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Policy Labs #5

Empowering Voices: Citizens’ Role
in Shaping Ukraine’s Future

25–27 June 2025, Vienna

The topic of the 5th Policy Lab was grounded in the following presumption: Ukraine, which restored its independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, has been developing its democratic institutions and civic engagement while facing foundational challenges and the ongoing war. In contrast, Western Europe, with centuries of democratic tradition, confronts issues of democratic maturity, including voter fatigue, disillusionment, and the rise of radical political movements.

Topics

#1Rebuilding Social Bonds

On the first day, June 25, the focus was on »Rebuilding Social Bonds.« The aim was to delve into the practical support needed for citizens, NGOs, and grassroots organizations to thrive in Ukraine’s recovery. The session was moderated by Philippe Kern (KEA European Affairs, Belgium) and featured panelists Bogdan Kelichavyi (Mayor of Kopychyntsi Municipality, Ukraine), Olga Myrovych (Lviv Media Forum, Ukraine), Piet Forger (the City of Leuven, Belgium), and Inna Pidluska (International Renaissance Foundation, Ukraine).

#2Tools for Citizens to Shape Democracy

On the second day, June 26, the theme was »Tools for Citizens to Shape Democracy.« The session aimed to identify practical policy tools and strategies to empower citizens to participate in decision-making. Liubov Halan from the Human Rights Centre for Military Personnel »Pryncyp« (Ukraine) delivered a presentation on the role of veterans as citizens and nation-builders.

#3Building a Shared Future in Ukraine and Europe

In the afternoon of June 26, 2025, the session titled »Building a Shared Future in Ukraine and Europe« took place, focusing on how Ukraine’s journey toward European integration can serve as a catalyst for strengthening democratic institutions and fostering a resilient democratic mindset. This session was designed to explore the multifaceted dimensions of Ukraine’s European aspirations and the broader implications for democratic resilience and community-led initiatives.

Participants

Alhakam Shaar

The Aleppo Project (Syria)

Andriy Kulakov

Internews Ukraine (Ukraine)

Angela Guimaraes Pereira

Competence Centre on Participatory and Deliberative Democracy at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (Belgium)

Anton Drobovych

Human Rights and War Memorialization Center of Kyiv School of Economics (Ukraine)

Benoit Willemaers SJ

Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC) (Belgium)

Bogdan Kelichavyi

Mayor of Kopychyntsi Municipality (Ukraine)

Francesco Nelli

Municipality of Bologna (Italy)

Inna Pidluska

International Renaissance Foundation (IRF) (Ukraine)

Julia Kolomak

Human Rights Centre for Military Personnel «Pryncyp» (Ukraine)

Liubov Halan

Human Rights Centre for Military Personnel «Pryncyp» (Ukraine)

Maciej Bagin´ski

Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) (Poland)

Marianna Kuzemska-Danyliuk

Cedos (Ukraine)

Markus Lux

Robert Bosch Stiftung (Germany)

Maryna Kulinich

Department for Strategic Planning and Investment Development at the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine (Ukraine)

Mateusz Pachura

Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL) (Poland)

Nabila Abbas

Federation for Innovation in Democracy Europe (FIDE) (Belgium)

Nicoleta Munteanu

Euro Insol (Romania)

Olga Myrovych

Lviv Media Forum (Ukraine)

Paolo Montemurro

Materahub (Italy)

Paulina Jędrzejewska

Fundacja Culture Shock (Poland)

Piet Forger

Department for Culture, the City of Leuven (Belgium)

Tamara Ehs

Ehs & Fils Democracy Consulting (Austria)

Taras Byk

Freedom Friends (Ukraine)

Tin Gazivoda

D-Hub (Croatia)

Vanessa Kogan

Araminta (Germany)

Viktor Dvornikov

Platform of Urban Development (Ukraine)

Vladyslav Greziev

»Zminotvortsi«(Changemakers) (Ukraine)

Moderators

Yana Barinova

ERSTE Foundation

Philippe Kern

KEA European Affairs

Aleksandra Ćwik-Mohanty

KEA European Affairs

Media