Civil society should become a driving force for Ukraine on its way to the EU: Yuliia Svyrydenko

Ukraine’s European integration processes, deepening of economic cooperation with the EU and involvement of civil society and social partners. These and other important issues of cooperation were discussed by Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, at a meeting with Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

“Ukraine is striving to become a member of the EU. On this way, the development of civil society and dialogue between it and the Government is very important for us. We try to involve representatives of civil society, NGOs and social partners in discussing as wide a range of issues in the country as possible. In particular, we are engaged in a dialogue with them in the preparation of the Plan necessary for the implementation of the Ukraine Facility programme, which will provide EUR 50 billion over the next four years from the EU. It is civil society that should become the driving force behind Ukraine’s path to the EU,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

In turn, EESC President Oliver Röpke noted that civil society and social partners played a vital role in building democratic resilience, monitoring human rights and supporting European integration.

As a reminder, on 19 September, the EESC decided to involve civil society representatives from the EU candidate countries in the Committee’s advisory work by appointing “Enlargement Candidate Members”. The EESC is the first EU institution to take such an initiative and open its doors to the candidate countries, contributing to their progressive and concrete integration into the EU. Members will participate in the preparation of EESC conclusions and plenary sessions on enlargement.

According to Oliver Röpke, EU candidate countries need more than just empty words. They need concrete actions. It is necessary to work more closely than ever with civil society in the candidate countries to ensure that the enlargement members can start their work from 2024. This will help rebuild Ukraine through joint efforts, laying the foundation for a strong and dynamic civil society, and start Ukraine’s European future today.

Background

The candidate members will be selected by the end of the year. The selection process will be conducted in cooperation with civil society organisations in these countries, as well as international and European civil society organisations. The process will take into account their experience and independence, as well as ensure gender balance and representation of youth organisations.

The candidate members will start their consultative work in 2024, contributing to the decision-making of the EESC.