Association representatives took part in working meetings and international events in Brussels

From 30 September to 4 October 2026, Vladimir Palamar, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia, and Inna Gordienko, the Association's Communications and PR Director, were in Brussels. They took part in events and working meetings, visited the European Parliament and established new professional contacts.

The programme combined civic, human rights and business activities. The meetings were an opportunity to exchange experience with Ukrainians from different countries and to explore cooperation for the benefit of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community in Estonia.

The European Parliament and the importance of supporting Ukraine

A key part of the trip was a visit to the European Parliament. Together with the Council of the EU, it adopts European legislation and the Union's budget and exercises democratic scrutiny over the other institutions. The consent of the European Parliament is also required for new states to join the European Union.

For Estonia, an EU member since 2004, taking part in the work of the European institutions means being able to influence common decisions and defend national interests; Estonia has a Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. For Ukraine, it is especially important to keep European partners focused on countering Russian aggression, protecting human rights, reconstruction and further European integration.

Ukrainian civil society organisations abroad can play an important role in this process. Ongoing dialogue with partners helps explain Ukraine's needs, sustain public solidarity and build links between communities, institutions and businesses.

Brussels itself combines centuries of history with today's international politics. Its Grand-Place, with the 15th-century Gothic town hall and the former guild houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today the city is one of the main centres of European cooperation, home to the key EU institutions and NATO headquarters.

Business Woman: the experience of Ukrainian women in international business

The Association's representatives joined a meeting of Business Woman magazine that brought together Ukrainian women from many countries.

Participants shared their experience of running businesses in their countries of residence: building and promoting brands, recruiting staff, connecting with the local business community, finding partners and protecting their businesses.

The practical nature of the discussions was especially valuable — concrete solutions, difficulties, mistakes and lessons that can help other entrepreneurs. Such meetings create opportunities for mutual support and business ties between Ukrainians working in different countries.

For the Association, this experience also matters for cooperation between civil society and business. Responsible partnerships can support educational, cultural and social initiatives, the professional development of Ukrainians and stronger economic ties with Ukraine.

Human rights meetings and contacts with the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

During the trip, Vladimir Palamar held working meetings with advisers and representatives of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights working in various European countries. This is directly related to his role as the Commissioner's adviser in Estonia.

Professional contacts between colleagues are important for sharing experience, better understanding the problems Ukrainians face abroad and working with the institutions of host countries. Behind every request is a real person and their life situation. It is important that Ukrainians know where to turn for help and are not left alone with their difficulties.

A separate meeting was held with representatives of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Such contacts can become a basis for finding partners, supporting Ukrainian business initiatives and developing cooperation between Ukraine, Estonia and other European countries.

Community cooperation and shared challenges

For Ukrainians in Europe and around the world, it is important to combine integration into their host societies with preserving their language, culture and connection to Ukraine. Professional fulfilment, support for children and young people, protection of rights and participation in community life require not only personal effort but also an accessible environment of mutual support.

Preserving Ukrainian identity, supporting integration and developing the partnership between Ukraine and Estonia are among the Association's core tasks. International connections complement this work and open opportunities for sharing experience and joint initiatives.

The trip to Brussels broadened our network and showed more clearly how civic activity, human rights work and entrepreneurship can complement each other. For the Ukrainian community in Estonia, it is a chance to find new partners, learn from useful experience and share our own achievements.

The Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia sincerely thanks Ms Anya Krysiuk and the Business Woman team, Mr Oleksandr Lazuta of the European Parliament, Ms Natalia Sikorska and the Promote Ukraine team, colleagues from the human rights and business communities, and all organisers and participants for the invitation, warm welcome, meaningful conversations and openness to cooperation.

Ukrainians live in different countries, but working together, trust and mutual support help us stay united and do more for Ukraine.