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
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