OpenUkraine News

Yuri Andrukhovych’s «Perverzion» was published in Spanish

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Yuri Andrukhovych’s book «Perverzion» was published in Spanish by Akantilado Publishing House from Barcelona in the beginning of April 2012. Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation provided a grant out of its Book Fund Program for translation of this novel by the famous Ukrainian writer.

«I am very happy that such an initiative has appeared in Ukraine – to support translations of books by contemporary Ukrainian writers into foreign languages and cooperate with foreign publishing houses in this field. These are the projects aimed at the “conscience export”, which we have lacked much», Yuri Andrukhovych said.

Akantilado is a well-known publishing house, which books are best sellers not only in Spain, but also in many other Spanish-speaking countries with a large readers’ market (Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Columbia). «Perverzion» is already the 6th book by Yuri Andrukhovych that has been published by this publishing house. The 2000 copies of new edition will be distributed in the Spanish-speaking countries.

«And now thanks to the Open Ukraine Foundation a Spanish-speaking reader on several continents will be able to go deep in chimerical cobwebs of my novel», the famous Ukrainian writer mentioned.

It should be noted that the Open Ukraine Foundation is the only foundation in our country, which provides grants for translation of contemporary Ukrainian literature into foreign languages. During 2009-2011 the books by Ukrainian authors have been translated into Czech, Russian, Bulgarian, Polish, French and other languages. In particular, among the recent projects there was a novel «Voroshylovhrad» by Ukrainian writer Serhiy Zhadan that was published in Hungarian language. This novel won «The BBC Book of the Year 2010» award. Last year the Bulgarian translation of Yuri Andrukhovych’s «Twelve rings» book was published. The Foundation also provided a grant for Polish translation of Vasyl Slapchuk’s novel «Woman From Snow», which is planned to be published shortly in May 2012.

Democracy will have a future only in case of good governance – James SHERR

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Future of democracy is possible only in case of good governance. Otherwise it will lose its legitimacy. It was stressed by James SHERR, Senior Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House, The Royal Institute of International Affairs, in his summary of the 5th Kyiv Security Forum "Modern Global Security Tendencies: Does Democracy Matter?", organized by Open Ukraine Foundation on Friday, April 20.

„If democracy is willing to have a future and not to lose its legitimacy, it should have a good governance”, - James SHERR stressed while summarizing the work of Kyiv Security Forum. The expert highlighted that Ukraine has a right to be an independent state „be it a democratic state or non-democratic state”. Ukraine also has a right, like other countries, „to join the EU, have the Association Agreement or be on the way to it”. Although this right depends on other EU sovereign member-states, James SHERR believes, in reality the main thing that matters is Ukraine’s ability „to convince these states that it shares their common interests and values”. „And not just by rhetoric or imitation, but proving and practicing it. Every government in the EU understands that”, he said.

The Senior Fellow of Chatham House, The Royal Institute of International Affairs, emphasized that since its beginning the EU has been „a political, and even geopolitical, project”. According to James SHERR, the European Union has become „a success and a model” because it was established on democratic values. „And why does democracy matter – because this model has always been and stays attractive”, he added.
In terms of the Arab democracy and revolution that was actively discussed during Kyiv Security Forum, James SHERR believes that the West has to work for these changes and support them. At the same time, he noted: "We can be sure that the Islamic countries will stay Islamic". He pointed at the number of uncertainties regarding a possibility to renew old corruption ties, which existed under the previous regimes, hold the counterrevolutions, or transform a new democracy into the dictatorship of the majority.

To sum up the outcomes of the Militarization of the Black Sea Region session, the British expert expressed an opinion that Ukraine should now start thinking on how prepare itself for more strict Russia’s intentions to settle Russian questions with its neighboring countries. „After May 7 Russia will de jure return under the governance of the president who is willing to address the most difficult questions with its neighboring countries. Beginning with Ukraine, and not excluding Georgia and Moldova”, he stated. “If one does not prepare now, he will have to act ad hoc”, James SHERR believes. In his opinion, “whoever is in power in Ukraine, security and security measures culture” is becoming a „cardinal question” for Ukraine.

Regarding NATO’s modern role and its place in the global collective security, the British expert believes that the most important question for the Alliance now is „whether NATO is willing to stay operative for the European security”. If such a wish the Alliance has, it will raise further questions on the ways how to implement it. According to James SHERR „enlargement is no longer a realistic answer to security challenges”.

Kyiv Security Forum, an annual international event, initiated by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in 2007, is a discussion panel for the most pressing security issues in Europe and Black Sea region. The objective of the forum is to strengthen cooperation in security sector between the European Union and the Black Sea Region, raising awareness on security developments among key stakeholders, strengthen a role of independent and non-government actors in finding solutions to security problems of Europe.

5th Kyiv Security Forum

Democratic state is a task for all 46 million Ukrainians - Arseniy YATSENYUK

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

«Ukrainians demand accountable authorities, fair elections and strive for better future. And only they are able bring these changes in this country”. It was declared by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, founder of Open Ukraine Foundation, leader of “Front for Change” party during a discussion panel within the 5th Kyiv Security Forum “Modern Global Security. Does Democracy Matter?”, organized by Open Ukraine Foundation on Friday, April 20.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk spoke at the discussion panel “Democracy or Revolution?” together with Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of France (2007 – 2010), Christopher Walker, Vice President for Strategy and Analysis, Freedom House (U.S.A), Kanwal Sibal, Foreign Secretary to the Government of India (2002 – 2003), Sameh Seif El-Yazal, Head of “Al-Gomhuria” Centre for Political Studies and Analysis in Egypt.

«Democracy is not only a word. These are freely elected, accountable and non-corrupted authorities, social equality, free and competitive economy, rule of law. What do we have in reality instead? We have corrupted authorities, complete social inequality, huge gap between rich and poor, hand control by the president”, leader of political party “Front for Change” emphasized.

To stop Ukraine’s rolling down to autocratic regime, the efforts should be made to change standards in this country: “Ukraine is an European country. However we need to make our best to truly establish and promote European values in our country. And much depends on people. If anyone says that a few politicians can change the entire political landscape, this is not true. Only people can bring these changes”, he highlighted.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk reminded that Ukrainians have an experience of the Orange Revolution, values of which are still relevant today: “People do understand what freedom of speech means and what generally freedom means. They realize that the power can be reelected and not to be afraid of it”.

«People demand that authorities must be accountable to the public, demand free and transparent elections. People strive for better future, and we have to make it real. People call for changes. And I am convinced that they will get changes. This year in Ukraine the parliamentary elections are to take place and this is a chance to make a change. Not only new names in the government and the parliament, but change of standards and entire system”, Arseniy Yatsenyuk stated.

During a media briefing attending by Karel Schwarzenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic and Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of France (2007-2010), Arseniy Yatseniuk emphasized the importance of initialing and signing the Association Agreement with the EU. “However the road from initialing to signing is very far. And it’s completely clear that the agreement is not going to be signed until democracy is reestablished in Ukraine, elections are hold freely and transparently and until political repression is stopped”, he stressed.

«Ukraine will be democratic country, and this is a task for all 46 million Ukrainians”, Arseniy Yatsenyuk emphasized.

Kyiv Security Forum, an annual international event, established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in 2007, is a discussion platform for the most pressing security issues in Europe and Black Sea region. The objective of the forum is to strengthen cooperation in security sector between the European Union and the Black Sea Region, raising awareness on security developments among key stakeholders, strengthen a role of independent and non-government actors in finding solutions to security problems of Europe.

5th Kyiv Security Forum

Arseniy Yatseniuk Open Ukraine Foundation has supported Ukrainian animation films

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

With the support of Arseniy Yatseniuk Open Ukraine Foundation Anatoliy Lavrenyshyn has become a participant of 13th International Film Festival (Festival International du film d’Aubagne/France), that took place in Aubagne, France. His animation film “The White Crow” was presented at the official contest of short motion pictures together with other animation, fiction and documentary films from 22 countries.

«The White Crow» is the only Ukrainian film in the Festival program. This is also the first festival picture of Anatoliy Lavrenyshyn. The music for this film was written by Daga Gregorowicz and Michal Pospieszalski. They are participants of an Ukrainian-Polish music band – “DagaDana”. The sound was done by talented recording engineer Maria Nesterenko, who is known for her work in “Cross” film by Maryna Vroda, which got the second “Palme d'Or” for Ukraine at 2011 Festival de Cannes.

This year festival in France was special since it was devoted to music and sound in motion pictures. Therefore, attention was paid to originality of music and sound. Moreover, the main topics for meetings and master-classes were methods of cooperation of a director with a composer or sound engineer and director’s personal attitude to sound.

At the end of the festival Anatoliy Lavrenyshyn has mentioned: “Personally for me it was interesting to hear completely different views of my colleagues who shoot fiction and documentary films. By making only animated films I have my own production technology and that’s why it’s useful sometimes to hear a competent opinion regarding what’s going on in other types of cinema. I have met several composers and hopefully we will cooperate further for my other animated projects. I have already some work experience with foreign colleagues and so now I can extend this practice further”.

It is a reminder that as part of Cultural Horizons program the Open Ukraine Foundation continuously supports contemporary Ukrainian art. Particularly last year the Open Ukraine Foundation provided 10 travel grants to talented musicians, directors, artists for presenting their works abroad.

Оpen Ukraine Foundation announced the results of the Essay Contest for young scientists

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

The Democracy Essay Contest for young scientists, held from March 1 till March 15 within the 5th Kyiv Security Forum ”Does Democracy Matter?” , came to the end. 83 participants from 17 regions of Ukraine took part in the Contest.

The winners are the following:
1. Ivan HORODYNSKYY (Faculty of International Relations, Ivan Franko Lviv National University);
2. Rostyslav DZYUBA (Faculty of History, Donetsk National University);
3. Dmytro MELNYK (Institute of International Relations, National Aviation University);
4. Hanna MOROZOVA (National Technical University of Ukraine "Kyiv Polytechnic Institute");
5. Anton PISARENKO (International Relations Major, Mariupol State University).

These young scientists will participate in the 5th anniversary Kyiv Security Forum, which will take place on April 20, 2012, and be able to join the discussion on the challenging security and democracy issues.

It was a difficult task for the Contest Commission to select the winners, since the majority of the essays were marked by high quality, the authors’ skills to express their views logically and with sound reasoning, to approach essay topics unconventionally. Occasionally, the authors’ emotions prevailed over logic and objectivity; however, it caused the inception of fresh ideas and interesting thoughts.

«…Democracy – it is just an attempt to document conceptionally a basic problem of co-existence of human beings… But so far it is the best form, since it really allows avoiding big conflicts and wars.»
Rostyslav DZYUBA, «Is democracy safe? In terms of international relations»

We would like to wish the Contest’s participants inspiration for new works and analytical texts, self-confidence and courage to express their own thoughts!

Open Ukraine Foundation replenished the library holdings of the National Library of Ukraine for Children by Taras Shevchenko and Me books

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

From March 20 till April 3, 2012 children’s libraries in Ukraine hosted the annual Ukrainian Nationwide Children’s Reading Week under the slogan “What a wizard power a book has! Don’t you want to become a wizard as well?”, which was established in Ukraine in 1993. In accordance with the longstanding tradition, the solemn closing ceremony of the Children’s Reading Week took place in the National Library of Ukraine for Children. In the course of the event Arseniy Yatseniuk Open Ukraine Foundation donated "Taras Shevchenko and Me" books to the National Library and its regional branches all over Ukraine.

Over the years of its existence the Children’s Reading Week has become one of the most popular and beloved holidays of Ukrainian children. During the holiday young readers of the children’s libraries in Ukraine receive more useful information, visit presentations of new books and meet their writers.

"Taras Shevchenko and Me" is a book of the series of children's detective investigations "12 points" about the famous people of Ukraine, who affected the course of history and left their mark on the culture of the country. The main objective of the book is to help a child in his/her search for something interested in Taras Shevchenko’s personality for himself/herself, and to show that he was a common person as all the others.

It is a reminder that the children’s book "Taras Shevchenko and Me" was published thanks to the joint efforts of Arseniy Yatseniuk Open Ukraine Foundation and the Brothers Kapranovs’ Green Dog Publishing House in September 2011.

