uwcommunity

Partnership and Support for Ukrainian Women Artists
2025-10-25 - 2025-10-28
United in Art & Culture Online Webinar
Ukrainian women in arts and culture — this one’s for you!
Let’s come together, connect, and explore real opportunities for artistic growth and funding by grants and scholarships in the creative sectors.
Save the Date That Suits You Best and Pre-register now :
October 25 at 11.00 EEST, 10.00 CEST: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4LxEvP53TrGlEC7Kkz9KhQ
October 27 at 19.00 EEST, 18.00 CEST: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QMQyDkQfRRqljX4ljls63g
October 28 at 19.00 EEST, 18.00 CEST: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1CtR7xtpQ0KVE4i77uul3A
Online & free participation, choose the edition that works best for you. The event will be in Ukrainian with simultaneous subtitles’ translation in the language of your choice.
Meet inspiring creators, learn about funding opportunities, and join a growing pan-European cultural community.
Send this post to your Ukrainian friends that could be interested to discover these opportunities.

Ukrainian Woman: Cultural Resilience and European Futures
2025-10-06
On 6 October 2025, the Info Hub of the European Parliament in Brussels hosted a high level policy and cultural event, “Ukrainian Woman: Cultural Resilience and European Futures.” The initiative brought together representatives of the European institutions, Ukrainian diplomats, and cultural leaders to discuss the transformative role of culture and particularly women’s creativity in shaping a resilient and innovative European future.

The event was opened by Vsevolod Chentsov, Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the EU; Georg Hauesler, Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport at the European Commission; and Olena Prokopenko, Head of the Board of the Institute of Public Diplomacy (Ukraine).

In their remarks, the speakers underlined the role of cultural diplomacy as a strategic instrument for European integration, the importance of sustained EU support for Ukraine’s cultural sector, and the contribution of Ukrainian artists to the renewal of Europe’s cultural landscape.

The first panel discussion, “Creative Cultural Partnerships Between Ukraine and the EU: Opportunities and Success Stories,” focused on successful cross-border collaborations and institutional mechanisms for supporting the creative economy. Among the speakers were Judith Videcoq, Head of the Creative Europe Unit; Olena Prokopenko, Institute of Public Diplomacy; and Mykola Ulianov, Head of the Creative Europe Desk Ukraine.The panel showcased the “Ukrainian Woman” project as a model of how cultural cooperation fosters resilience, professional growth, and empowerment among Ukrainian women artists.

The second panel, “From Expression to Innovative Entrepreneurship: Contemporary Needs and Challenges,” explored the evolving role of cultural actors in promoting diversity, artistic freedom, and democratic values across Europe. Speakers included Ihor Khokholiak, Head of the Association of Ukrainians in Belgium (AUB); Frédéric Cornet, Director of Cinema Galeries; Joanna Pottle, artist, researcher, and network manager at Humanity in Action; Mykola Ulianov, Creative Europe Desk Ukraine; and Yulia Kravchenko, representative of the Ukrainian diaspora in the Netherlands. The discussion was moderated by Yevhen Rokytskyi, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Institute of Public Diplomacy (Ukraine).

This high-level gathering reaffirmed that Ukrainian culture is an essential and dynamic part of the European cultural space. By investing in creative partnerships, supporting women’s leadership, and promoting cultural innovation, Ukraine and the European Union are together building a shared, democratic, and future-oriented Europe.

Presentation of the cultural project of international technical assistance to Ukraine “Ukrainian Woman”
2025-09-25 11:00 - 13:00 (Europe/Athens)
On 25 September 2025 at 11:00 in the premises of the Ukrinform News Agency (Hall 1), a press conference will be held to present the project “Ukrainian Woman”, implemented by seven partner organizations from Ukraine and Europe with the support of the European Union.
Organizer: NGO Institute of Public Diplomacy
Speakers:

Andrii Nadzhos, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine for European Integration
Olena Prokopenko, Chairwoman of the Board, Institute of Public Diplomacy
Mykola Ulyanov, Head of the Creative Europe EU Programme Bureau in Ukraine
Lidia Gryszkiewicz, PhD, Director, The IMPACT LAB

Moderator:

Olha Lirnyk, Communications Manager, Creative Europe EU Programme Bureau in Ukraine

During the press conference, the Cultural Cooperation Community will be presented, offering new opportunities for Ukrainian women artists in Ukraine and abroad:

online professional development programmes;
collaborations with European artists and cultural organizations within joint projects;
promotion of new cultural initiatives.

Topics for discussion:

Opportunities for cultural organizations within the EU Creative Europe Programme.
The unique impact and importance of the “Ukrainian Woman” project for Ukrainian women artists in Ukraine and abroad.
Opportunities provided by the Cultural Cooperation Community platform.

Additional information:
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UWomanProject/
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/ukrainianwomanproject/
Media accreditation is open until 10:00 on 25 September 2025 at: anna@ukrinform.com. Please provide your full name and media outlet for confirmation.

