This topic was discussed at a meeting between officials from Ukraine and representatives from EESC in Kyiv. 

Vice Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk, Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Policy and Veterans’ Rights Galina Tretyakova, and members of parliament represented the Ukrainian side.

During the meeting, the EESC presented its current initiative for Ukrainian civil society. The participants also discussed the state of civil society in Ukraine, the work of the Committee, and the Verkhovna Rada in the direction of EU accession.

The EESC confirmed its readiness to carry out any plans that will assist in advancing Ukraine’s goals of becoming European.  The Commission wants to strengthen civil society in Ukraine’s European integration process and recovery.

On September 19, 2023, the European Economic and Social Committee decided to include civil society representatives of the EU candidate countries in its work. The European Commission, European Council, and European Parliament supported the initiative.

Thus, the EU-Ukraine Civil Society Platform was created in Ukraine. It includes individuals from Ukrainian civil society and EESC representatives.

Vice Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk appreciated the EESC representatives for their assistance to Ukraine, particularly during these challenging times for our citizens. She also expressed gratitude to Galina Tretyakova for shedding light on the financing of the civil sector in Ukraine.