For the first time Ukraine is represented at the Paris Book Fair

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300

Paris Book Fair (Salon du Livre), one of the biggest book exhibitions/fairs, took place on 16–19 March 2012 in France, where for the first time in the Fair’s history contemporary Ukrainian literature was presented. Representatives over 40 countries, approximately 2000 authors, more than 1000 publishers were participated at the Book Fair; it hosted 500 various events and was attended by almost 190000 book fans.

This year within the Book Fair More Countries – More Books project it was the first time in the Book Fair’s history that the contemporary Ukrainian literature was presented. Ukraine, represented by the Ukrainian Association of Publishers and Booksellers (UAPB), was registered in the catalogue of Paris Book Fair as a participating country.

Promotion of Ukrainian literature over the world is vitally important since thanks to the works of Ukrainian novelists the image of Ukraine is created internationally. This is why Arseniy Yatseniuk Open Ukraine Foundation provides the Ukrainian artists with an opportunity to present their achievements to the world.

Therefore, with the support of the Open Ukraine Foundation a delegation of Ukrainian writers was led by Mykola Kravchenko, Head of the Board of Book Space civic organization. «If 20 years ago being a research analyst at one of the institutes that dealt with ‘defense’ theme, I was told that one day in Paris I would moderate presentation of Ukrainian artists” it would have been considered at best as a bad joke”, - said Mykola Kravchenko, - “however, what seemed to be a joke yesterday it came true today”.

Presentation of modern Ukrainian literature took place on March 16 at the Paris Book Fair with participation of seven Ukrainian authors: Maria Matios, Tymofiy Havryliv, Larysa Denysenko, Yevgeniya Kononenko, Anton Kushnir, Iryna Lykovych and Yevgen Polozhіy. During the presentation, the “Almanac of Modern Ukrainian Literature” in French language was introduced. The almanac included fragments of works in French by 16 Ukrainian authors: Tymofiy Havryliv, Larysa Denysenko, Anatoliy Dnistroviy, Oksana Zabuzhko, Vasyl Kozhelyanko, Yevgeniya Kononenko, Leonid Kononovych, Anton Kushnir, Irysya Lykovych, Lada Luzina, Maria Matios, Yevgen Polozhіy, Iren Rozdobudko, Ivan Ryabchiy, Natalka Snyadanko and Dmytro Chystyak. Nine translators participated in preparing the almanac. The publication was an attempt first of all to introduce French publishers and literary agent to such phenomena as a literary process in contemporary Ukraine, and provide them with an opportunity to feel ‘a taste’ of not only well-known authors but also of young authors who make their first artistic steps although already gained their awards at high-prestige national literature competitions.

Mykola Kravchenko added: ”The nearest plans of More Countries – More Books project are publishing the similar almanac in Norwegian language and presenting it on May 29 – June 2 in Lillehammer (Norway) where the Norwegian Festival of Literature takes place as well as getting prepared for the European Books Festival of Cognac (in France, in November this year) where Ukraine is invited a Guest of Honour. It will be the first time that such a status is given to a EU non-member country”.

"Voroshylovgrad" by Sergiy Zhadan will be published in Hungarian

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatseniuk “Open Ukraine" Foundation within the "Book Fund" Program has provided a grant to the publishing house "Europa Konyvkiado" for translation into Hungarian Sergiy Zhadan’s novel - “Voroshylovgrad". The book will be published in March, 2012 with the run out of fifteen hundred copies.

Hungarian publishing house "Europa Konyvkiado" will publish in March the book of Ukrainian writer Sergiy Zhadan - "Voroshylovgrad" . The novel, which won "Best Book BBC-2010" award, is devoted to picturesque pages of life of people in Eastern Ukraine. Arseniy Yatseniuk "Open Ukraine" Foundation provided this grant for the publication and translation into Hungarian within the "Book Fund" Program. This is regular Foundation’s project, aimed at the development and promotion of modern national literature among European readers.

The image of our country in the consciousness of foreigners is formed mainly through the works of Ukrainian writers about Ukraine. That’s why, funding for translation of national authors abroad, the Foundation is really opening Ukraine to the world. "Authors may not provide complete information but written with love and passion. That’s why It is better to learn about political and economic life from novels than from governmental reports, - said Sergiy Zhadan - in this sense, I’m very happy that "Voroshylovgrad" is being published in Hungarian and in general, that the Hungarians translate Ukrainian authors. Unfortunately, all this is being done not due to, as contrary to national cultural policy. It is great, that there are private institutions that support Ukrainian literature. "

It should be mentioned that “Open Ukraine" Foundation is the only foundation in our country that provides grants for translation of modern Ukrainian literature into foreign languages. During 2009-2011 the works of national authors were translated into Czech, Russian, Bulgarian, Polish, French and other languages. In particular, among recent projects - last year was published Bulgarian translation of Ukrainian writer Yuriy Andrukhovych book "12 Rings" and was provided financial support for translation of Polish story of Vasyl Slapchuk - "Woman of the Snow".

The translation of "Voroshylovgrad" is not the first work of publishing house "Europa Konyvkiado" with Ukrainian prose. Previously, it translated and published in Hungarian the novel of Oksana Zabuzhko "Field researches of Ukrainian sex" and Sergiy Zhadan’s story "Depeche Mode".

"Open Ukraine" Foundation awarded 2012 Volodymyr Ivasiuk Scholarship

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatseniuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” awarded Volodymyr Ivasiuk scholarship. Money award is given to young composer Natalia Parfenyuk.

This year's Volodymyr Ivasiuk scholarship was awarded to the talented young composer Parfenyuk Natalya, student of the 5th year of Theoretical and Composition Faculty (Composer Department) of Mykola Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy, the class of Prof. Victor Kaminsky.

Volodymyr Ivasiuk Scholarship became a driving engine for my inspiration as I began to belong to the "circle of friends" of outstanding artist "- said Natalya Parfenyuk. She says that belief in her personal skills and talent inspired her to a deeper study of electronic music and film music.

First electronic composition "Miriads” she presented in 2011 at Great Hall of Mykola Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy. In addition, recently Nataliya wrote a series of romances and piano compositions, string quartet and chamber music for string orchestra.

Unfortunately, the development of culture in our country is supported in a rather modest way. "In most cases the artist has to worry himself where to get funds to invest into his talent and work - said Head of the Supervisory Board of "Open Ukraine" Foundation Tereziya Yatseniuk. - It is unlikely that under such circumstances artist would be able to fully express himself in art. At least partial financial assistance for the talented young people in order to give them opportunity to devote themselves only to art – this is one of the tasks of our patronage and our contribution to the development of modern art in Ukraine".

However, establishing Volodymyr Ivasiuk scholarship is just one of the projects, initiated by the Foundation to support talented Ukrainian youth. During the last three years the "Open Ukraine" Foundation has given dozens of travel grants to talented musicians, producers, artists to present their works abroad. Due to the support of Foundation are published and translated into world languages ?? books of Ukrainian writers, staged performances of modern works of national literature.

For information:
Volodymyr Ivasiuk Scholarship was founded by Arseniy Yatseniuk "Open Ukraine" Foundation on the 60th anniversary of the birth of the famous Ukrainian poet and composer. It has been given for three years to the best students of Theoretical and Composition Faculty of Mykola Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy for significant creative achievements. Candidates for the scholarship are nominated by dean of Theoretical and Composition Faculty among the students on the budget form of education or on funds of individuals or entities. The decision to grant scholarships makes Scientific Council of Music Academy.

The Arseniy Yatseniuk Foundation "Open Ukraine" announces Essay Contest for young scientists on democracy and its role in security processes

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The Arseniy Yatseniuk Foundation “Open Ukraine “ within the 5-th Kyiv Security Forum launches essay competition for young scientists. Winners will be invited to the anniversary Security Forum, which will be held on 19-20 April 2012 in Kyiv.

Annual international event “Kyiv Security Forum” (KSF) was initiated by the Arseniy Yatseniuk Foundation Open Ukraine in 2007. It is the region’s foremost platform for high level discussions on the most pressing security issues in the Black Sea region and wider Europe. The topic of the 5th Kyiv Security Forum will be "Modern Global Security Tendencies: Does Democracy Matter?"

Participation in the Forum will open to young professionals more opportunities - to attend an international conference, join the discussion and debate on issues of international security, communicate with leading experts and prominent politicians, businessmen, analysts, representatives of civil society and media in Ukraine and Black Sea-Caspian region, the European Union, the United States. Papers of winners will be also included in the final Forum materials and will be distributed among the expert community.

CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION see on KSF web-site.

For more information, please contact Manager of "International Dialogue» Program Iryna Bochar by e-mail ib@openukraine.org or call: +380 44 220-18-40, +380 67 214-34-62.

“Modern global security tendencies: does democracy matter?” – the title of upcoming 5th Kyiv Security Forum.

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200

On April, 19 – 20, 2012 within the framework of the 5th Kyiv Security Forum discussion about role of democracy in modern global and regional security processes will be held.

Annual international event “Kyiv Security Forum” was initiated by the Arseniy Yatseniuk Foundation Open Ukraine in 2007. It is the region’s foremost platform for high level discussions on the most pressing security issues in the Black Sea region and wider Europe.

Participants of the 5th Security Forum will discuss global security tendencies, prosperity and democracy issues. Representatives from European and Black Sea regional states will determine the role of the European Union in regional development and analyse the EU’s future as the key factor for regional stability. The role of Ukraine in global and regional security processes will also become a topic for discussion.

Forum Guests are over 400 representatives from more than 20 countries, high-level top governmental officials and policy leaders, well-known politicians, research associates and academics, experts, businessmen, representatives of civil society and mass media from Ukraine and other states of the Black Sea region, from the USA, respective international and regional organizations.

Any additional information you can find on the Kyiv Security Forum page.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation presented books to Ukrainian gymnasium in Prague

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

On 22nd of December Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation presented over 1000 books to Ukrainian gymnasium in Prague

The school library was supplemented with Ukrainian educational literature for 1-11 classes. Among literature - children's primers, working textbooks for writing and language development, textbooks for tests, books. Such as “Native language” and books of ethnography: “Embroidered shirt”, “Kalyna”, “Stork”, book of Ukrainian literature etc.

Ukrainian gymnasium in Prague was established in 2005. The main goal is to preserve national identity by patriotic education, studying of native language and protection of national identity respecting national traditions and customs.

During the presentation of books on Christmas evening in gymnasium was read the greeting word from the Head of Supervisory Council of “Open Ukraine” Foundation - Tereziya Yatsenyuk. She congratulated all the teachers, pupils and their parents with upcoming holidays, and thanked for the support and development of children and youth of Ukrainians abroad, upbringing of respect to native language and culture, popularization of Ukraine on international language. Mrs. Tereziya mentioned: “Thanks to your patriotism, talents, the world discovers Ukrainians as multicultural, educated, spiritual European nation”.

Відео

Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation provided a travel grant for Ukrainian composer

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation has been implementing the program “Cultural horizons” during four years already. The program is aimed at promotion Ukrainian culture and art abroad.

Within the program Foundation annually gives travel grants to Ukrainian artists for participation at international festivals, exhibitions, contests and presentation of cultural achievements of modern Ukraine.

This time Arseniy Yatsenyuk “Open Ukraine” Foundation provided travel grant for Ala Zagaykevych, composer, Head of the Community of Electro-Acoustic Music at Kyiv Composer Council of Ukraine, for the participation in final concert of laureates of International contest of electro-acoustic music - «MUSICA NOVA 2011» in Prague, Czech Republic.

International contest «MUSICA NOVA» is one of the most popular contests in the world of academic electro-acoustic music, which is from 1969 annually conducted by the Community of Electro-Acoustic Music of Czech Republic, supported by Czech Music Council, Institute of Arts, Academy of Arts and Czech radio.

The main goal of c«MUSICA NOVA» contest activity is a support of composers’ creative work in sphere of academic electro-acoustic music, setting-up the cooperation of composers and performers from different countries, participation in international programs of development and integration of modern academic electro-acoustic music into the world’s cultural space.

«MUSICA NOVA» contest represents modern art reflection of electro-acoustic music in multidimensional artistic space, its integration in new modern shapes of the world’s “sound picture”.