COMMON FUTURE Congress on Cooperation with Ukraine
2025-09-22 - 2025-09-23
COMMON FUTURE offers a space for dialogue and networking for representatives of companies, public institutions, local governments, and social organisations. Participants are given the chance to meet Ukrainian representatives in person, identify their current needs, and explore potential areas of cooperation. These kinds of first-hand interactions help build relationships and foster cooperation. Participants are provided with an opportunity to directly engage with representatives of Ukrainian entities, identify their current needs, and explore potential areas of cooperation. Establishing lasting relationships and strategic projects through such direct contacts supports the reconstruction of Ukraine and regional development in Poland.
Why should you participate?
Discover real opportunities for cooperation with Ukraine
The congress is a unique opportunity to understand the current needs of the Ukrainian market, meet local partners, and start discussions about specific business and institutional projects.
Have the edge – act before others do
Working with Ukraine is a huge chance for Polish companies. It’s worth getting into the market now, when partners are looking for proven contacts and solutions – this is a moment that rewards quick and responsible engagement.
Direct contact with decision-makers and partners
You will meet representatives of Ukrainian and Polish companies, public institutions, local governments and organisations that shape the real conditions for cooperation – without intermediaries or formal barriers.
Professional knowledge and inspiration
You will participate in substantive sessions, workshops, and thematic panels led by experts from Poland, Ukraine, and other European countries. You will learn how to effectively plan expansion, investments, and international projects.
Expand your network
COMMON FUTURE is a space where business meets administration, social and financial organisations. Such an environment is conducive to establishing lasting, cross-sector relationships.
This year’s thematic tracks
Our focus this year is on cooperation with Ukraine in a broad sense – economically, institutionally, and socially. After the Congress Programme Council meeting, four main themes were picked out to form the basis of this year’s programme. What precisely does each one cover?
Business and Investment
This is the central and most extensive part of the Congress, dedicated to the economic foundations of cooperation with Ukraine. We will focus on three core components: trade, communications, and investments. These determine the pace and scale of Polish companies’ involvement in the Ukrainian market, both today and in the coming years.
We will discuss how the development of trade can naturally drive greater investment and the lasting establishment of Polish companies in Ukraine. The role of the construction industry, which is already at the heart of cooperation, will be highlighted, as well as sectors that have the potential for rapid growth.
There will also be topics related to logistics and transport infrastructure – from roads and railways, through seaports, to the aviation sector’s preparations to resume connections as soon as safety considerations allow.
We will also look at investment opportunities, including the participation of state-owned companies and the use of available financial instruments that can support the implementation of strategic projects on the Ukrainian market.
In this path, we place particular emphasis on specific business cases, as they best demonstrate the real potential of cooperation. That is why we will invite entrepreneurs from Ukraine who are active in their market to exchange experiences with Polish partners, seek synergies and lay the foundations for long-term business relationships.
This path is for those who think strategically, want to develop their business now, and understand that real opportunities arise before things get crowded.
Regions and Local Communities
Within this path, we will examine the role of cities and regions in building long-term cooperation with Ukraine. Local governments are increasingly becoming not only political partners but also key participants in economic, developmental, and social processes. It is at the local level that specific projects are created that can serve as a stimulus for more extensive cooperation.
The topic of the future of decentralisation in Ukraine will be addressed – the war and the creation of military administrations in frontline regions have slowed down earlier processes of self-government. It is worth considering how the future of decentralisation in Ukraine will look like – the war and the creation of military administrations in frontline regions have slowed down earlier processes of self-government. It is worth considering how the future of decentralisation in Ukraine will look like – the war and the creation of military administrations in frontline regions have slowed down earlier processes of self-government.
The topic of the future of decentralisation in Ukraine will be addressed – the war and the creation of military administrations in frontline regions have slowed down earlier processes of self-government. It is worth considering what the structure of local government will look like in the future and what the role of foreign partners in this process might be.
We will pay particular attention to the possibilities of executing investments at the local level, including water, energy, waste and urban transport management. Polish experience in these areas can be a valuable point of reference.
An important element will also be to demonstrate how Polish companies can engage in activities carried out in regions of Ukraine, by using dedicated funds supporting foreign investments. Local governments often play a significant role as partners in such projects, which is why effective intersectional cooperation is crucial.
Society and Cooperation
This path is focused on social, institutional, and interpersonal cooperation between Poland and Ukraine. We will concentrate on topics related to education, the labour market, migration, mental health, and the role of social organisations in building lasting international relations.
The future of Ukrainian war veterans will be one of the key issues. Although some of them will find employment in administration, many will need other paths to activation, including in business, agriculture, and the non-governmental sector. It is worth promoting their skills today as potential to be fulfilled in various areas of social and economic life.
We will also discuss the need to modernise employment standards in Ukraine – this is an important factor that affects both the quality of life of citizens and the effectiveness of cooperation with international partners, including Polish companies and institutions.
Another important topic will be the situation of refugees from Ukraine in Poland – their role in the labour market, social and psychological needs, and prospects for further integration.
Europe and Integration
As part of this path, we will examine the pivotal political and economic processes that shape the future of Ukraine’s relations with the European Union. We will discuss, among other things, the effects of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the context of cooperation with Ukraine, and we will review the progress and challenges related to Ukraine’s accession to EU membership.
Another important topic will be the access of Ukrainian goods to the common market. How can trade borders be opened without destabilising local economic sectors? We will raise this question among experts, decision-makers and business representatives. Civil and infrastructure protection will also be an integral part of the discussion.
Ukraine, as the country most affected by armed conflict in the 21st century, brings invaluable knowledge and practice that should be translated into European security standards.The COMMON FUTURE Congress is a space where we share experiences and best practices, including in the areas of resilience, defence and crisis response.
