Mykola Tochytskyi, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, met with Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, in Strasbourg on December 12. Their discussion focused on enhancing cooperation in culture and strategic communications between Ukraine and the Council of Europe.
©️ Council of Europe
The meeting emphasized the devastating impact of russia’s ongoing aggression on Ukraine’s cultural heritage, efforts to hold russia accountable for human rights violations, and plans for collaboration under the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine 2023–2026.
“Culture is our security. Cultural sovereignty is the Ukrainian people’s right and ability to preserve their cultural identity free from external interference,” stated the Minister.
He informed the Secretary General about the Ministry’s work on implementing President Zelenskyy’s Resilience Plan, including legislative reforms, fostering social cohesion, establishing a patronage system, promoting the Ukrainian language, creating Ukrainian-language content, rehabilitating war veterans through cultural initiatives, and restoring cultural heritage. The Minister also expressed gratitude to the Council of Europe for launching a project to safeguard Ukraine’s cultural heritage under the 2023–2026 Action Plan.
The Minister highlighted Ukraine’s Information Security Strategy, which safeguards freedom of speech, supports journalists’ professional activities, and ensures access to reliable information.
Mykola Tochytskyi emphasized the need to continue the Council of Europe’s project, “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Media in Ukraine (SFEM-UA)”.
Both sides agreed that culture should remain a priority in international cooperation, making the meeting a key step in strengthening ties between Ukraine and the Council of Europe.