International judges among 76 works from 26 countries selected 4 works – winners of 2 nominations ( “nomination A” – work for electro-acoustic record, “nomination B” – work for instrument, or for voice from electronic record. The work of Ala Zagaykevych «МІTH – IV: K.S.” won honorary award of the competition. On the final concert of laureates the composition sounded in record, where the part of violin was presented by talented young Ukrainian violinist Orest Smovzh.

For Ukrainian composer the most important fact in this event is communication with the directors of the Community of Electro-Acoustic Music of Czech Republic – Dr. Lenka Donovalova and Prof. Rudolf Ruzhychka. The experience of Czech colleagues in the development of academic electro-acoustic music is extremely important for Ukrainian artists.

Communication with composers and music-performers from various countries, discussion about strategic directions of organization of modern music process in different countries will become the basis for further international cooperation and influence on the process of integration of Ukrainian electro-acoustic music into the world’s music space.

Tereziya Yatsenyuk congratulated children-orphans with St. Nicholas Day

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Head of Supervisory Council of “Open Ukraine” Foundation Tereziya Yatsenyuk on St.Nicolas Day visited orphanage №3 in Dnipropetrovsk, where she met children-orphans.

“Help each other, develop your talents, do sports! We are grateful to your teachers, who take care of you, help you become talented, strong, educated. I wish you, that friendship, which was born here, is following you during whole your lifetime” – said Tereziya Yatsenyuk, congratulating children on holiday.

Children got presents from Head of Supervisory Council of “Open Ukraine” Foundation – washing machine and video projector. Father Vitaliy blessed pupils and presented icons of Saint Nicolas and prayer books.

For children from Pereshypyn orphan school and for children-orphans and children, deprived from parental care, was organized visit to the best skating rink in the city. Children together with Tereziya Yatsenyuk skated and from master-class of Ukrainian champion of figure skating Roman Taran learned the main techniques of skating.

For information: Head of Supervisory Council of “Open Ukraine” Foundation Tereziya Yatsenyuk on the eve and on St. Nicolas Day visits orphanage throughout all Ukraine, communicates with children, deprived from parental care. Tereziya Yatsenyuk has already visited in December 2010 orphans in Dnipropetrovsk and disabled children from orphanages № 1, “Family”, and in April 2011 she visited children from orphanges №2 and №3.

Arseniy Yatseniuk Open Ukraine Foundation held a discussion on the implementation of primary care in Ukraine.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatseniuk Open Ukraine Foundation together with the International Renaissance Foundation organized on November 22nd a panel discussion "Reform in health care sphere: primary care”. This event was the fifth in the project “Sharing Transition Experience”,which is aimed to inform Ukrainian expert community on the experience of reforms in the neighboring countries.

The participants – famous doctors, officials and experts discussed the lessons of implementation of the reform in the healthcare sphere in Czech Republic, Moldova and Bulgaria, and the importance of international experience for Ukraine.

Head of Supervisory Council of Open Ukraine Foundation Tereza YATSENIUK mentioned that it’s not the first time when the issue of primary care is raised: “A number of round–tables, conferences and discussions were held during last ten years. The question is still actual and very important to our country, taking into consideration that death rate is bigger than birth rate and the Ukraine’s population is reducing”. She expressed hope that the experience of other countries will provide with knowledge for successful reforms in the health care sphere in Ukraine.
Ms. Yatseniuk stressed the importance of family doctors, who know the health problems history of whole family and can help in time.

Yevhen BYSTRYTSKYI, Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation assured that his organization will support the participation of NGOs in implementing reforms, accumulation of best practices, protecting patients' rights. He informed that the Renaissance Foundation is developing the project "Bridge of reforms" - the exchange of experience of post-Soviet countries, including health care sphere.

Mykola HOBZEY, Head of the Department of Medical Assistance of Ministry for Health of Ukraine stressed on the importance of support from officials who deal with public health in Ukraine. "The experience of foreign colleagues is very important, because the Ukrainian legislation in the health sector needs immediate improvement. Using the experience of neighboring countries we can avoid many mistakes,"- he said.

According to Mykola POLISHCHUK’s words, former Minister’s of Health of Ukraine, in United Kingdom implementation of family doctors has reduced death rate to 6%. The expert is convinced that one family doctor can serve 1, 5 thousand people.

Mr. POLISHCHUK assumes that because of absence of family doctors, people often consult in pharmacies and often buy unnecessary medicines. Mykola Polishchuk underlined, that Ukrainians spend about 20 billion hryvnas for medicines and 40% - expenses which could be avoided. “Doctors are not able themselves to implement reforms, economists must do it" - he mentioned.

Igor POKANEVYCH, Deputy Head of the World Health Organization in Ukraine, said, that Ukraine is far behind its neighbors in the health care sphere and this is reflected in many other areas of Ukrainian society. He informed, that the expenses for primary health care in Ukraine are 6 – 10 % of the total budget and only 17% of doctors are working on primary care level.

Oleg MUSIY, President of the Ukrainian Medical Association, Head of the Public Council at the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, suggested to create a public authority, which will work only on reforms of health care sphere. Also he noted that nowadays Ukrainians need more information about health care sphere: “A person must now what is awaiting for him in several years”. Mr. Musiy said that there are 8000 family doctors today in Ukraine, but half of them are at the retirement age. He believes that because of the current rate of graduation of medical workers, Ukraine will be provided by family doctors only in 125 years.

During the discussion also was presented a positive experience of the implementation of primary care in the cities of Kamyanets – Podilsky (Khmelnytsky region) and Komsomolsk (Poltava region).

Ala NEMERENCO, Director of University Center of Primary Health Care of the Republic of Moldova, said that as a result of successful reforms primary care was implemented in the country. This improved public access to primary health services and essential medicines, increased quality of services, was made accent on preventive measures, the rights of patients are provided. "Despite the fact that only 80% of the population have health insurance, the entire population has free access to family doctors," - the expert underlined.

Ondrey DOSTAL, Head of the Center for Health Law, Charles University in Prague informed that in the Czech Republic the term "primary care" includes, as a rule, medics of general practices, pediatricians, gynecologists and dentists. About 95% of primary care services are provided by therapists of private practice. "A typical service provider of primary care is self-employed physician or small company in the form of limited liability companies," - said the expert. He said that patients have the right to choose a doctor.

Hristo HINKOV, Chief of Mental Health Department of Institute for Public Health and Analysis, telling about the positive experience of reforms in Bulgaria and complained on problems that are still present in the health care sphere, among them - inadequate education of medical workers. He advised step by step, with joint efforts of all relevant government institutions create a European, independent and professional system of measures to improve health care sphere in Ukraine.

During the discussion the audience had the opportunity to watch online–presentation of a representative of the Ministry of Health of Turkey, who told about the main features of the Turkish health care system, whose development was based on careful study of systems of other nations.

We hope that foreign experience, represented by the project will be used by Ukrainian expert community to implement socially important for the country reforms. All materials of the event you can find on our website in our "International Dialogue” section.

On the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine the Governor of Austrian National Bank had meeting with Ukrainian diplomats, politicians and economists.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The Founder of Open Ukraine Foundation, the member of Parliament of ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk together with Ewald Nowotny, who is the Governor of Austria National Bank and the Member of Governing Council of European Central Bank, shared their opinions on topic “Financial Crises : challenges and opportunities of European Union” during the regular meeting of the Diplomatic Club.

Ewald Nowotny doesn’t exclude the second wave of financial crises, which firstly will touch the countries of Eastern Europe and doesn’t see EU enlargement the nearest future.

The Member of Governing Council of European Central Bank Ewald Nowotny mentioned that he doesn’t see the EU enlargement in the nearest future, except Croatia. “The Financial crises showed to the EU, that it is necessary to gain experience of the behavior in difficult situations and tackle the problems, which exist in the countries-members of Euro zone, and only then should consider new potential members of the Union”- he added.
Monetary union is a new structure of the EU, for which it is not so easy to find a common coordination. The states should conduct the single stable fiscal policy, but some European countries are not ready to compromise. This is a reason why process of reformation is inhibited "- said Mr.
Nowotny.
"Debts of the countries are still growing. The way out of a difficult situation was to create common rules for stabilizing the financial situation in the Eurozone"- said the foreign expert. He added that now the conditions under which you can borrow billions of euros without control, knowing that nothing has to be returned, will never happen again . Debt remissions will not happen"- said a foreign expert.
Mr.Nowotny underlined, that membership in the Eurozone doesn’t mean increasing of GDP. The economic alignment of the countries, on what all new EU members rely, does not happen automatically. For this the EU needs more detailed regional economic policy.

"The European Union is more and more not satisfied with rating agencies. In fact, the assessment rating, which establish three main U.S. agencies, has impact on the economic fate of European countries, but it should not be like this. Independent European and Asian credit rating agencies should be created "- said the foreign expert.

Summarizing the discussion, Arseniy Yatseniuk noted that because of current development, European banks are not very eager to assist Ukraine. Mr Yatseniuk mentioned, that in the Ukrainian banking sector not encouraging processes are observed. Initiative of the National Bank of Ukraine on the foreign exchange led to a sharp drop in the number of currency transactions. Some foreign banks have started the procedure of withdrawal of their funding from the Ukraine. Such steps of National Bank will being to collapse of the Ukrainian currency. This does not give the basis for optimism.

The Founder of Open Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk noted, that another loan from the IMF is in the suspension. Ukrainian side expects tranche of $ 3 billion. But this is unlikely to happen in such a political situation in Ukraine. Financial infusions will not save the Ukrainian economy, said Arseniy Yatseniuk.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine will hold Diplomatic Club with the Governor of Austrian National Bank Ewald Nowotny.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine will hold a regular informal meeting of the Diplomatic Club on October 13, 2011. The honorable guest of this meeting will be Ewald Nowotny, the Governor of the Austrian National Bank and Member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank.
The meeting will be opened by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, member of the Parliament of Ukraine, the Founder of “Open Ukraine” Foundation.

During the meeting, in which will participate diplomats, politicians, independent experts and journalists, Mr. Ewald Nowotny, being an outstanding figure in economic field, will share his opinion on the topic: “Financial Crises: challenges and opportunities of European Union”. Also following issues will be covered: influence of financial crises on the EU future, the second wave of the financial crises – how to be ready for challenges, the future of “euro” and other European currencies, the role of Ukraine in changing European environment.

We invite journalists, dealing with international affairs and economy to participate in the work of the Diplomatic Club. The meeting will be held on Thursday, October, 13 2011 in the “Intercontinental” hotel from 16.00 till 17.30 (registration time – 15.30). Please send your accreditation requests to vv@openukraine.org.

For note:
The Diplomatic Club, launched in 2007, is a joint initiative of the Open Ukraine Foundation and the Victor Pinchuk Foundation. It aims to provide a platform for informal dialogue between Ukrainian and foreign leaders. Diplomatic Club meetings allow Ukrainian policy-makers to gain insight from their foreign counterparts on global developments, and to better understand their views on the foreign policy choices facing their countries and Ukraine.
The Diplomatic Club brings together Ukrainian policy-makers and opinion-shapers with an interest and expertise in foreign policy. These interactive meetings allow vibrant debates on current affairs and the role of Ukraine in the world. They are attended by top Ukrainian officials, former presidents and ministers of foreign affairs, senior diplomats, independent experts and journalists. Participation is open to Diplomatic Club members; non-members may also attend, on personal invitation.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine will hold expert discussion devoted to the reforms of culture sphere in Ukraine.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300

On October 13, 2011 podium-discussion will be held on topic: “Reform in cultural sphere: new methods of cultural politics of Ukraine in terms of integration in European cultural space”, the framework of International Renaissance Foundation and Open Ukraine Foundation – “Sharing Transformation Experience”.

Participants of our discussion will be representatives of public authorities, expert and academic communities, cultural and art organizations, and also representatives of all-Ukrainian and regional media. Following questions are scheduled for discussion:

- What is the reform experience in cultural space of neighbor states? Are there some positive practices for Ukraine?
- What should be the governmental support in cultural field?
- What is modern view on cultural development and integration of Ukraine in European cultural space?

Answers on those questions will be heard during our discussion from Ukrainian specialists and foreign experts from Czech Republic, Slovenia and Georgia.
The goal of our project is to create good informed and conscious expert environment in the field of cultural processes in Ukraine. Experts of this project will propose specific recommendations for implementation of positive reform and transformation experience in Ukraine.

