A study visit of representatives of Ukrainian NGOs to Berlin took place on 15-19 July. The trip, organised by Cedos and the Institute for European Politics (IEP, Berlin), was dedicated to the exchange of experience between Ukrainian and German NGOs, as well as cooperation between the government and civil society.

About the study visit

During the week, the participants studied the specifics of the work of think tanks in Germany, had the opportunity to establish contacts with representatives of local NGOs, met with Ukrainian initiatives in Berlin, and visited the Bundestag. Among other things, the participants also learned how the civil society sector can build cooperation with the government.

Our team works with public finances, so it was important for me to make sure that the topic of spending transparency in Ukraine is more relevant than ever for our international partners and the image of Ukraine in general.
I am still impressed by the trip, as I have expanded my understanding of the Ukrainian discourse in Germany and learnt a lot about the interaction between the German civil society and the government.

Olga Volkhina, data analyst at the Fiscal Policy Research Center

One of the focuses of the trip was intercultural communication and advocacy of Ukraine’s interests abroad. In particular, IEP research associate Ljudmyla Melnyk held a workshop on “Communication of Ukraine in an intercultural context”.

It was a very interesting experience to explore a different environment in which NGOs operate and, in particular, conduct advocacy campaigns. I also received answers to the current challenge of financing the activities of an NGO. I am now transforming the new knowledge into the activities of the NGO, because I understand that an objective analysis of the situation will help solve the community’s problems.

Oksana Kozlovska, founder of the NGO “Leader”

The study visit facilitated the exchange of experience between representatives of the public sector in Ukraine and Germany, as well as networking among the participants.

The most valuable thing that I received as a result of the study visit was an even deeper understanding of the work of the public sector in Germany, as well as new contacts and acquaintances with representatives of various German and Ukrainian organisations and associations, with whom we will definitely cooperate in various areas! I am also grateful for the extremely valuable practical experience of conducting research, which I will definitely share with the team of the Research Department of our foundation. I am confident that the knowledge and materials I brought will strengthen the foundation’s activities in conducting national and regional research.

Bohdana Synyakevych, Director of the Fundraising Department at the Rokada Charitable Foundation

Who took part in the trip?

The winners of the competition to participate in the study visit were 10 representatives of Ukrainian NGOs:

  • Bohdana Syniakevych, Rokada;
  • Dovbnia Viktoriia, Right to Protection;
  • Anastasiia Hachkevych, The Seven Storey Mountain;
  • Olha Volkhina, Fiscal Center;
  • Valentyna Triukhan, NAVKOLO;
  • Liliia Tytarenko, Youth Development Center;
  • Oksana Kozlovska, The Leader;
  • Polina Saiutina, Cube;
  • Khrystyna Horna, Europian Dialog;
  • Yaryna Bushchak, Ukrainian Women Lawyers Association “JurFem”;
  • Oleksandra Cholovska, Analytical and Advocacy Center “Lviv Regulatory Hub”.

The study visit was a part of the “UA Transformation Lab”, a joined project by the Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP), Cedos, Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation (DIF) and New Europe Center (NEC). It is kindly supported by the German Federal Foreign Office. The project aims to strengthen Ukrainian think tanks and civil society organisations, deepen their cooperation with local authorities, and provide the necessary tools to effectively support recovery and European integration processes.