Strengthening Civil Society for Ukraine’s EU Integration

By Yuliia Melnyk - April 30, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Building Bridges for Biodiversity and Integration: Estonia and Ukraine Join Forces

Tallinn/Kyiv, May 2025 – the Ministry of Climate of Estonia in partnership with NGO “Ekoltava,” the Ukrainian Climate Network and NGO “Stronger Europe” announce a landmark hybrid meeting dedicated to strengthening cooperation between Estonian government and Ukrainian civil society. This important event, focused on biodiversity and Ukraine’s EU accession process, will take place on May 5, 2025, from 15:00 to 17:00 (Kyiv time), both offline in central Kyiv and online via Zoom.

The meeting will bring together representatives from the Estonian Ministry of Climate and key civil society leaders from Ukraine and Estonia. The main goal is to foster closer collaboration in the field of environmental policy, share Estonia’s valuable experience in civil society engagement during EU integration, and explore opportunities for joint initiatives and funding.

“Civil society plays a crucial role in supporting Ukraine on its path to EU integration,” said Florian Morata, co-founder of NGO Stronger Europe. “By connecting Estonian and Ukrainian actors, we can share lessons, address challenges, and promote a more united, sustainable, and democratic Europe.”

The agenda will feature:

  • Opening remarks and introduction of the Estonian delegation.
  • A presentation from the Estonian Ministry of Climate on priorities and civil society engagement in the EU integration process.
  • Presentations by Ukrainian NGOs on their experiences, challenges faced during wartime, and specific support needed for EU integration.
  • An open discussion to identify future cooperation opportunities, including potential for joint projects and access to EU funding such as the LIFE Programme.
  • A summary of key outcomes, next steps, and closing remarks.

The meeting is supported by “Stronger Europe” as part of our ongoing commitment to facilitating dialogue, mutual learning, and strategic partnership to support Ukraine’s European ambitions and protect our shared environment.

Participation: The event is open to environmental NGOs from Ukraine and Estonia. Advance registration is required via this link. Please note that onsite participation in Kyiv is limited and subject to confirmation. The working language is English.

For further information or to submit questions in advance, please use the registration form.

Together, we are building a stronger, greener, and more united Europe.

For media inquiries, please contact: contact@senow.eu