Discussion will be held on October 13, 2011 at 9:30 in RUS Hotel (4, Hospitalna Str., Kyiv, 2nd floor, Venice Hall)

For accreditation write on e-mail: vv@openukraine.org or call: +38 044 220 18 40, +38 044 220 18 41.

Open Ukraine Foundation congratulates all Librarians and Teachers in Ukraine on their professional Day!

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

On the eve of the Ukrainian Librarians and Teacher’s Day in Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation presented 500 copies of books for children “Taras Shevchenko and I” to the libraries in 16 regions of Ukraine.

Now in all parts of Ukraine children and their parents can learn about Taras Shevchenko – genius poet, talented artist, an extraordinary personality of his time. They will be able to understand why he is considered to be soul of Ukraine and his works are taught in school. The book was published through the joint efforts of the Open Ukraine Foundation and Publishing House “The Green Dog”.

Open Ukraine Foundation congratulates all the Librarians and Teachers in Ukraine on their professional holiday!

It is you, teachers and librarians, who help children to explore multicolored picture of the world. Your important profession opens to us the path to the book - source of eternal wisdom and knowledge! Wishing you much success and achievements in your work for the Ukraine!

"Sweet Darusya" of Maria Matios was promoted to semifinal of the award "Angelus"

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The Book of famous Ukrainian writer Maria Matios "Sweet Darusya" ws promoted to the semifinal of the VI Central Europe Literature Award "Angelus."

Literature Central Europe Award «Angelus" - is the most important award in the field of literature translations into Polish. The award is given to writers of Central Europe, who raise important issues of our time in their works, encourage reflections and explore the world of other cultures.

Translation of the book into Polish was carried out with the financial support of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation "Open Ukraine".

"Sweet Darusya" - is the best known and the most popular novel by Maria Matios, rightly called as "a tragedy, an adequate history of the twentieth century." Personality of Darusya is almost “biblical image». Deep psychology, complex story based on a "reverse" principle and the gorgeous language create very attractive prose canvas.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation supported the piano duet

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation "Open Ukraine" is implementing the program "Cultural Horizons" for the fourth year. The program deals with promotion of Ukrainian culture abroad and integration of Ukrainian art in the global context. The program provides Ukrainian artists with travel grants for participation in foreign festivals, exhibitions, contests and ads.

This time the Foundation "Open Ukraine" has given a travel grant to a piano duet - Julia Bozhyk and Anna Pankov. Girls will participate in the V International Competition of piano duets in Bialystok (Poland), to be held 18-24 September, 2011.

Since 2007 Julia Bozhyk and Anna Pankov began to perform in piano duet. During 2007-2011, the duet successfully performs in different cities of Ukraine and abroad. Duet Bozhyk-Pankova has won three international competitions: first prize at the International Competition "The Art of the XXI century" in Vorzel, second prize (first was not given) on the ХVII international competition of K. Batsevicha?s chamber ensembles in Lodz (Poland), third prize at the XVII International competition of Schubert?s piano duets (Jeseník, Czech Republic).

Repertoire of the ensemble covers almost all styles of music from Baroque to contemporary.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation "Open Ukraine" and publishing house "Green Dog" of Brothers Kapranov present a book for children

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation "Open Ukraine" together with Brothers Kapranov will present at the Publishers’ Forum the new book for children "Taras Shevchenko and I ". The 18th International Publishers' Forum in Lviv will be held on 14-18 September 2011, which expect 300 authors from 26 countries - from five continents. For the first time the authors from New Zealand, Congo, Nigeria, Australia, Kazakhstan and Estonia are expected to come to the Forum.
The book will continue the series of children's detective investigations "12 points" about the famous people of Ukraine, who affected the course of history and left their mark on the culture of the country. History of Ukraine - formed by biographies of famous people. Russian-Soviet ideology put imprint not only on the past, but also led to confusion in stereotyping and unequal treatment of versions of Ukrainian history in different social groups, different regions of our country. The objective of the series of books "12 points" for middle and high school students, their teachers and parents, was not to destroy, but at least to change usual stereotypes and form an unbiased opinion in relation to each reader's outstanding personalities.

Rod in the series is the book "Taras Shevchenko and I," which was released through the joint efforts of the Foundation "Open Ukraine" and publishing house "Green Dog" Brothers Kapranov. In the book children can learn about Taras Shevchenko – a genius poet, a talented artist, an extraordinary personality of his time, can understand why he is considered the soul of Ukraine, and his works are studied at school.

The book launch will take place in the National Library Congress September 16 at 14.00 in the Lviv regional library for children (Vynnychenka 1). Title of the presentation: "Open lesson from Brothers Kapranov and Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation "Open Ukraine" - "How to awake interest of children in history and literature". The second presentation "History may be interesting" for visitors of the Forum will be held on 17 September at 14-00.

Books "Taras Shevchenko and I" will be distributed through a network of bookstores throughout Ukraine for that reason that any person could purchase the book in any region of the country.

The Forum "Space of Change: women-leaders" was successfully held in Kyiv.

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The Forum "Space of Change: women-leaders", organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation, was successfully held in Kyiv. The Forum "Space of Change: women-leaders" - summing up the annual program to support young, active and successful women who work to change the country for the better and realize projects that help the community.

Under the program "Space of Change” the foundation helps socially active youth to implement projects aimed at implementing change in Ukraine. This program supports the positive and productive changes that unites active young people from all parts of Ukraine. For them, "Open Ukraine" organizes workshops, training, gives the opportunity to interact and discuss projects and ideas on a specially created website "Space of Change."

This year, looking for young women, whose successful work directed at improving community life, successful people who have realized in its field - and looking to exercise their talents no longer in business, but for the community.

Winners of the program received resources to implement an information campaign and to present the project to the public at the national level, to get through specially organized training programs and training opportunities for professional development, exchange experiences and practices with colleagues.

The Supervisory Board of the "Space of Change" has selected 32 winners. Program participants receive the necessary resources for developing and implementing large information campaign, which resulted in created the documentary "What men do not speak" (delivering to society the importance of knowing that women equally with men have influence on our lives and show the special value women in leadership positions in different fields) and the photo exhibition "Children as Children" (help integrate children in the social environment, draw attention to their abilities and capabilities).

The program of the Forum - the presentation of information campaigns of winners, speeches of famous women leaders and discussion on "Public indifference to the painful themes of modernity." Forum participants had the opportunity to discuss with community leaders.
Opening the event, the Head of Honorary Council of Foundation "Open Ukraine" Theresa YATSENYUK expressed satisfaction that the Forum "Space of Change: women-leaders" became a rallying for active, effective and caring women from all over Ukraine. Ms. YATSENYUK reminded that "Open Ukraine" believes and helps so incredible women. "Our current program is aimed at supporting young women who improve their communities and their country" - she concluded.

People's Deputy of Ukraine, Irina Gerashchenko, discussing the topic of proper representation of women in government, noted that Ukraine needs a modern women's intervention in solving important social problems. According to her, no matter from which political party is a woman or man, it is important that they unite for the future of Ukraine. She also noted that women inherently to defend the weak and vulnerable people, that’s why the presence of women in senior positions in government is a necessity. Concluding her report, she thanked the winner for the wonderful job they do for society.

Addressing the Forum, Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper “Day” Larysa IVSHYNA expressed her view on the program "Space of Change: Women-leaders" and noted that a woman should develop a bright and good quality, only then it can affect the state, trying not to translate into a men's responsibilities and to defend their spiritual qualities. The most important task is to encourage society to charity affairs, such as winners of the program made over the years.

Following the speeches of the main speakers, the founder CEO «Horizon Capital» Natalie JARESKO said that it is very difficult for women to live in modern man's world: they must have time to solve problems at work, in family and also have time to do good deeds for the common. Expressed their admiration and respect for the women who participated in the program, Natalie JARESKO expressed the opinion that any person should try to change the world for the better, otherwise life can not shine bright colors. "Let such as you run the country" - she concluded.

The founder of the Open Ukraine Foundation Arseniy YATSENYUK in his closing remarks, reminded the audience that the role of women has changed in recent years, the mission of women became broader, nowadays more people need her love and attention. Also Arseniy Yatsenyuk expressed his deep respect for those women who care not only their children but also other people who need help. He noted that the set up information campaign after a series of training sessions is not a simple matter, but much harder to overcome obstacles in actual reality. He urged the winners to understand that they are the real leaders of Ukraine. "Your participation in political and public life is very important, I wish you victories in real life!" - Completed the founder of the.

Through socialization the Foundation of Arseniy Yatsenyuk "Open Ukraine” creates conditions for effective social reforms, transforming youth in driving force.

The project is supported by the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues - Small Grants Initiative.

Finalized the project "Learning to give the child parental warmth" supported by Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

On June 15, 2011 finalized the project "Learning to give the child parental warmth" supported by Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation. The project was implemented by the Rozrada all-Ukrainian non-governmental organization.
The aim of this project was social and psychological support for children of migrant workers. The project goals are education and training of professionals, who are constantly working with children of migrant workers.

During implementation of the project in the Vinnitsa region (conducting various trainings, round tables, workshops) within a year following results were obtained: increasing awareness of different government agencies at district and regional levels on issues of migrant workers and its impact on families; trained professionals (social workers, teachers, psychologists ) that can provide skilled social and psychological support to children of migrant workers, developed and applied techniques and programs ready for distribution and use in other regions of Ukraine, assistance to children of migrant workers to understand the situation, which ended their families; helping parents - migrant workers to understand their needs and the importance of the parents in the upbringing of their children.

Very important is the fact that after the program, the problem of children of migrant workers has become acute in the area. All children are taken on the record, while taken into account not only the children of migrant workers who work abroad, but also domestic migrant workers. Participants noted that the developed techniques can be used in working with other children with similar problems.

"Participation in the program has made an extraordinary impression on all participants; with this program, the world is changing for the better, albeit not all, even a small part of it, because it is so important when another child on earth became happier "- the leader of the project Valentyna Bondarovska.

Open Ukraine Foundation has defined the winners among young researchers who will attend the International Neighbourhood Symposium in Turkey

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation has defined the winners among the young researchers who as a reward will visit International Neighbourhood Symposium on June 28 – July 3, 2011 in Turkey.

As a result of the competition two research papers shared first place with the same scores from Expert Board, while the third paper was graded to be in the second one.

The authors of the first two papers will be awarded the scholarships to participate in the International Neighbourhood Symposium.

The winners are:

Tsotne ZURABIANI (Georgia, Hochschule Bremen, Master in European Studies) and Mariana Konstantinov (Moldova, Hochschule Bremen, Master in European Studies) for their research paper “Russian Soft Power towards the Black Sea Region”.

Marius STROIA (Romania, Police inspector, Commanding officer (captain) on board of patrol vessel, Constanta (County Border Police Inspectorate, Mangalia Naval Group) and Konstantina KERAMITSI (Greece, Police Lieutenant A’, Head of the office of appeals against administrative decisions, Aliens Directorate in Thessaloniki) for their research paper "Cooperation in the Black Sea Region to Combat Illegal Immigration”.

Eugenia KRUGLOVA (Ukraine, IVth Year Student, Faculty of International Economics, Crimean Institute of Kyiv Vadym Hetman National Economics University) and Ellina KABANOVA (Russia, IVth Year Student, Faculty of Romano-Germanic Philology, Voronezh State University) ) for their research paper “International Economy of Black Sea Port Sector: Rivalry Between Russia and Ukraine”.

Competition of research papers was organized within the framework of the Kyiv Security Forum, with the support of the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation – A Project of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Young researchers (under the age of 35) from the Black Sea littoral states and also all the other BSEC member-states have participated in the competition.

The competition appealed to stimulate regional cooperation in the research field and to promote collaboration among young researchers from the Black Sea region. The prize was attributed to those researchers who to the opinion of the distinguished Expert Board members produced the most innovative and sophisticated analysis of the common security concerns in the Black Sea region with inventive suggestions for resolutions of these issues.

We are pleased to present you the research papers of the winners among the young researchers competition.

