On June 26, during a working visit to Brussels, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Mykola Tochytskyi, held several key meetings with representatives of the European Parliament and European Commission. The talks focused on cultural policy, countering disinformation, and protecting cultural heritage during the ongoing war.
During a meeting with Nela Riehl, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education, the parties discussed preparations for the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, particularly its cultural component. They also addressed EU support and legal frameworks for establishing the Ukrainian Heritage Fund. Special attention was given to the need to digitize Ukrainian museum collections and to strengthen interparliamentary cooperation between the relevant committees of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the European Parliament.
Nela Riehl invited Mykola Tochytskyi to participate in an upcoming session of the Committee and stressed the importance of preserving Ukraine’s cultural identity as part of the European community.
At a separate meeting with Nathalie Loiseau, Chair of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on Foreign Interference (the “European Democratic Shield”), the conversation focused on fighting disinformation and promoting Ukrainian culture.
Ukraine’s Minister highlighted that culture — particularly Ukrainian art and cinema — serves as a powerful communication tool for conveying the truth about Ukraine. He also noted the need to counter historical distortions and promote Ukraine’s national identity and narrative.
Nathalie Loiseau reaffirmed strong EU support, noting that countering russian hybrid warfare — including propaganda, election meddling, and sabotage — is a European priority. She stressed that defending Ukraine means defending Europe. She praised Ukraine’s efforts to engage youth and media, especially in France, and supported the promotion of quality Ukrainian cinema and influencers shaping Ukraine’s image abroad.
In a meeting with Peter Wagner, Head of the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, discussions focused on the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, the Ukrainian Heritage Fund, and using EU tools to support Ukraine. These include the European Peace Facility and the ALIPH Foundation, which protects cultural heritage in conflict zones. They also discussed involving Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications in EU initiatives to counter russian propaganda.
