Centre for European Perspective cordially invites you to a roundtable discussion

TWO YEARS ON

on

Friday, 16 February 2024, 09:30 – 14:00 CET

As the second year since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine comes to a close and the discussions on continued support for Ukraine intensify, it is necessary to highlight the unwavering determination of the Ukrainian people to continue with inclusive reforms, democratization and modernization, incl. an active approach in the state-led European integration processes.

Despite the still ongoing conflict, the recovery and rebuilding processes have already begun with many major achievements, but the post-war recovery process for Ukraine also means achieving democratic security – and here is where the local level comes in. Local and regional authorities are an important factor in the recovery process and a key guiding force for the reconstruction process. Slovenia and many other EU countries have recognized the role of local communities and are already transitioning from offering humanitarian and material aid to development projects. Capable and strong local communities will be able to accomplish the objectives of the decentralization reform and aid the transformation of Ukraine.

Another key stakeholder in the post-conflict recovery process is youth. Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, youth has been on Ukrainian frontlines, both literally and figuratively, but they will need to play an integral part in the post-war reconstruction, helping to shape important initiatives and continue the democratization process.

Programme of the event

09:10 – 09:30   Arrivals

09:30 – 10:45   High-level roundtable

Welcome speech by Ms Nina Čepon, Executive Director, Centre for European Perspective

Opening address by H. E Mrs Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia

Speakers:

    • Mrs Oleksandra Azarkhina, Deputy Minister, Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine
    • Dr Damir Črnčec, State Secretary, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia
    • H. E. Mr Andrii Taran, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia
    • H. E. Mrs Jamie L. Harpootlian, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia
    • Dr Klemen Grošelj, Member of the European Parliament for Slovenia

Moderator: Ms Nataša Briški, M.Sc., TV presenter, editor and journalist.

10:45 – 11:30   Coffee break

11:30 – 12:00   »Fireside Chat« / One-on-one with Mayor of a Ukrainian Municipality

Mr Iaroslav Tsvirkun, Mayor, Pereschepyne hromada, Ukraine

Moderated by Ms Nataša Briški, M.Sc., TV presenter, editor and journalist

12:00 – 13:00  Informal reception / Lunch buffet

13:10 – 14:00  About Ukraine from Ukraine’s future – the perspective of Ukrainian youth

Moderated by Mr Jernej Grahor, Project Manager, Centre for European Perspective

 

Register HERE.

 

Following the high-level roundtable discussion and fireside chat, you are kindly invited to join us at the lunch buffet at Jable Castle, which will be followed by a discussion with Ukrainian youth.

 

The event is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, alongside the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’, financed by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia.