Over a year ago, Ukraine was granted EU candidate status, and the commitment to European integration has only grown stronger among Ukrainians. Yet, this path necessitates comprehensive reforms to align legislation with European standards. This edition delves into civil society’s assessment of Ukraine’s progress in implementing the EU recommendations. We’ll also provide updates from our partners, highlight opportunities for civic activists, and detail our participation in the upcoming Lviv BookForum. Stay connected for more!
****
In collaboration with various specialized think tanks and civil society organizations, the New Europe Center has undertaken the fifth independent monitoring of Ukraine’s progress in implementing the EU recommendations. According to recent findings, Ukraine has demonstrated significant progress, with an average expert score of 8.1 out of 10, compared to 6.8 in May 2023. Ukraine made the most progress in the following areas: media legislation reform – 10 points, legislation on national minorities – 9 points, reform of the High Council of Justice and the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine – 9 points, and anti-corruption reform – 8.5 points.
****
Civil Society News
New Europe Center Holds 2nd EU Accession Exchange Forum
On September 28, the USAID/ENGAGE partner, New Europe Center, organized the 2nd EU Accession Exchange Forum with the participation of high government officials and leading experts in Kyiv. The Forum addressed the challenges posed by Russia’s war to Ukraine’s EU integration, the reshaping of the EU for prospective members, and the reforms being undertaken in candidate countries. The event also featured a presentation of the Candidate Check-5 monitoring of Ukraine’s implementation of EU recommendations.
****
CSOs Urge Parliament to Appoint a Leader of the Committee on Freedom of Speech
On September 27, the USAID/ENGAGE partner, CHESNO Movement, initiated a statement of CSOs and media outlets to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine regarding the upcoming appointment of a new head for the Committee on Freedom of Speech. The CSOs highlight concerns about the lack of transparency of the institution and stress the need for adhering to democratic principles during its reconstruction. They call for the appointment of an opposition figure with an impeccable reputation as the head of the institution.
****
Center for Innovation Development Calls for Participation in E-Democracy Module Development
The Center for Innovation Development is initiating the modeling phase for the eDem module in the DREAM reconstruction management system. To accomplish this, the CSO will formulate a technical task using research findings on the engagement of all stakeholders in the reconstruction process. Join the working group focused on modeling this process by completing the questionnaire provided at the link below.
****
Ukrainian Antiquity Presents Digest of Youth Projects Aimed to Revitalize Youth Spaces in Newly Liberated Territories
Ukrainian Antiquity released a digest of youth projects focused on revitalizing youth spaces in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions as part of the “Active Position of My Region. Through the Eyes of Children” initiative. The publication aims to inform local governments and organizations about the progress of youth space implementation and encourage further support while motivating youth to engage in social activities.
****
Zakhyst Allocates Nearly 7 Million Hryvnias to Support Families in the Kherson Region
The USAID/ENGAGE partner Zakhyst has completed the project “Save Kherson Together. Children.” From March 2022 to September 2023, the CSO supported 2,870 families, providing direct financial aid of 2,200 hryvnias each. In total, the CSO allocated 6,509,563 hryvnias for this support.
****
Anti-Corruption Headquarters Utilizes Cutting-Edge Technologies to Document Russia`s War Crimes
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused significant damage to the country’s cultural and civilian infrastructure. In response to this assault, the USAID/ENGAGE partner Anti-Corruption Headquarters (ACHQ) has taken the lead in documenting Russia`s crimes against cultural heritage. Utilizing Project Providence – a secure and provenance-based documentation platform – the CSO documented damage to 572 objects, including schools, churches, and museums. Watch the video to learn more about how ACHQ uses cutting-edge technologies to document Russia’s crimes.
****
USAID/ENGAGE to Support Lviv BookForum
From October 5-8, USAID/ENGAGE will participate in the Lviv BookForum – the biggest book fair in Ukraine. The program of the Forum includes literary events and contests, presentations of publishing houses and authors, meetings with authors, discussions, round-table meetings, and performances.
On October 5, we invite you to join ENGAGE’s panel discussion dedicated to cultural heritage protection. On October 7, ENGAGE jointly with Transparency International Ukraine, will host a discussion focusing on citizen engagement in post-war reconstruction efforts. Follow our Facebook page for more details and announcements.
****
Opportunities
Explore Our Opportunities
We are excited to offer a variety of opportunities for job seekers and civil society actors:
- Qualified specialists interested in our job openings are encouraged to review the listings – https://bit.ly/3UKgGN7
- Request for applications for civil society initiatives to provide even greater institutional and project support – https://bit.ly/3GUdk4e
****
Grant Competition for Research Projects in Communities
Cedos and the Institute for European Politics announce a mini-grant competition for civil society organizations to implement research projects within communities, focusing on recovery and European integration. The project aims to enhance Ukrainian think tanks and civil society organizations, deepen their collaboration with local authorities, and provide the necessary tools for effective support of recovery and European integration processes. The application deadline is October 22, 2023.
****
What We Read
7 EU Recommendations: Mission Not Accomplished. Why There Is a Risk of Rejection in Accession Negotiations
At the end of October, the European Commission will present its annual enlargement report, which could be a historic moment for Ukraine. It is anticipated that the EC will recommend initiating official accession negotiations with the EU. Read the article by Serhii Sydorenko, editor of “European Truth,” to find out whether Ukraine has made progress in meeting the seven EU recommendations and what obstacles remain to achieving the level that would allow for membership negotiations to commence.
****
