Vinnytsia hosts #RazomDiiemo Fest, showcasing EU support for civil society and independent media in Ukraine.

Vinnytsia hosted another #RazomDiiemo Fest [#RazomDiiemo can be translated into Ukrainian as "acting together" – ed.] to highlight the EU's support for civil society and independent media in Ukraine within the framework of the "Let's act together. Together we are Europe" campaign.

Rubryka reports this.

What is the problem?

Since the beginning of the large-scale Russian war, the EU has swiftly implemented several measures concerning the funding and restructuring of Ukrainian civil society organizations (CSOs).

Such a change in priorities helped civil society organizations to survive in difficult conditions, to establish, deploy, and then scale their work.

What is the solution?

The European Union in Ukraine, in partnership with the All-Ukrainian public organization "Union of Military, Veterans, Disabled Members of Anti-Terroristic Operation and Combat Actions," organized the RazomDiiemo Fest – Vinnytsia celebration as part of the Europe Days in Ukraine festivities. This event is also a part of the communication campaign "Together we act. Together we are Europe," promoting EU support for civil society and independent media in Ukraine.

Its purpose is to inform Ukrainians about the unprecedented and unwavering support that the EU has provided to Ukraine, in particular to civil society organizations and independent media since the first days of the full-scale war.

Thanks to this assistance, CSOs and the media were able to:

• protect human rights,
• protect the interests of socially vulnerable groups,
• strengthen civil control and accountability of state authorities,
• and promote the implementation of reforms.

How does it work?

Currently, 60 projects in Vinnytsia are being implemented in the public sector and are funded by the EU. Overall, Ukraine presently has 56 grant projects and 1,877 EU sub-grant projects in operation, with CSOs providing over 104 million euros in assistance.

Officials of the Representation of the European Union in Ukraine, local authorities, activists of civil society organizations, and media of Vinnytsia took part in the opening ceremony of #RazomDiiemo Fest – Vinnytsia on European Square.

The panelists assessed the impact of EU aid at the regional level and the new opportunities that the European Union provides to the public sector.

The panel discussion "EU and Ukraine: Partnership, Support and Future" was the key event of #RazomDiiemo Fest—Vinnytsia.

The information tent of the EU Representation in Ukraine and the Alley of Public Organizations "Zhurtovanist" worked at the European Square in Vinnytsia.

Guests had the opportunity to:

• visit themed interactive areas, photo and lounge areas,
• join public discussions about the role of civil society and the media in reforming Ukraine and European integration.

Volunteers observed presentations, participated in master classes and psychoeducation tests for children and adults, and vied for prizes in the "Unity: Ukraine and the EU" competition.

For guests of the event, Street-talk organized a "Public podcast about important things" on the topic of psychological support and rehabilitation of military personnel and their families.

Guests at the #RazomDiiemo Fest saw the #RazomDiiemo "SUPPORT" exhibition, which showcases civil society organizations that the European Union has supported since the beginning of the full-scale war.

The exhibition opened in Vinnytsia on July 8 and will run until July 22.

"#RazomDiiemo Fest in Vinnytsia is another testament to the strong partnership between the EU and Ukrainian civil society. By supporting more than 60 sub-grant projects in the Vinnytsia region alone and investing more than 104 million euros across Ukraine, the EU aims to promote sustainability, creativity and growth in the public sector.

This festival not only honors our shared values but also highlights the new opportunities that the EU offers to Ukrainian civil society in these difficult times," Stefan Shloining, Head of Cooperation Programs of the EU Representation in Ukraine, said.

Olha Kharkina, Member of the Board of the NGO "Union of Military, Veterans, Disabled Members of Anti-Terroristic Operation and Combat Actions":

"The focus of our attention is on Ukrainian defenders, their family members and the interaction of volunteers. We support our soldiers both at the front and after returning from the war. After all, at this very moment, Ukrainians stand on guard for the freedom of Europe. At the same time, martial law conditions affect all Ukrainian society.

Therefore, we thank the EU for the timely support of our initiative to introduce a course of psychoeducation. Thanks to the project, an educational product was created, which in general answers a vital question: how to stay strong and maintain efficiency in war conditions?

Today, during the event, we established a platform for open discussions about issues that impact us all, such as emotional exhaustion, rehabilitation for soldiers, and support for families of the deceased. Our knowledge and insights can benefit all regions of Ukraine, and we are eager to share them.

We are also grateful to the EU Representation for the opportunity to act as a regional partner of #RazomDiiemo Fest-Vinnytsia. Thanks to this event, even more people learned about the opportunities that the EU provides to the public sector and will have the opportunity to join our joint work, because we must act together!"

For reference:

It is worth mentioning that the inaugural #RazomDiiemo event on May 25 in Kyiv attracted over 3,000 attendees. This was followed by events in Khmelnytskyi on June 22 and Rivne on June 30. The last #RazomDiiemo Fest will take place in Poltava on July 27.

The RazomDiiemo Fest in Vinnytsia is part of a series of regional events organized by the EU Representation in Ukraine as part of their communication campaign, "Let's act together. Together we are Europe", which aims to raise awareness among Ukrainians about the firm and unprecedented support the EU has provided, particularly to civil society organizations and independent media, since the beginning of the full-scale war. 

This nationwide campaign will run from May to July 2024, covering all of Ukraine (except occupied territories and conflict zones). It will feature informational and educational activities, interactive sessions, discussions, and seminars with the participation of CSOs, the public, and the media. Press tours and press meetings for media representatives will also be organized.

Join the activities of the communication campaign "Together we act. Together we are Europe" and follow its activities on the website, as well as on the pages of the EU Representation in Ukraine on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X.