Download

Russian Soft Power toward the Black Sea Region. TSOTNE ZURABIANI, GEORGIA, MARIANA CONSTANTINOV, MOLDOVA
Cooperation in the Black Sea Region to Combat Illegal Immigration. MARIUS STROIA, ROMANIA, KONSTANTINA KERAMITSI, GREECE
International Economy of Black Sea Port Sector: Rivalry between Russia and Ukraine. EUGENIA KRUGLOVA, UKRAINE, ELLINA KABANOVA, RUSSIA

Photo-exhibitions “Children as Children” were opened in Ukrainian cities with the support of Open Ukraine Foundation on the International Children’s Day

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300

With the support of Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation photo-exhibitions “Children as Children”, which are conducted in the framework of informational social campaign of the same name, were opened in Kyiv, Sumy and Zhitomir on the International Children’s Day – June 1st.

On the photos are pictured ordinary kids with special needs. Children on the photos hold ropes in their hands; same ropes join together the photos on the exhibition. This way, with the help of simple symbols, children with different needs are united with each other. Author of the photos is Oleksandr INDYCHIY.

The goal of this action is to help integration of special kids in social environment, to attract attention to their capacities and possibilities.

During the opening in Kyiv, Head of the UNICEF mission in Ukraine Yukie MOKUO thanked all organizers for the exhibition. She noted that she was astonished with the photo works themselves. “I wish health to all children and their parents! Happy holiday!” – she summed up.

Symbolic rules of friendship and kindness were given out at the exhibition. The exhibition in Kyiv could be visited in the House of Children’s Art in Shevchenko park on June 2-3rd. “Children as Children” campaign started in Kyiv on May 14th.

Similar exhibition will open on June 2nd in Kharkiv, June 5th in Dolyn, Kherson, Lutsk and Lviv.

Exhibition is a result of joint informational campaign of one of the two groups of winners of the “Space of Change. Women-leaders project” program, conducted by Open Ukraine Foundation. (http://ua.prostirzmin.org/).

The goal of this campaign is to teach young active women to plan and to conduct informational campaigns.

The campaign is held with the support of the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues - Small Grants Initiative.

The partners of the civic initiative “Children as Children” are: Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation’s “Space of Change” program; Department for Family, Youth and Sports of the Kyiv City State Administration; Kyiv City Center for Social Services for Children and Youth; Shevchenkivska District Administration of Kyiv; Center of Creativity for Children and Youth - “Shevchenkivets”; Sumy Regional Department of Education and Science; Sumy Regional Center for Social Services for Families, Children and Youth; Sumy city high school youth organization (HSYO - MOST); Sumy Department of Children's Clinical Hospital “Youth-friendly clinic"; Sumy city civic-youth organization "Social Organization of Students", National Assembly of Disabled of Ukraine, NGO "Dolphin" - Kyiv; Association of Young Professionals "Class" Kharkiv; Charity Foundation STOPRAK (STOPCANCER); Civic Consulting Group "Partner" - Lutsk; Zhytomyr Regional NGO "Modern Format"; Charity Foundation of Dolyna city; Kharkiv city NGO "Youth XXI”; Kharkiv regional NGO “Kharkiv volunteer center”; “Volodymyr-Volynskiy” initiative group; Sumy regional department of “All-Ukrainian Network of People Living with HIV / AIDS"; NGO "People's Aid – Lviv”, Henri Nouwen Foundation; Down syndrome Charity Center "Sunbeam"; Crisis Center "Street Children", Lviv; Chernihiv CYNGO "I have the right"; Chernihiv city youth NGO "Youth Alternative "M'ART"; MLC; marketing agency «ADV-DVA»; Association of protection and help for disabled "Open Hearts"; Charity Foundation “Institute for Early Intervention”; UPSPA "Volunteer"; NGO "Infinite Dialogue”, Lviv; Kherson Regional Children's NGO "Children's Movement 4H (Foreych); NGO “Association "Union of sign language interpreters”; Ukrainian Charitable Foundation "Pledge"; "Funk and Consulting” company; citizens of Ukraine.

Participants of the roundtable in Odesa discussed security in the Black Sea Region

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Participants of the roundtable “Black Sea Region: a Geopolitical Puzzle or High-Priority Area”, which took place in Odesa on Wednesday, May 25, discussed security in the Black Sea region.

The event was organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation within the framework of the Kyiv Security Forum with the support of Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation, a Project of the German Marshall Fund of the USA.

During the discussion Dr. Dimitrios Triantaphyllou, Director of Center for International and European Studies, Kadir Has University advised to develop cooperation between the Black Sea region and the other regions.

“Trans-regional cooperation is important. It is important to link regions (Mediterranean and Black Sea regions)” – he said.

He also noted that the Black Sea region is not a high-priority region neither for the EU no for the US. “Actually it is for the other stakeholders like Russian Federation”, - said Dr. Triantaphyllou. He also stressed on the fact that there is ongoing process of marginalization of the region.

Dr. Pal Dunay, Director of International Training Course in Security Policy, Geneva Center for Security Policy (Switzerland) speaking on the region in context of “Cold War” and modern international relations mentioned that the Black Sea region always was and is an interesting laboratory. “There are many challenges in the Black Sea region but very few of them can be regarded as antagonistic except some territorial disputes”- he said.

According to his words energy security is a major source of the conflicts in the region. “Only limited trust to Russian Federation as a source of energy resources and to Ukraine as a transit country exists”,- mentioned Dr.Dunay.

Mr. Julian Chifu, Director of Conflict Prevention and Early Warning Center (Romania) named 3 main threats to security of the Black Sea region. “3 challenges exist in Black Sea region: frozen conflicts, terrorism in wider Black Sea region and Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol”,- he said.

H.E. Mr. Leonidas Chrysanthopoulos, Secretary General of the Permanent International Secretariat, BSEC noted that “we are now at the phase of putting the connecting points together in the Black Sea region”. He also warned about possible conflicts in Europe: “what happened in Northern Africa is possible to happen in the EU: Greece is going to explode, Spain is going to explode”.

Mr. Mykola Sunhurovskyi, Director of Military Programs, Center of Economic and Political Research named after Razumkov noted that the Black Sea region has not been formed as a geopolitical integrity yet.

“Countries have more common problems then interests, which increases competition on access to resources rather then contributes to establishing the full-scale partnership. This is a strong withholding and obstacle in terms of realization of regional integration projects”, - said the expert. He also believes that the approaches to resolution of one of the most serious regional challenges – “frozen” conflicts - should be changed: emphasis should be shifted from the self-proclaimed states to the questions of improving living standards of population, democracy strengthening.

“The Black Sea region with its significant resources and development potential is at the same time a zone of instability, threats and risks, which creates challenges for their (resources and potential) utilization”, - summed up Mr. Sunhurovskyi.

Dr. Ognyan Minchev, Director of Institute for Regional and International Studies (Bulgaria) was pessimistic about the role of small states within the security dialogue in the region. “We can hardly speak about the Black Sea region in terms of security – it was disintegrated during the last years… The US partially is withdrawn from the Black Sea region… NATO is not an option anymore”, - he noted.

The expert believes that the EU without enlisting for enlargement has no real instrument to assist countries with transformation. He also doesn’t consider the EU’s Eastern Partnership Program to be a real instrument due to lack of finances.

Panayotis Gavras, Head on Policy and Strategy, The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (Greece) believes that improving business environment is a key task for the region. He proposed to concentrate discussion on the following question: can regional cooperation help economic growth?

Ambassador at Large of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Veselovskyi also supported this opinion. He noted that the emphasis should be made on economic dimension in the regional cooperation. Ambassador considers it to be a factor that can become a driving engine for the development of the Black Sea region.

Ambassador Veselovskyi also asked experts to concentrate efforts on the existing regional structures instead of creating new ones.

We would like to remind you that you can read analytical materials, developed exclusively for the roundtable at:
Clashing Identities and Risks to European Stability: Black Sea Region Dimension

Open Ukraine Foundation developed analytical material for Roundtable on Black Sea Region Security, which will take place in Odesa, May 25, 2011

Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation developed analytical material for the roundtable “The Black Sea Region: Geopolitical Dilemma or High-Priority Area”, which will take place in Odesa, May 25, 2011.

The paper provides an overview the history of the Black Sea Regional (BSR) conflicts, addresses pressing current problems and suggests the ways to overcome them.

“Unlike in Northern and Central European countries, where under government encouragement historians engage in dialogue for the sake of reaching a fair and balanced assessment on their common past, the BSR has not undertaken such a practice. The German-Polish and Polish-Ukrainian reconciliation can serve as an example of how best to de-idolize history and overcome the inertial thinking of divisiveness among the Three Empires. Which is the more reason why such analogous dialogue should be initiated!” – the paper states.

The document discloses not only the sources of the conflicts in the region but also proposes scenarios for overcoming existing contradictions: “Thus, a framework involving the securitization and economization of the region is theoretically possible. Such a framework foresees the establishment of a soft agreement between the EU and the main antagonist, namely the Russian Federation, as well as Turkey’s consent to such an agreement, and the active role of the “secondary powers” – Ukraine and Romania.”

Concrete mechanisms on establishing cooperation framework in the Black Sea region are also proposed: “With respect to ecological issues related to the Black Sea basin, efforts should be pooled to establish common standards, which would also require their implementation by others. The basin will certainly attract the attention of Europe and the world due to the 2014 Olympic Games, so why not take advantage of this situation by introducing commonly declared regulations?”

We would like to remind you that Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation will conduct a roundtable “The Black Sea Region: Geopolitical Dilemma or High-Priority Area” within the framework of the Kyiv Security Forum.

The dynamics of security development and compromises reaching process in the Black Sea region and Ukraine’s role in the region will be addressed at the event. Prominent experts, politicians and diplomats will participate in the event.

Media accreditation for the event and list of the participants will be announced later.

Clashing Identities and Risks to European Stability: Black Sea Region Dimension

Open Ukraine Foundation in partnership with Razumkov Centre held a discussion on Ukrainian-Turkish relations in Istanbul

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation in partnership Razumkov Centre organized an international conference “Enhancing Security in the Black Sea Region and the Prospects for Turkish –Ukrainian Bilateral Cooperation”.on May 13th, 2011, in Istanbul (Turkey).

Center for International and European Studies at Kadir Has University became a Turkish partner for the organization of this event. The event was funded by the Black Sea Trust of Regional Cooperation – a Project of the GMF (USA).

It was emphasized during the discussion that the leading countries of the world and Eurasia are getting increasingly interested in the Black Sea region in terms of energy security, conflict resolution, migration and other key policy areas. Participants from Ukraine and Turkey had a meaningful discussion and agreed that the Black Sea region, where both countries play an important role, needs to focus joint efforts on security and stability strengthening.

Participants exchanged views on the status and prospects of cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey and how to uphold relations between the two countries to a new level.

The issue of European integration of Ukraine and Turkey has also become an important subject of the discussion, since Ukraine intends to conclude negotiations with the EU on the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, before the end of 2011. Ukrainian side stressed the importance of taking into account Turkey’s experience, a member of the EU Customs Union since 1996, and an Associate Member since 1964.

Rector of Kadir Has University, Dr. Mustafa Aydin and Deputy Director General of the Razumkov Centre, Dr. Valeriy Chaliy expressed hope that the conference will be an important step for the development of partnership of the researchers and experts of the two countries, which will be an additional element of implementation of the official agreements and the perspective of cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine.

Razumkov Centre presented position paprer: "The Ukrainian-Turkish relations: strengthening of security and stability in the Black Sea region" and called on Turkish partners to join the development of joint recommendations for the governments of two countries.

Special summarized publication on the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Turkey in the context of enhancing the security and stability in the Black Sea region is planned to be produced as a result of the conference.

With the support of Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation a campaign “Children as Children” will start in Kyiv, on May 14th

Sun, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

With the support of Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation a campaign “Children as Children” will start in Kyiv on May 14th – on the Family Day.

On this day, 14th of May, under the Arch of Peoples’ Friendship a workshop awning “Drawing, to be seen. Talking, to be heard” will be set up. In the workshop all interested children - and first of all, children with special needs - will be able to practice at modeling, painting, applique and more. During the Family Day activities visitors will be able to take part in “Special” photo shoot, in creation of a collective picture of happy child and in a group recording of the rules of friendship and kindness. Also during the work of awning workshop a drawing competition "My happy family" will be held among children, the winners of which will be awarded with prizes and gifts.

