On May 9, Europe Day, NGO EasyBusiness, with the support of ISAR Ednannia, held the EuroSummit of civil society organizations in Kyiv.
The event gathered over 200 participants, including experts, activists, representatives of NGOs and authorities, the Government and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, as well as Ukraine’s partners from the European Union.
The summit aimed to unite efforts to develop a common strategic direction in Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
On June 23, 2022, the European Council granted Ukraine candidate status for EU accession. On December 14, 2023, another historic decision was made to open accession negotiations. Civil society organizations and analytical centers have significantly contributed to the implementation of the Association Agreement. The next stage is the full realization of the Agreement and all opportunities associated with candidate status, which will mean closer cooperation in politics and security, as well as gradual economic integration into the EU Single Market. The expertise of Ukrainian civil society is crucial for strengthening the negotiation process.
“Despite Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the country continues working on recovery and implementing reforms in preparation for EU membership. Ukrainian society demonstrates resilience, viability, and an unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and European values. The European Union has supported and will continue to support Ukrainians on this path. Cooperation with civil society remains a key priority for the EU. That is why the EU in Ukraine works with civil society in all sectors and across the country,” stated Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation Programs at the EU Delegation to Ukraine.
The first round of negotiations (Intergovernmental Conference) may take place as early as this summer. At that time, the general negotiating framework for Ukraine will be presented. It is crucial that it includes a commitment from the government to involve civil society organizations (CSOs) in the negotiation process. The main aspects of engagement include informing the public about the progress of negotiations, developing a mechanism for public participation in the negotiations, and ensuring that civil society can actively monitor the negotiation process, its dynamics, and the proper implementation of reforms.
Organizations that have assisted the government and ministries in implementing the Association Agreement possess substantial expertise. It is essential to continue working with them and enhance their knowledge of EU law in the context of the negotiation process.
“Since February 24, 2022, civil society organizations have once again proven that they are a reliable support for the state and its defenders. Civil society in Ukraine is influential, dynamic, and adaptive. ISAR Ednannia is working on strengthening the civil sector and improving the environment in which nonprofit organizations operate. The development of civil society is a crucial indicator of a country’s established values and freedoms. Today’s leaders are experts who deeply understand their field and can significantly strengthen the Ukrainian government’s position in negotiations for Ukraine’s accession to the EU,” emphasized Volodymyr Sheigus, Executive Director of ISAR Ednannia.
The EuroSummit of civil society organizations brought together representatives of civil society across various sectors (climate and green transition, agriculture, human capital, entrepreneurship, and public administration reform).
The role of sectoral organizations specializing in niche areas (environment, climate, phytosanitary standards) is extremely important. They possess deep knowledge and are effective in their respective fields in advocating for the right policies. However, they need to synchronize with the European integration agenda. By lobbying for European integration, these CSOs can also achieve their goals as organizations representing citizens.
“EasyBusiness experts analyzed over 20 post-war recovery cases. One-third of them were successfully implemented through cooperation between the private, state, and civil sectors. European integration and Ukraine’s economic recovery are interconnected processes. EU accession will create new opportunities for business development and GDP growth. At a time when the EU is shifting its focus to more friendly exporters, we have new opportunities for nearshoring and attracting new investments. In the future, we must integrate into European value chains at higher levels than raw material supply – we need to develop the production of high-value-added goods,” said Dmytro Lyvch, Head of NGO EasyBusiness.
Following the presentation of research by EasyBusiness analysts and panel discussions with representatives of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers, Parliament, the EU Delegation to Ukraine, and experts, thematic workshops and experience-sharing sessions were held, along with networking to develop proposals on CSO involvement in the negotiation process for Ukraine’s EU membership.
All summit findings and proposals will be submitted to the government, along with a list of organizations willing to support during the negotiation process. Additionally, summit organizers will work with international development partners to properly channel assistance to civil society organizations and analytical centers to strengthen their capacity to support the government in negotiations.
NGO EasyBusiness organized the EuroSummit of civil society organizations with the support of ISAR Ednannia under the “Sectoral Support Initiative for Civil Society in Ukraine,” implemented in partnership with the Ukrainian Independent Center for Political Research (UICP) and the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law (CEDEM), with funding from USAID and in collaboration with the EU Delegation to Ukraine.