Mykola Tochytskyi, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, attended a special meeting of EU Ministers of Culture at the invitation of Rachida Dati, the Minister of Culture of France, on December 7.
The meeting, which focused on advancing cultural policy in Europe and safeguarding heritage, coincided with the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral after five years of restoration.
Rachida Dati expressed her support for Ukraine, highlighting the immense damage to Ukrainian cultural heritage caused by russian aggression. “All European countries, alongside us, are deeply honored that the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine has joined EU Ministers of Culture at this significant ceremony celebrating the revival of French heritage – the restored Notre-Dame de Paris”, she stated.
The restoration work on the Cathedral took five years following the devastating fire in April 2019. The blaze severely damaged the structure, it also united the French people in their determination to restore this national heritage symbol as quickly as possible. Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most magnificent examples of Gothic architecture in France. Located on Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, it captivates visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural significance.
Mykola Tochytskyi emphasized the significance of this event for Ukraine. He expressed gratitude to Rachida Dati for inviting him to this globally significant occasion and reminded that Ukraine was among the first countries to offer assistance by sending Ukrainian restorers to support their French counterparts in the Cathedral’s reconstruction.
“Today, Ukraine needs support in restoring its cultural heritage, which has been devastated by russian military aggression, more than ever. We are grateful to France for its solidarity, willingness to train Ukrainian restorers, and for fostering their development here in Europe”, emphasized Ukraine’s Minister.
The Ministers also discussed plans for a Ukrainian Season in France in 2025 — “Temps fort”. This initiative aims to provide a powerful platform for showcasing Ukrainian culture on the European stage. Mykola Tochytskyi underscored the importance of close collaboration in restoration and heritage preservation, as well as the revitalization of cultural and expert exchanges as key areas of cooperation between the two countries.
