EU launches new communication campaign ‘Together We Act.Together We Are Europe’ to showcase its support for and role of Ukrainian civil society and independent media

May 11, 2024.

    As the Russian illegal war against Ukraine persists, the European Union stands in solidarity with Ukrainian civil society and independent media. On 3 May 2024, World Press Freedom Day, the EU announces launch of the all-Ukrainian communication campaign Together We Act. Together We Are Europe’ communication campaign. This initiative aims to shine a light on the pivotal role of civil society and media in Ukraine's resilience and reconstruction, showcasing their achievements thanks to EU support.
    
    Since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as early as on 24-26 February 2022, the EU approved an unprecedented decision – to allow their CSO grantees in Ukraine reorient and use previously allocated funds for the needs of defending Ukraine, saving lives, and addressing the urgent needs of the citizens. Over the time of the full-scale war the EU has significantly increased its support to civil society. As of Q1 2024, 63 grant projects are operating in Ukraine in the field of CSO support with total EU funding scoring over EUR 104 million. This has strengthened the ability of Ukrainian CSOs and media to protect human rights, support socially vulnerable groups, enhance the accountability of public authorities, and promote European integration reforms, even in the face of war.
    
    Now, when Ukraine is facing the consequences of the brutal military aggression, the new challenge of rebuilding what was destroyed arose in front of Ukrainian civil society: a survey conducted by the East Europe Foundation shows that over 90% of CSOs plan to be engaged in rebuilding the country or a specific community. Welcoming these initiatives, the EU designs new projects and programmes to support them.
    
    Support for reforms that bring Ukraine closer to the European Union and promote Ukraine’s alignment with EU standards and values
    Foster community mobilisation and cooperation among different civil society groups
    Provide assistance to CSOs working with the most vulnerable groups, including psychological support
    Promote importance of independent media as a cornerstone of democratic transformation and bulwark of fighting disinformation and debunking fakes spread by Russian propaganda.
    Running from May to July 2024 across Ukraine (excluding occupied territories and combat zones), the campaign will feature informational and educational events, interactive sessions, discussions, and workshops involving CSOs and the public. Also, press tours and press meetings will be organised for the media. Events will be held in Kyiv and regions of Ukraine.