Written by 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.
