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DEAhead of the European elections in 2024, we, Ukrainian civil society organisations based in
the European Union (EU), unite to present this manifesto that reflects our collective vision,
values, and aspirations. Our mission is to advocate for the victory of Ukraine, sustainable
peace with security guarantees for Ukraine, and Ukraine’s role in the EU – which we consider
essential for upholding democracy, security, human rights, and prosperity on the European
continent. We believe that Ukraine can contribute significantly to a stronger, more inclusive,
and peaceful Europe. Our manifesto outlines the principles and priorities that we firmly believe
resonate with millions of individuals across the EU.
In light of the upcoming 2024 European elections, we call on the European political
parties and groups to voice their commitment and support for Ukraine’s path towards
sustainable peace, economic recovery and reconstruction, democracy, and justice. The
following key areas should be priorities.
I. Ukraine’s European Aspirations: Support Ukraine’s accession to the EU
We believe that Ukraine’s destiny is intertwined with the EU. We envision a future where
Ukraine is fully integrated into the European family, contributing to the shared values of
democracy, freedom, and human rights, as well as development of the EU economy.
Therefore, we call upon all European political parties to recognise Ukraine’s aspirations in their
programmes and support Ukraine’s European integration.
II. Democracy and Rule of Law: Safeguard these principles in EU internal and external
policies and decisions and support democratic reforms in Ukraine
We maintain that democracy and the rule of law are essential prerequisites for a peaceful and
prosperous Europe. Nevertheless, these fundamental principles face threats not only from
Russia but also from various authoritarian regimes across the globe. European parties should
unequivocally ensure their safeguarding at the national, European, and global levels.
With a heavy heart, we acknowledge the continuous courage and sacrifice of Ukraine’s men,
women, and children in defence of these cherished democratic principles. The brave souls
who, in the face of Russian terrorism and ruscist ideology, dedicate themselves to upholding
democracy exemplify the very essence of the values we hold dear. Ukraine’s losses in this
noble cause serve as a poignant reminder of the urgency for European political parties to
exhibit courage and solidarity. The threats to democracy and the rule of law are not mere
abstract notions but stark realities faced by those on the front lines of the battle between
democracy and autocracy.
In the face of Russia’s war against democratic values that are the core of the EU, European
leaders must make every effort to preserve these values. This is essential to defend the
sovereignty of the EU in the future, the safety and prosperity of the citizens in the face of the most
significant threat to the world order and the rule of law since World War II. We also call for the
support of democratic reforms and transformations in Ukraine, strengthening of civil society,
transparency, and accountability mechanisms.
III. Peace and Security: Provide continued economic and military support to Ukraine and future peace guarantees
We endorse the Sustainable Peace Manifesto. Never Again 2.03 by the representatives of Ukrainian civil society and call on all European parties to include it in their programmes. Supporting Ukraine to its full victory requires continued military, economic, and political backing until the full withdrawal of Russian troops from all occupied territories and restoration of the Ukrainian borders of 1991.
Ukraine not only deserves justice for the crimes committed by Russia but also needs clear assurances of sustainable peace. The path to achieving it involves Ukraine’s accession to the EU and NATO. Demilitarisation and denuclearisation of the Russian Federation are vital for minimising the risks of future aggression. Furthermore, making Europe independent from all Russian energy sources will not only strip Russia of opportunities to weaponise energy supply but also speed up the shift towards green energy in the EU. Sustainable transition requires a complete shift from Russian resources, including in particular rare earth metals, liquified natural gas, or any others.
EU political leaders should continue to apply economic pressure on Russia by tightening sanctions, closing loopholes, banning all forms of energy, and redirecting all frozen Russian assets in the EU to support Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.
IV. Justice: Hold Russia fully accountable for its war of aggression
As highlighted in the Sustainable Peace Manifesto, achieving sustainable international security requires simultaneous strides in justice and peace. It necessitates holding Russia fully accountable for the war, placing the burden of responsibility completely on it. Those responsible for atrocities must be held accountable – whether for acts of aggression, war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, forced mass deportations, or for spreading the hatred that ignited an unprecedented war in the 21st century.
While not all losses can be fully compensated, a thorough assessment of material damage is essential. This includes an assessment of the damage to the Ukrainian natural ecosystems caused by the Russian war of aggression. We also need to hold Russia accountable for the immense human losses and upheaval experienced by hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives and millions who lost loved ones. Compensation should be appropriately determined and paid. Among others, European parties should make a strong case for the confiscation of Russian assets and their usage for rebuilding Ukraine. To reinforce accountability, Russia must undergo a significant loss of status. It should be barred from exerting influence in international politics through organisations like the UN Security Council. An aggressor should not hold a position in a body dedicated to ensuring global peace.
V. Economic Prosperity and Economic Recovery: Support reforms to rebuild and
develop a resilient Ukraine’s economy
We aim for a prosperous Ukraine in the EU that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and development towards a resilient and sustainable economy. We call for policies that create a favourable business environment, fight corruption, and ensure the equitable distribution of wealth.
Millions of Ukrainians residing in the EU constitute an invaluable asset, capable of delivering benefits to both EU countries and Ukraine through the exchange of knowledge and experience. This has the potential to significantly contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction endeavours. We strongly advocate for the development of programmes that endorse circular migration and the establishment of business and research collaboration that can foster mutually beneficial economic connections between Ukraine and the EU member states.
