As Ukraine moves toward EU membership, it faces both changes and challenges. Therefore, Ukrainian civil society needs to better understand the specifics of Ukraine’s European integration – the opportunities it presents and the challenges that remain.

To increase awareness among our fellow citizens about this, East Europe Foundation is launching the “Towards the EU” programme with the financial support of the Embassy of Ireland in Ukraine.

“The Embassy of Ireland in Ukraine is proud to support the launch of the ‘Towards the EU’ programme, implemented by East Europe Foundation. Civil society plays a key role in Ukraine’s EU accession path. This programme will offer civil society actors opportunities to enhance their knowledge and experience of the EU accession process, supporting them in their vital work as Ukraine moves towards EU membership“, said Jonathan Conlon, Ambassador of Ireland to Ukraine.

The programme will last until August 2025 and includes:

• an online course on the Educational Online Platform Zrozumilo!, which will explain the nuances of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU and will provide detailed information about the negotiation clusters and the reforms necessary for integration;
• a study trip to Brussels, during which representatives of Ukrainian civil society organizations will visit Brussels to meet with EU officials, the Irish Government, and leading European CSOs.

“The “Towards the EU” programme will be a significant continuation of the Foundation’s systematic activities in building ties between the governments of Ukraine and the EU. We see the future of our country in the commonwealth of European countries, therefore we are actively involving representatives of civil society in joint work and dialogue. And the opportunity to tell them more about European integration and directly introduce them to representatives of the European community is crucial,” emphasized Viktor Lyakh, President of East Europe Foundation.

The “Towards the EU” Programme is implemented by East Europe Foundation with the financial support of the Embassy of Ireland in Ukraine and will run from December 2024 to August 2025.