On 16 August, the European Commission decided to register a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) aimed at preserving and developing Ukrainian culture, education, language and traditions in EU countries.
The organisers of the initiative are calling on the EU to “to step up its action” to integrate Ukrainian refugees, 40% of whom are planning to settle in the EU in the long term.
They also call on the Commission to propose a new legislative act aimed at preserving Ukrainian culture, language, traditions and heritage. Among other things, this act could establish “a pan-European structure of integration centres”.
In practical terms, the organisers want EU countries with at least 10,000 Ukrainian refugees to set up information centres, which would receive financial support and be under the aegis of EU bodies. The centres would provide various types of assistance, offer language classes and courses on Ukrainian culture, encourage cultural exchanges and contribute to the integration of Ukrainian artistic works within the European cultural area.
In order for the European Commission to respond to these requests, the organisers must collect one million statements of support from at least seven Member States over the next six months. The institution will then be required to give reasons for its decision whether or not to propose measures. (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)