civil society of Ukraine!
****
Public opinion is a central element of decision-making in democratic societies. To determine the level of support for Ukraine’s aspirations to become an EU candidate, the New Europe Centre surveyed citizens of Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The data obtained showed that the EU candidate status for Ukraine is widely accepted by Europeans. The number of those who agree with granting the candidate status to Ukraine as soon as possible is pretty much the same for all countries: Germany – 46%, France – 42%, Netherlands – 45%. According to the Director of the New Europe Center, people who classify themselves as a higher social class are the biggest supporters of Ukraine’s EU candidacy. Most respondents also agree that the end goal of their country`s support should be the defeat of Russia and the liberation of occupied territories (51% agree in Germany, 54% in France, and 62% in the Netherlands.)
****
President Signs Ratified Istanbul Convention
On June 21, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi signed a bill on ratification of the Istanbul Convention. It is the first document obliging the state parties to create a legal framework to combat violence against women. Push the button below to learn more about the convention and why its ratification is a significant step on Ukraine’s path to EU integration.
****
Civil Society Welcomes the Adoption of Anti-Corruption Strategy
On June 20, the Parliament adopted a law on “The Principles of the State Anti-Corruption Policy for 2021-2025”. The purpose of the law is to prevent and combat corruption and to ensure that the anti-corruption activities of all public bodies and local authorities in Ukraine are consistent and systematic. Activists have repeatedly stressed the importance of adopting and implementing this document, as since 2017 Ukraine has not had a single implementation roadmap of anti-corruption measures. Check the material from Transparency International Ukraine to learn more about the strategy and what it changes.
****
Parliament Adopts the Long-Advocated Law on Waste Management
On June 20, the Verkhovna Rada passed the Law on Waste Management, actively advocated by Ukrainian environmental activists. The new law stipulates the introduction of a European waste management hierarchy; organizes waste management system planning; closes old landfills and brings the remaining ones up to European standards. Activists believe this step will not only help improve the environment and manage waste in Ukraine but also will lay the groundwork for a radical change in Ukraine’s waste management system and pave the way for post-war reconstruction.
****
“Two Flags – Common Country.” Crimean Tatar Resource Center Kicks Off a Social Media Storm to Mark the Crimean Tatar Flag Day
Crimean Tatar Resource Center (CTRC) announces a social media storm to mark the annual celebration of the Crimean Tatar Flag Day on June 26. Every citizen can join and show that during Russia`s war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar people are united in their fight against the aggressor state. To join the initiative, you should place one of the posters prepared as part of the #LIBERATECRIMEA information campaign on your social media page. Push the button below to learn more and choose one of the posters.
****
Activists Document War Crimes in Kharkiv Region
Kharkiv Anti-Corruption Center (KHAC) joined the “Ukraine.5 am” coalition that aims to protect the victims of Russia’s armed aggression in Ukraine and bring perpetrators to justice. The coalition unites organizations having extensive experience in documenting international crimes and human rights violations committed in the temporarily occupied territories since 2014. As part of the coalition, KHAC will be engaged in legal work and documentation of war crimes in the Kharkiv region, as well as in disseminating information about the war crimes committed in the region via media and social networks.
****
The Anti-Corruption Headquarters Develops an Online Map That Tracks the Consequences of Russia`s Invasion
On June 22, the Anti-Corruption Headquarters presented the Map of Destruction developed by the CSO. The Map of Destruction is a digital tool that allows to document the consequences of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, raise funds for the necessary reconstruction, and monitor the process to ensure its transparency. You can check the map by the link below.
****
Opportunity! Online Exchange Program for Volunteers and Activists
America House Kyiv is launching Camp Changemaking, a virtual exchange program for volunteers and activists. It is an opportunity to bring together passionate movers and shakers from Ukraine, the United States and other countries, to establish contacts for joint volunteer projects, as well as to learn how volunteer initiatives work abroad. The application deadline is June 30.
****
Funding Opportunity! UNDP Announces Competition for CSOs
UNDP is announcing a grant competition to engage civil society organizations into the response to the crisis situation caused by the war by providing support to the needs of women and men, especially hard-to-reach and vulnerable groups of the population. The competition is open-ended. The applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis every month.
****
Funding Opportunity! Grants for Ukrainian Women’s Rights/Feminist Organizations
The Ukrainian Women’s Fund announces a rapid response grant competition for women’s rights/feminist organizations. The goal of the competition is to strengthen the capacity of these organizations to respond to the pressing challenges posed by Russia`s aggression against Ukraine, addressing the needs of vulnerable groups of women and girls.
****
PoliTALKynia & War. How Women Politicians Lead Ukraine to Victory?
The International Republican Institute and the Ukrainian Women’s Democracy Network launch the project “PoliTALKynia & War.” These are a series of conversations with well-known Ukrainian women politicians representing different political forces but fighting for a common victory. Click on the link to check the first issue with the head of the National interest advocacy network “ANTS.”
****