On May 28th at the Independence Square a concert in support of public initiative "Children as Children" will be held, in which Kyiv children/youth creative groups will take part.

On June 1st, in the St. Nicholas house (Taras Shevchenko Park) an interactive exhibition “We are” will start. Its opening will be attended by representatives of international organizations, public agencies and non-governmental organizations. This exhibition will feature photographs and audio recordings made on May 14th. All visitors will receive the rules of friendship and kindness. The similar exhibitions will be held in other cities of Ukraine: Lutsk, Lviv, Dolyna, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, etc.

The campaign will be held within the framework of the “Space of Change” program of Open Ukraine Foundation, which is carried out with the support of the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues - Small Grants Initiative.

The goal of the “Children as Children” campaign – is to help integration of the children with special needs in the social environment, to draw attention to their capacities and possibilities. This is a civic initiative of care, which is an important part of long-term activities to support special children.

The partners of the civic initiative “Children as Children” are: Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation’s “Space of Change” program; Department for Family, Youth and Sports of the Kyiv City State Administration; Kyiv City Center for Social Services for Children and Youth; Shevchenkivska District Administration of Kyiv; Center of Creativity for Children and Youth - “Shevchenkivets”; Sumy Regional Department of Education and Science; Sumy Regional Center for Social Services for Families, Children and Youth; Sumy city high school youth organization (HSYO - MOST); Sumy Department of Children's Clinical Hospital “Youth-friendly clinic"; Sumy city civic-youth organization "Social Organization of Students", National Assembly of Disabled of Ukraine, NGO "Dolphin" - Kyiv; Association of Young Professionals "Class" Kharkiv; Charity Foundation STOPRAK (STOPCANCER); Civic Consulting Group "Partner" - Lutsk; Zhytomyr Regional NGO "Modern Format"; Charity Foundation of Dolyna city; Kharkiv city NGO "Youth XXI”; Kharkiv regional NGO “Kharkiv volunteer center”; “Volodymyr-Volynskiy” initiative group; Sumy regional department of “All-Ukrainian Network of People Living with HIV / AIDS"; NGO "People's Aid – Lviv”, Henri Nouwen Foundation; Down syndrome Charity Center "Sunbeam"; Crisis Center "Street Children", Lviv; Chernihiv CYNGO "I have the right"; Chernihiv city youth NGO "Youth Alternative "M'ART"; MLC; marketing agency «ADV-DVA»; Association of protection and help for disabled "Open Hearts"; Charity Foundation “Institute for Early Intervention”; UPSPA "Volunteer"; NGO "Infinite Dialogue”, Lviv; Kherson Regional Children's NGO "Children's Movement 4H (Foreych); NGO “Association "Union of sign language interpreters”; Ukrainian Charitable Foundation "Pledge"; "Funk and Consulting” company; citizens of Ukraine.

Maria Matios: "In these performances, we affirm that human in a person is independent of ideology and time. Human in a person depends only on education, on God, on conscience"

Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The writer stated this on May 11th at a press conference, dedicated to performances of Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Academic Ukrainian Musical Drama Theatre named after Ivan Franko based on Maria Matios’ books "Sweet Darusya" and "Nation", which are being performed in Kyiv with the support of Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation.

According to the author’s words, "Sweet Darusya" and "Nation" – are about each of us, about a person "on the backdrop of history": “These books are about what can happen to each person, each of us".

Arseniy Yatsenyuk, in his turn, noted the growth of importance of Maria Matios’ works in our time: "Because of what is currently happening in Ukraine, the relevance of your works is only increasing”. But this significance in his opinion is growing not due to the growth of intellectual level, but due to the recent events in Ukraine, for example - on the 9th of May.

"The old scenario which was already dusty on the shelves of the KGB and NKVD of the USSR about splitting Ukraine - continues... A new form of pressure on personality continues... That's what you write about", - the founder of the Open Ukraine Foundation said.

Mrs. Maria Matios thanked Arseniy Yatsenyuk for his support of her work. "I want to thank my fellow countryman Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who has kindly offered his financial support to these tours of Ivano-Frankivsk theater after having visited the performance “Nation” in January", - she said.

Mrs. Maria Matios also reminded about cooperation with the Open Ukraine Foundation: "Here’s a book in front of me, "Sweet Darusya" in Polish. She was published with the support of the Open Ukraine Foundation. Interpreter’s work was financed by this Foundation”.

We would like to remind that a performance based on the book “Nation”, the stage director – Rostyslav Derzhipilskiy, will take place in National Academic Drama Theatre named after I.Franko in Kyiv on Thursday, May 12th.

Media contact: Ruslan Kyrylenko, t. 220 18 40, rk@openukraine.org.

The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies Announces Research Competition 2011

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The partner of the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation - The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW), with the financial support of the Global Development Network (GDN), the Austrian Ministry of Finance and the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (Austrian Central Bank), announces a SEE & CIS research competition within the framework of the WIIW Global Development Network Southeast Europe research project.

Proposals are invited from economists and other social scientists.

Proposals must be postmarked by 15 May 2011.

For the competition, the following topic has been identified: ‘Crisis Effects: Growth Prospects, Social Impact and Policy Responses in SEE and CIS’

The main hypothesis to be tested is the following: The crisis shock introduces structural breaks in the distribution (e.g. increase of inequality) across different dimensions conditional on the change in potential speed of growth, the quality of development, and the induced or adopted policy changes.

The areas of research are the following:

Macroeconomic effects: Financial flows and inequality; Distributional effects of public spending; Intergenerational justice and investments
Microeconomic effects: Crisis effects on income and poverty
Policy response: Incomes policy; Fiscal policy; Monetary policy
Improving labour market institutions: Wage setting process; Organisation of vocational training and skill upgrading; Potentials for improved social partnership
Political economy implications: Including social responses and institutional changes

For a more detailed description download the Call for Proposals at: http://www.wiiw.ac.at/balkan/files/wiiw-GDN-SEE&CIS-RC%202011.doc

Open Ukraine conducted a second wave of regional trainings within the framework of the “Space of Change. Women-Leaders” program

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation conducted a second wave of regional trainings within the framework of the “Space of Change. Women-Leaders” program. This time trainings covered the topic of “Informational campaign planning”.

On April 8-9th the training was held in Lviv and gathered the first group of program participants, and on April 15-16th the training was held in Odessa for the second group of participants.

The training was conducted by Maryna Morozova, Director for strategic planning of advertising agency "ADV-DVA", who taught the program participants theoretical and practical bases of communication campaign planning and Svyatoslav Kisliy, who helped to develop a visual image of informational messages. These trainings constitute the last phase of learning, which is planned to be conducted within the framework of development and realization of program’s participants’ informational campaigns.

As a result of training, the groups have developed strategy of informational campaigns, worked out events’ schedule and determined main messages, which should be addressed to the target audiences. We would like to remind that the first wave of regional trainings was conducted on February 18-19th in Kharkiv and on February 25-26th in Dnipropetrvosk.

A two-day Youth Forum “Workshop for young leaders”, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation, was successfully held in Kyiv on December 10-11th, 2010. The event gathered, among others, more than 30 winners-participants of "Space of Change. Women-Leaders” program and a number of winners of the "Space of Change” programs of 2008-2009.

The list of winners is available at: http://ua.prostirzmin.org/contest/news/64/

This project is supported by the Office of Secretary of State for Global Women’s Issues, Small Grants Initiative.

Head of the Supervisory Council of the Open Ukraine Foundation, Tereziya Yatsenyuk supported the photo exhibition “Svitli svitlyny” (“Luminous Photographs”)

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Head of the Supervisory Council of the Open Ukraine Foundation, Tereziya Yatsenyuk supported the photo exhibition “Svitli svitlyny” (“Luminous Photographs”), which started in Cultural and Art Center of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy within the framework of “Endless goodness epidemic” project on April 19th and will last until April 27th.

Organizers note that photo exhibition “Svitli svitlyny” is designed to demonstrate society that doing good is pleasant and easy, and to remind that love and warmth is in every heart.

During the opening, in her opening remarks, Mrs. Tereziya YATSENYUK thanked those, who were present for their volunteer work that is full of concern and love for people.

The "Endless goodness epidemic” project was first held in Kyiv on February 17th this year. Hundreds of people held mass actions and youth parades. Action teams from 50 cities of Ukraine joined the project.

The Arseniy Yatsenyuk's Open Ukraine Foundation's team wishes everyone Happy Easter!

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

With warmest regards we are presenting you the hand-decorated by us Easter eggs!

Open Ukraine Reminds Young Researchers that Deadline for Submission of Papers for Competition on Black Sea Security is May 2, 2011

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

The Open Ukraine Foundation of Arseniy Yatsenyuk is pleased to remind about the writing competition among young researchers (under the age of 35) from the Black Sea littoral states and also all the other BSEC member-states. The competition is organized within the framework of the Kyiv Security Forum (KSF).

All papers should be submitted not later then 18:00 CET May 2, 2011.

The Competition is organized with the support of the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation – A Project of German Marshall Fund of the United States.

The Writing Competition 2011 appeals to stimulate regional cooperation in the research field and to promote collaboration among young researchers from the Black Sea region. The prize will be attributed to two researchers who jointly have produced the most innovative and sophisticated analysis of the common security concerns in the Black Sea region with inventive suggestions for resolutions of these issues.

The authors of this paper will be awarded with a stipend that allows them to participate in a thematic event – International Neighbourhood Symposium on June 28th – July 3rd, 2011 in Turkey.

For any questions regarding the competition, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Maria Vrabel by e-mail mv@openukraine.org or by phone +380 44 220 18 40.

Competition rules you can download here:

Kyiv Discussion on Public Procurement

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

A large-scale discussion with participation of diplomats and experts on reforms in public procurement system in Ukraine and the other countries took place in Kyiv.

The event “Transparency of Government: Public Procurement Legislation as a Key Element” was organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” in cooperation with International Renaissance Foundation.

Mr. Paolo BELLI, Acting Country Director of the World Bank for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, noted that the World Bank for a long time has been engaged in public procurement issues in Ukraine. “This is a long and unfinished process. Establishing sound procurement will take more then just a law, it will take sound monitoring mechanisms” – he said. At the same time Mr. BELLI noted that “We are at the midst of the process”.

Head of Operations Section 2 of the European Union Delegation to Ukraine Jose Roman LEON LORA reminded to the participants that saving state budget finances will result in additional finances for creation of jobs, support of innovations and development of infrastructure - this is the reason why control of effective public procurement is important.

To his mind good public procurement increases confidence between citizens and administration in political dimension. LEON LORA also admitted that the EU financial assistance to Ukraine depends on sound functioning of public procurement system. He summed up that public procurement issue is not a subject to compromises.

Head of NGO “Center UA” Oleg RYBACHUK mentioned that system of public procurement in Ukraine is a litmus test for maturity of the society and government in Ukraine.

According to his words those persons who are used to misuse public procurements are eager to develop such legislation that would simultaneously include the requirements of international observers and leave the gaps for further corruption actions. Mr. RYBACHUK also underlined that adoption of new public procurement legislation in Ukraine depends only on the President of Ukraine.

Guest experts from Romania, Czech Republic and Kazakhstan shared with the participants the experience of reforms in public procurement sphere conducted in their countries.

Anticorruption Coordinator of Romanian Academic Society Laura STEFAN noted that it is difficult to expect from citizens actions against misuses in public procurement sphere. So, the main monitoring burden is on the shoulders of NGOs and media. “NGOs also need assistance from international donor organizations” – underlined Ms. STEFAN. She said that even ideal legislation will not prevent corruption, if nobody monitors the law implementation.

“Corruption Less” Program Coordinator of NGO “Oziveni” (Czech Republic) Martin KAMENIK underlined in his presentation that civil servants sometimes ignore requests for public information in his country and even ignore court decisions. To his mind a key issue in public procurement reforms is transparency of decision-making process.

“Czech public procurement system is not transparent enough” - said Mr. KAMENIK. At the same time he stressed that information on tenders is not always published in cases when the size/sum of the procurement is lower than the one defined in legislation as obligatory for publication. “It is impossible to combat corruption in public procurement sphere if other problems in public policy will remain intact” - he summed up.