VI. Environmental Stewardship: Prioritise environmental protection and sustainability
principles in the post-war economic reconstruction
We are dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and combating climate change. We advocate for responsible environmental policies and the shift towards a sustainable economy, which respects planetary boundaries. Safeguarding our planet is a collective obligation shared by all Europeans. We call on the EU to support the post-war reforms based on the principles of climate neutrality, circularity, and preservation of biodiversity in alignment with the principles of the European Green Deal.
The ongoing ecological harms caused by Russia in Ukraine, exemplified by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, underscores the critical need for all EU nations to acknowledge and pursue those responsible for ecocide and similar environmental catastrophes. We therefore urge European parties to incorporate ecocide as a crime against humanity into the European legislation.
Equally important are tackling nuclear terror and deterrence of possible nuclear catastrophes provoked by Russian actions, the notable precedents being the Russian capture of the Chornobyl and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants.
VII. European Identity and Culture: Support efforts to preserve and promote Ukraine’s
culture
We celebrate the diversity of European cultures and languages. We encourage the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of intercultural dialogue. A strong Europe embraces its rich tapestry of identities.
In response to Russia’s systematic crimes against Ukrainian culture, we urge the European political parties to take a resolute stance against these actions. This involves condemning Russia’s deliberate destruction and theft of Ukrainian cultural heritage, recognising it as part of a wider pattern of war crimes.
Western societies must cast aside their stereotypes about Russian grandeur as nurtured by Russian propaganda over the centuries, fuelling its imperial aggression and colonial policies towards neighbouring countries. Ukrainian culture should be decoupled from the Russian one, recognising its unique cultural heritage and busting the myth of “brother nations.” The EU should raise awareness of the Ukrainian language being unique and independent from the Russian language, notably by treating it on equal terms in diplomatic and cultural communications.
European parties should extend their support for cultural preservation efforts by providing expert, financial and logistical assistance to Ukrainian cultural institutions and organisations striving to safeguard and restore valuable artefacts and artworks that have been damaged or stolen. Additionally, fostering partnerships with European museums and cultural entities can be instrumental in recovering and rehabilitating stolen cultural treasures.
Furthermore, we call on future European leaders to raise historical awareness and support the efforts to promote Ukrainian culture at the international level by utilising diplomatic channels, media platforms, and public discourse to shed light on Russia’s cultural crimes in Ukraine throughout history until today. Collaborating with international bodies like UNESCO, they should advance efforts and implement concrete actions to preserve Ukrainian cultural heritage on a global scale.
As we move forward, united in our vision, we invite European citizens and policymakers to join us in supporting a stronger and more resilient Europe. Together, we can build a continent that values freedom, democracy, and human rights, where all nations, including Ukraine, contribute to a brighter future for generations to come.
Signatories of the Manifesto:
- Marta Barandiy, Founder and President, Promote Ukraine, Belgium
- Khrystyna Monastyrska, Coordinator, Unlimited Democracy – Verein zur Förderung der
Demokratisierung, Austria - Kseniia Mukhortova, Co-Founder and Editor, UKRCY.News, Cyprus
- Svyatoslav Kalishchuk, Co-Founder, Spilka, Czech Republic
- Julia Chenusha, CEO Blau-Gelbes Kreuz Deutsch-Ukrainischer Verein e.V., Germany
- Hanna Slobodyanyuk, Board Member, IWEK, Mykolaiv Water Hub, Germany
- Iryna Shulikina, CEO, Vitsche E. V., Germany
- Vassili Goutsoul, Chairman of the Board, Ukrainian Association in Finland, Finland
- Anastasiia Shapochkina, President, Eastern Circles, France
- Ivanna Pinyak, Co-Founder, PromoUkraїna, France
- Iryna Katyuk, President, Spilka Paris, France
- Edward Mayor, Co-Founder and President, Stand With Ukraine Europe, France
- Lesia Ignatyk-Eriksen, Chairwomen, Association at Ukrainere i Danmark, Denmark
- Yuliia Kryzhanovska, Vice President, Ukrainian Women in Greece, Greece
- Olena Redrugina, Co-Founder and Board Member, Ukrainian Action in Ireland, Ireland
- Maryana Semenyak, Board Member, Associazione Cristiana degli Ucraini in Italia, Italy
- Zoia Stankovska, President, UAMi, Italy
- Federica Antonacci, ItalianaforUkraine, Italy
- Inna Yaremenko, Vice-President, LUkraine, Luxembourg
- Oksana Savchuk, Co-Founder, VATAHA Foundation, the Netherlands
- Emma Zahynaiko, Coordinator, Euromaidan Warszawa + Stand with Ukraine Foundation,
Poland - Stanislav Olenchenko, Co-Founder, Ukraine Explainers, Poland/Ukraine
- Andrii Vovk, Volunteer, Support Ukraine Slovakia, Slovakia
- Liliya Mykolaiv, President, ConUkrania, Spain
- Maksym Girnyk, Spokesperson, Nordic Ukraine Forum, Sweden
- Frank Peter Wilde, costume designer and human rights activist, Germany
- Anna Vdovychenko, coordinator of PR Army Ukraine/Portugal
- Dallemagne Georges, Belgian MP, Head of the Belgium-Ukraine Friendship Group
- Christelle Savall, President of JEF Europe
- Tetiana Hladkova, Socio de Asociación Socio-Cultural y de Cooperación al Desarrollo Ucrania-Euskadi, Pais Vasco, Vitoria-Gastesz, Spain
- Ruben Giovannoni, President of Comitato Ventotene, Italy
Promote Ukraine Team
