Joint Statement on “RebuildUkraine” by Civil Society Europe and European Environmental Bureau

In their capacity as civil society organizations, they applaud the formation of “RebuildUkraine,” but are concerned that the role of Ukrainian and European civil society has gone unmentioned. In light of this, Civil Society Europe and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) have taken the initiative to urge the European Commission to ensure that both European civil society groups, networks, and organizations, as well as Ukrainian civil society and local governments, have a clear role and function in the governance of “RebuildUkraine,” which includes meaningful consultations and official observer status. 137 civil society organizations across Europe have responded positively and endorsed this initiative.

European civil society has been standing and continues to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people in the face of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ukraine’s application for candidate country status in the EU is welcomed by civil society throughout the EU. To ensure a strong, resilient, equitable, and sustainable Ukrainian civil society, European civil society organizations are ready to collaborate with their members, partners, and friends in Ukrainian civil society.

Ukraine’s civil society organizations have played a crucial role since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. They have played an essential role in providing humanitarian and medical assistance, documenting atrocities and war crimes, as well as helping those fleeing the country. Moreover, these reconstructions will be implementing necessary measures for reconstruction. Therefore, to ensure the success of this plan, Ukrainian civil society organizations are essential in their expertise. Ukraine’s local and national CSO must be leading this crucial effort in rebuilding the country.

Civil Society Europe wants to ensure that reconstruction funds made conditional on reforms are aligned with Ukraine’s integration into the EU, under all the recent European policies, strategies, and initiatives concerning the Green Deal. For Ukraine to recover, a sustainable and inclusive economy must be promoted, with good governance, rule of law, and human rights in the country.

Read Civil Society Europe and European Environmental Bureau’s detailed statement here