Executive Director of Transparency International – Kazakhstan Sergei ZLOTNIKOV noted that it is impossible to defeat corruption in the sphere only by adopting one public procurement law. He mentioned that among the problems Kazakhstan is facing are following: low access of citizens to legislation database and constant legislation changes.

Director of Institute of Economic Research and Policy Consulting Ihor BURAKOVSKY, while commenting foreign presentations, noted that the process of public procurement system improvement is first of all “a process”.

Mr. BURAKOVSKY said that he is upset by the fact that all key reforms in Ukraine are implemented as a result of external pressure only and not due to pressure by actors from within the country. He also expressed hopes for more active civil society engagement in putting into life “strategic court decisions”.

We would like to remind you that the discussion “Transparency of Government: Public Procurement Legislation as a Key Element” is the third event within the framework of joint project of Open Ukraine Foundation and International Renaissance Foundation “Sharing Transformation Experience”.

Media contact: Ruslan Kyrylenko, rk@openukraine.org.

Head of the Honorary Council of the Open Ukraine Foundation, Tereziya Yatsenyuk presented two orphanages of Dnipropetrovsk with gifts

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Head of the Honorary Council of the Open Ukraine Foundation, Tereziya YATSENYUK presented Dnipropetrovsk orphanages №2 and №3 modern water filters, new carpets for bedrooms, soccer balls and sweets.

Mrs. Tereziya Yatsenyuk personally visited orphanages and met with foster-children on April 17th.

In their turn, children prepared performances and hand-made souvenirs.

"I feel emotionally charged, because children have great hearts. Their caregivers also have great, kind, polite and beautiful hearts – it’s very difficult for them in present conditions, but all kids look happy, because caregivers probably refer to them as to their own children and are warm-hearted with them"- Yatsenyuk noted.

Children admitted that attention and holiday feeling are very pleasant for them.

Katya Zabiyaka from the orphanage №2, said that she enjoyed the meeting very much. «I wish it could always be this way - fun and a lot of warmth, lots of gifts». Sergiy Khatkevych, foster-child at the same orphanage said: “I liked what they wished us and gifts. So we would persistently reach our goal”.

We would like to remind, that Tereziya YATSENYUK visited children-orphans and handicapped children from “Family” orphanage №1 in Dnipropetrovsk on December 16th, 2010.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation conducted a lesson on Easter egg decoration for children-orphans

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0300

Children's perception of Easter can’t be compared with anything: the real, open emotions, the joy of spring changes, Easter egg decoration in family circle.

Every year Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation helps children-orphans to experience this. Traditionally we conduct lessons on Easter egg decoration for children-orphans on the eve of Easter.

This year lessons on Easter egg decoration were held in Oleksandr Sayenko Art Studio by daughter and granddaughter of the great artist: Honored Artist of Ukraine Nina SAYENKO and Master of Arts, Assistant Professor of Kyiv State M. Boychuk Institute of Design, Arts and Crafts, Dr. Olena MAYDANETS-SAYENKO.

The event was attended by 11 children from 8 to 15 years old. These kids are foster children of the family-type orphanage of Pechersk district in Kyiv, - children-orphans and children deprived of parental care.

Head of the Honorary Council of the Open Ukraine Foundation, Tereziya YATSENYUK personally communicated with them.

Sayenko artists taught children how to make the easiest ‘dotted’ Easter eggs, as well as more difficult – ‘ornamented’ ones. Children learned about the meaning of colors and symbols, which the paintings on old Ukrainian Easter eggs convey.

Children got sweets and children's poetry books as a gift for the holiday.

Oleksandr Sayenko Art Studio opened at the end of 2001 to promote love for art, harmony and beauty, to form children’s consciousness and ability to reflect and recreate the world through knowledge of historical and cultural heritage of Ukrainian nation. Oleksandr Sayenko is a well-known Ukrainian artist-decorator. In 1999 in commemoration of O. Sayenko’s hundredth birthday, by resolution and participation of UNESCO, his name was included in the list of outstanding honored artists of the world.

Open Ukraine Announces Young Researchers Competition on Black Sea Security

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The Open Ukraine Foundation of Arseniy Yatsenyuk is pleased to announce a writing competition among young researchers (under the age of 35) from the Black Sea littoral states and also all the other BSEC member-states.

The competition is organized the frameworks of the Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) and with the support of the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation – A Project of German Marshall Fund of the United States.

The Writing Competition 2011 appeals to stimulate regional cooperation in the research field and to promote collaboration among young researchers from the Black Sea region. The prize will be attributed to two researchers who jointly have produced the most innovative and sophisticated analysis of the common security concerns in the Black Sea region with inventive suggestions for resolutions of these issues.

The authors of this paper will be awarded a stipend that allows them to participate in a thematic event – International Neighbourhood Symposium on June 28th – July 3rd, 2011 in Turkey.

Competition rules you can download here.

For any questions regarding the competition, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Maria Vrabel (tel.: +380 44 220 18 40 or by e-mail: mv@openukraine.org).

A vivid discussion concerning education reform took place in Kyiv

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation together with International Renaissance Foundation conducted a saturated and lively discussion “Education Reform: Bologna Process and Autonomy of the Universities”

Participants of the event – well-known specialists of education sphere, officials and experts – discussed lessons of education reform adoption in Lithuania, Georgia and Azerbaijan and usefulness of these lessons for Ukraine.

At the beginning of the event Head of the Supervisory Council of the Open Ukraine Foundation, Tereziya YATSENYUK noticed that the point of this project is to increase awareness of Ukrainian specialists in different spheres of the experience of countries, which went through the process of economic, political and educational transformations.

"As a citizen and mother of two children, I am concerned with critical situation of Ukrainian education, particularly higher education" - she said. According to Mrs. YATSENYUK, higher education must become a true engine of social progress. "Such a lofty name as University should graduate professionals not only to fill the labor market, universities, in my opinion, should raise truly intelligent, patriotic and professional elite of our country" - she concluded.

Executive Director of the Renaissance Foundation Yevhen BYSTRYTSKY in his speech complained about the lack of dialogue between all influential groups in the field of education.

"This lack of real dialogue in the education field between community and public and lack of independent ideas and current state of the Ministry (of Education) and rejection of these achievements trouble me a lot" - he said.

According to his words, Renaissance Foundation directs its activity at support and development of education field. He also touched upon the subject of quality of Ukrainian education. "I think that quality needs improvement", - BYSTRYTSKY said.

President of National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Sergiy KVIT, in his speech stressed the importance of support from officials who are dealing with education.

"Do not put question so that there are always some impersonal officials, who prevent this; those are public officials, who have some qualification. Those working in the Ministry of Education, they keep this system from collapse, from auto-collapse, as our educational sector is not popular. It is not prestigious, it is low-paid, "- KVIT said.

According to his words, it’s better to talk about the relationship between universities and the Minister of Education, as a representative of a particular policy. He recalled that during his presidency, he has worked together with two ministers of education.

"Strange as it may appear, their (ministers’) activity is similar towards the universities’ autonomy. Their activities were focused on even greater centralization in higher education than it was before even in 1990s ... There is a certain system logic, which aims at centralization" – KVIT noted.

Foreign participants of discussion from Lithuania, Georgia and Azerbaijan shared experience of transformations and reforms in education field in their countries in their presentations.

Former Minister of Education of Georgia and now Director of International School of Caucasian Studies at Ilia State University (Georgia), Ghia NODIA told about real achievements of education reform in Georgia: corruption is completely destroyed at the stage of entry into universities and corruption inside the universities is dramatically reduced. "Salaries of professors and other employees have increased several times" - he said.

Overall, he said, leading universities became more open to innovations, many talented young people, who previously went to work in NGOs, decided to work in Georgian higher education establishments, and some of those who have worked abroad returned to the country. Also, according to Dr. NODIA, universities are competing for top students now.

Nadir IBADOV, Vice-president on Scientific and Technical Issues of Ganja State University (Azerbaijan) in his speech focused on the challenges, which Azerbaijan is now facing in education field.

"Lack of certification and accreditation of higher education mechanism, conditions for international accreditation of state universities are not created"- he said. Among the current problems, according to Mr. IBADOV, is also the lack of a clear methodology for evaluation of education quality.

Professor of Vilnius University (Lithuania) Giedre PURVANECKIENE having told about the positive experience of reforms in Lithuania, complained about the problems that are still present in education, the main being that a big number of people with higher education are leaving Lithuania. At the same time, she advised to keep in focus the key questions even before the education reform starts: "How many students do we need? How do we plan reforms? Which professions does the state need?"

Moderator of the event, Government of Change "Society of Knowledge" Division Coordinator, Liliya HRYNEVYCH in her closing remarks noted that universities in Ukraine today are considered as factories for production of diplomas. She called upon the audience to define for themselves, what are the mission and the role that universities are to play in the Ukrainian society.

"Today we understand that University is a builder, who is able to create the foundation for creation of the nation. Unfortunately, we also have problems with this"- she concluded.

We would like to remind that discussion “Education Reform: Bologna Process and Autonomy of the Universities” became second out of six within the framework of “Sharing Transformation Experience” project, a joint project of Open Ukraine and Renaissance Foundations.

Media contact: Ruslan Kyrylenko, t. 235-52-98, rk@openukraine.org

Analytic materials are prepared specially for the discussion.

Open Ukraine continues to award Volodymyr Ivasyuk Scholarship to young composers in 2011

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation awarded next Volodymyr Ivasyuk Scholarship in 2011.

Yuri SEREDIN got a scholarship for the second semester of 2010-2011 academic year.
He is a fifth year student of Theory and Composition Faculty (Composition Department), studying in Professor Myroslav SKORYK’s class in Lviv National M.V.Lysenko Music Academy.

We are taking this opportunity to remind that in 2009 Ivan PAHOTA got the scholarship twice, and in 2010 Ilona VERKHIVSKA also got this scholarship for two semesters.
This scholarship was founded in honor of the sixtieth birth anniversary of famous Ukrainian poet and composer Volodymyr Ivasyuk to commemorate and recognize this outstanding artist. A scholarship is awarded to the students of Composition Department of the Theory and Composition faculty of the M.V.Lysenko’s Lviv National Musical Academy in order to support personal artistic development of the talented young people and to develop modern music arts in Ukraine. The criteria of the award are outstanding artistic achievements proven by Scientific Council of the Academy.

Open Ukraine within the framework of the “Space of Change. Women-leaders” program conducted second training on informational campaigns’ planning in Dnipropetrovsk

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation within the framework of the “Space of Change. Women-leaders” program conducted second training on informational campaigns’ planning in Dnipropetrovsk on February 25-26th. 12 winners of the “Space of Change. Women-leaders” program took part in this event.

The first similar training took place in Kharkiv on February 18-19th, and 11 winners participated part in it.
Two well-known trainers – Roman Kobets and Viktor Zagreba – conducted both trainings in Kharkiv and in Dnipropetrovsk.

Roman Kobets underlined, that participants in both groups have demonstrated collective work: “They were enough motivated and managed to self-organize”. According to his words, participants received new knowledge – learned how to plan their media-campaigns in a new way, considering not only possible instruments, but also understanding their future target audiences.
“We expected to teach them to plan informational campaign logically, to clearly understand problems, define the audiences and plan message dissemination” – the trainer said.
According to Mr. Kobets’ words, trainers managed to deliver their view on informational campaigns’ planning. “Groups thanked us for understating the problem much better” – he summed up.
We are taking this opportunity to remind, that a youth forum “Workshop for Young Leaders”, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation was successfully held in Kyiv on December 10-11th. The event gathered more than 30 winner participants of this year's "Space of Change. Women leaders” project and a number of winners of the "Space of Change” programs of years 2008-2009.
Forum participants had an opportunity to debate with public leaders and to go through trainings, which were chosen specially for them.

The list of winners is available at:
http://ua.prostirzmin.org/contest/news/64/

This project is supported by the Office of Secretary of State for global women’s issues, small grants initiative.

Informational campaigns’ planning training took place in Kharkiv within the framework of the “Space of Change. Women-leaders” program

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukrainee Foundation conducted informational campaigns’ planning training in Kharkiv within the framework of the “Space of Change. Women-leaders” project.
11 winners from the nearest to Kharkiv regions took part in this event, which was held on February 18-19th.

