On March 25, the Committee of the EU “Creative Europe” Programme convened in Brussels. Participants discussed the draft of the 2026 Annual Work Programme for “Creative Europe”, evaluated the progress of the Programme for 2021–2027, and reviewed the “European Capitals of Culture” initiative for 2020–2033. Ukraine has observer status in the Committee for 2021–2027.  

The invitation to Ukraine highlights the EU’s strong commitment to supporting cooperation in culture and media. Andrii Nadzhos, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine for European Integration, emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s integration into the European cultural space.

“The Ministry is working to strengthen cooperation with the European Union”, – said Andrii Nadzhos. “At the ‘Cooperation for Resilience’ international conference in Uzhhorod, we shared the results of Ukraine-EU collaboration. The main outcome was the adoption of the Declaration on Strengthening Cultural Sector Resilience in Ukraine, supported by 27 countries. This Declaration paves the way for joint efforts between Ukraine and its international partners to preserve, protect, and restore the country’s cultural heritage and infrastructure”.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the need to support independent media, especially due to the ongoing information war waged by russia. “In March this year, the EU announced an additional 10 million euros for independent media in Ukraine. We are grateful to each EU member state and EU institutions for this timely and vital decision, which helps keep Ukrainian media, particularly regional outlets, running”, – said  the Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine for European Integration.

Andrii Nadzhos also introduced the Strategy for the Development of Ukrainian Culture for 2025–2030, which focuses on integrating Ukraine into the European cultural community and strengthening social unity and international ties. This strategy is a key step towards global cultural integration and aligns with Ukraine’s commitments under the EU Association Agreement.

In closing, the Deputy Minister expressed gratitude to the EU for its ongoing support and cooperation in Ukraine’s fight for independence and the preservation of its national identity.