Two well-known trainers – Roman Kobets and Viktor Zagreba carried out an interesting an saturated program. By the results of training, participants learned to make news interesting for press and fully plan their own informational campaigns and events as a whole.
Trainers told participating winners about factors, which will help to distinguish informational pretexts and causes among others. They also gave practical advices on how to effectively make and manage informational causes, and showed specific attention-attractive methods of their correct positioning in the information space.
During the training participants successfully fulfilled the assignment to determine target audiences of the planned informational campaign and main messages, which are necessary to bring to the audiences.
Next similar regional training will take place in Dnipropetrovsk on February 25-26th.
We are taking this opportunity to remind, that a youth forum “Workshop for Young Leaders”, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation was successfully held in Kyiv on December 10-11th. The event gathered more than 30 winner participants of this year's "Space of Change. Women leaders” project and a number of winners of the "Space of Change” programs of years 2008-2009.
Forum participants had an opportunity to debate with public leaders and to go through trainings, which were chosen specially for them.

The list of winners is available at:
http://ua.prostirzmin.org/contest/news/64/

This project is supported by the Office of Secretary of State for global women’s issues, small grants initiative.

With the support of Open Ukraine Foundation Ukrainian experts met with renowned expert – Dr. Constanze Stelzenmuller

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0200

With the support of Women in International Security, Romania and in partnership with Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation Ukrainian experts held productive debates with Constanze Stelzenmüller, Senior Transatlantic Fellow, German Marshall Fund on 24 February 2011 in Kyiv. Debates in Kyiv were organized with the financial support of Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation – a Project of German Marshall Fund, United States.

From 2005 till 2009 Dr. Stelzenmüller served as a Director of GMF's Berlin office. During 1994-2005 Constanze Stelzenmüller was an editor in the political section of the Hamburg weekly DIE ZEIT; and from 1998 onward, she was defense and international security editor. Previously she covered human rights issues, humanitarian crises in Africa and the Balkans, as well as international criminal tribunals. Her essays and articles have appeared in Foreign Affairs, Internationale Politik, The Financial Times, The International Herald Tribune and Suddeutsche Zeitung.
The Constanze Stelzenmüller’s debates with Ukrainian experts were devoted to Transatlantic Policy towards Eastern Europe. The experts openly expressed their positions regarding the EU and the US policies towards Eastern partners, and Ukraine in particular. Ukrainian participants outlined their own views concerning the perspectives of cooperation with the EU and the US, they have stressed the necessity of additional steps on the part of the European Union and the United States to be taken to improve relations with our country.

At the same time Dr. Constanze Stelzenmüller shared her own vision about the development of key events in the world, Ukraine’s relations with the EU, Russia and the United States. Recalling the Russian-Georgian conflict of 2008, Dr. Stelzenmüller mentioned that Russia showed its military power but, on the other side, Russia’s weaknesses also were uncovered. She said: “It is not important who started this conflict but it is critical that both countries lost as a result of this conflict.” Also in Constanze Stelzenmüller’s opinion, the US policy of support of possible Ukraine’s and Georgia’s membership in NATO was among the reasons which provoked the Russian-Georgian conflict.

Moreover she also presented her position regarding the current US role in the world. She believes, that the USA, first time in their history, are experiencing very serious political changes both in foreign and internal policies: “Today, the US has very polarized internal situation.”
Commenting on current “reset” in the relations between Russia and the US, Dr. Stelzenmüller stressed: “Concerning “reset” between the US and Russia, it is tactical step because actually Russia is not a strategic partner or a strategic challenge for the US as China could be.”

Touching upon the topic of German foreign policy, Constanze Stelzenmüller appealed not to perceive Germany as Russia’s “advocate” in the Europe: “Attitudes towards Russia have changed drastically… Germany is no longer promoting the relations with Russia as it has done before.” According to her, the situation has changed after the Russian-Georgian conflict, as well as due to the fact that the Russian authorities do not demonstrate any progress in the fight with corruption, promoting economic and market reforms.

It is worth pointing out that Dr. Stelzenmüller held similar debates with the experts in Georgia and Moldova. All findings of these debates – i.e. experts’ evaluation and positions of the specialists from Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova – will be introduced for consideration to the German representatives of executive and legislative branches of power in Berlin in mid-March.

You can also get acquainted with the brief biography of Constanze Stelzenmüller and her paper «After the Russo-Georgian War of 2008: Transatlantic Approaches to a New Eastern Policy».

Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation granted books and computers to Ukrainian National Cultural Center in Moscow

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatsenyuk - Founder of Open Ukraine Foundation, with his wife – Tereziya Yatsenyuk. Head of the Supervisory Council of the Foundation presented about a thousand books for library fund and technical devices for computerization of the library’s reference room to Ukrainian National Cultural Center in Moscow on Sunday, February 20th.

The library will be enriched with historical books, in particular with “A History of Ukraine” by Mykhailo Hrushevsky, four volumes of History of Ukraine Encyclopedia, series of books “Famous Ukrainians” etc. The library has also received select works of Lesya Ukrainka, Ivan Franko, Marko Vovchok, Taras Shevchenko and Ivan Kotlyarevsky, - among classic Ukrainian literature. Among modern best-sellers – works of Mariya Matios, Lina Kostenko, Pavlo Zahrebelny, Oksana Zabuzhko, Roman Ivanychuk, Yuri Andrukhovych, Volodymyr Shklyar, Yuri Vynnychuk, Yuri Izdryk, Iren Rozdobudko, Yevheniya Kononenko, Galyna Vdovychenko and other authors have also been delivered. Furthermore, the library has received books on ethnology, dictionaries, children’s fiction and non-fiction literature.

Open Ukraine Foundation also equipped library’s reference room with computer technical devices for five working places, multifunctional device for document printing, scanning and copying, and projector with a screen.

Arseniy and Tereziya Yatsenyuk met with children, who attend Sunday school on the premises of the UNCC, and their parents. During the communication Arseniy Yatsenyuk told that the main reason, which induced him to grant books and computer devices to the Cultural Center – was the incident with the search of Ukrainian Literature Library in Moscow. “However, I would phrase this otherwise: the visit is connected with the absence of Ukrainian presence in Moscow,” – he stressed.

According to Yatsenyuk’s words, everyone has to begin with some small step, and the sum of these small steps would be the achieved result. Open Ukraine’s Founder also noted that he surprisingly felt that the biggest need of Ukrainian community in Moscow is not literature for adults, but ABC-books and readers. He promised to continue his support through the Foundation with children’s and study literature.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Yelchenko, Director of UNCC – Mr. Volodymyr Melnichenko and numerous Ukranian community representatives were present at the book and technical devices handover ceremony.

Ukrainian National Cultural Center in Moscow is located at: 9 Arbat Street, building 1.

Media contact: Ruslan Kyrylenko, tel. 044-235-52-98, rk@openukraine.org

Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong announced a contested for one full scholarship among 11th grade students

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation is glad to inform about a new program of Ukrainians studying abroad, which is promoted by our partners – Ukrainian National Committee of United World Colleges (UWC).

Ukrainian National Committee announces about the beginning of a contest among 11th grade students for one full scholarship for 2 years of studying in Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China), one of the 13 United World Colleges.

Application forms contest lasts until February 15th, 2011.

Candidate has to meet following requirements:

To be an 11th grade student.
To speak English fluently.
To show high academic achievements.
To be fully developed and opened for communication.
To show understanding and support of UWC ideals.
To show ability to communicate and be a leader.

You can upload and application form and get additional information about the contest, it’s criteria and participation terms at the web-site: www.uwc-ukraine.org

Contact person: Yanchuk Olena, e-mail: rodovidosvita@ukr.net,

You can find out about college at: www.lpcuwc.uwc.org and about UWC movement at: www.uwc.org

We would like to remind, that Open Society Foundations, Maastricht University (The Netherlands), and Aarhus University (Denmark) invite citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia and Moldova to put in applications for scholarships in European Studies until February 7th, 2011

European experts advise: “The management of EU financial support has to be either precisely controlled or cut off from political establishment”

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Assya KAVRAKOVA, Program Director of Open Society institute (Bulgaria), noted: “The management of EU financial support has to be either precisely controlled or cut off from political establishment”. She stated this during “ The European Union’s contribution to development of civil society” discussion, which was held by Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation and International Renaissance Foundation on Monday, January 24th.

In her speech she noted that political stability doesn’t mean that it exists constantly, this stability has to be reached every day.

Igor BANDOVIC, Program Manager of European Fund for the Balkans (Serbia) stated that for Western Balkans’ countries European integration became a motive force of reforms: “One of the key elements for us is a regional collaboration and conciliation (of conflicts)” – expert noted. According to his words, institutional possibilities for collaboration of public organizations with governments were created in the region. But in addition to that he admitted that non-governmental organizations still don’t have influence on governmental decisions.

Levent KOC, Coordinator of GMF Black Sea Trust funded Caucasus Municipalities Union Initiative Research Project TESEV (Turkey), in his speech mentioned that European Union’s procedures and European bureaucracy are too complicated and create difficulties for Turkish public organizations. According to his words, Turkish non-governmental organizations don’t use EU assets sufficiently: “Financing was adopted in 2006, but we used only 10-15%, we returned the rest to the EU”.

At the same time he noted that in Turkey entire business was created for attraction of assets for public organizations, business of writing nice and convenient projects: “They wrote projects for a small organization, took money and disappeared”. That’s why, according to expert’s opinion, big international consulting organizations, which help Turkish non-governmental organizations to attract assets, engage in collaboration.

Pavol DEMES, Director from GMF Bratislava office (Slovakia) summarized that independent civil society is as important as independent mass-media. According to expert’s words, it is important for public institutions to explain why exactly they are important for community: “Civil society institutions focus on the government all the time, not on the community. It is important to explain to the citizens why these organizations are important and needed”. In his opinion, culture, religion and national identity are those questions, which are extremely important and which, sadly, are mostly not getting attention from civil society.

Jose Manuel TEIXEIRA, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine described non-governmental organizations’ support programs for the EU in Ukraine and told about specifics of this collaboration during his speech. At the same time, taking an opportunity, he expressed anxiety of existing initiative about alternations in recently adopted law on state purchase.

In his opinion, these alternations do not meet law concept, that’s why World Bank and European Union work on preventing these alternations.

We would like to remind, that today’s discussion became first of the six, which are planned in the framework of “Sharing Transformation Wxperience”, a new joint project of Open Ukraine and International Renaissance Foundations.

Analytic materials are prepared specially for the discussion.

Media contact: Ruslan Kyrylenko, t. 235-52-98, rk@openukraine.org

Open Society Foundations, Maastricht University and Aarhus University invite Ukrainians to put in applications for scholarships in European Studies

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The Open Society Foundations, Maastricht University (The Netherlands), and Aarhus University (Denmark) invite citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia and Moldova to put in applications for scholarships in European Studies.
Applications are open for the following master's courses:

Maastricht University: MA in European Studies, MA in European Public Affairs, or MA in Analysing Europe
Aarhus University: MA in European Studies

Scholarships at Maastricht University provide up to a maximum of 18 months’ tuition fees, a stipend to cover living costs (for one person only), a return air travel fare from the scholar’s home country to the Netherlands, student visa costs and medical insurance. The scholarship students will study full time for the master's degree at Maastricht University. On the completion of their master's course, the students will carry out six months of internship, which is a mandatory component of the scholarship.

Scholarships at Aarhus University provide up to a maximum of 24 months’ tuition fees, a stipend to cover living costs (for one person only), a return air travel fare from the scholar’s home country to Denmark, student visa costs and medical insurance. The Master Programme in European Studies at Aarhus University is a two-year full-time program. Students will be able to undertake a two-to-three-month internship during their summer break in 2012. The internship is not mandatory, but will be encouraged.

The master's courses in European Studies offered by Maastricht and Aarhus universities are very different in focus and approach, and applicants are encouraged to read carefully all available information on the courses offered by the two universities in order to choose the course that is most relevant to their background and future plans.
The deadline for applications is February 7, 2011.

More information is available on the web-site:

http://www.soros.org/initiatives/scholarship/focus_areas/maastricht/guidelines