Unity, security, cooperation: the Association at the “Augsburg 2026” forum

On 30 October 2026, Volodymyr Palamar, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia, took part in the European Forum of the Ukrainian Diaspora “Augsburg 2026”, held on 30–31 October in Augsburg (Bavaria, Germany).

Photo report: album “European Forum of the Ukrainian Diaspora Augsburg 2026” (39 photos)

The forum was organised by the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Germany together with the European Congress of Ukrainians. It brought together representatives of Ukrainian organisations, civic leaders, diplomats, politicians, academics and leaders of the Ukrainian movement from across Europe and the world.

For the Association, taking part in such events is an important part of representing Estonia’s Ukrainian community, building partnerships and coordinating joint action among Ukrainian organisations abroad.

Augsburg – a city with a special place in Ukrainian history

Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities: its history begins with the Roman settlement of Augusta Vindelicum, founded in 15 BC.

For Ukrainians, the city holds a special chapter. In 1945–1949 Augsburg was one of the largest centres of Ukrainian civic, political and cultural life in post-war Europe. Thousands of Ukrainians lived in displaced persons camps, including the Somme-Kaserne barracks and Haunstetten. There were schools, churches, cultural and civic institutions, a Ukrainian press, and the Ukrainian National Council (1945–1947). It was in Augsburg in 1946 that the Ukrainian Youth Association in Germany was founded.

The choice of venue is therefore symbolic: here, after the greatest tragedy of the 20th century, Ukrainians not only sought refuge but rebuilt organised community life and preserved their identity.

Ukraine, European security and long-term support

The first day of the forum focused on issues that shape the future of Ukraine and Ukrainian communities abroad: the situation in Ukraine and the challenges caused by russian aggression; the contribution of Ukrainian civil society and the diaspora to European security; long-term international support for Ukraine; the role of Ukrainian organisations in defending Ukraine’s interests internationally; preserving Ukrainian identity; and unity and coordination among Ukrainian communities in different countries.

Participants included Austrian Member of the European Parliament Dr Helmut Brandstätter (Renew Europe), Dr Constantin Groth of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, President of the Ukrainian World Congress Paul Grod, Rector of the Ukrainian Free University Prof. Dr Larysa Didkovska, UWC Executive member Zenon Kowal, as well as representatives of Ukrainian organisations, community leaders, military personnel, experts and journalists.

Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha addressed the participants. He thanked the Ukrainian World Congress, the European Congress of Ukrainians and diaspora organisations for their support of Ukraine, and highlighted Germany’s assistance, including the delivery of mobile power plants for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Unity, partnership and shared values

Just as valuable at such forums are the working and friendly conversations between people who have worked for Ukraine for years. This is where experience is shared, partners are found and joint initiatives are agreed.

“For Ukrainian organisations abroad it is important not only to be heard in our own countries, but also to have strong pan-European representation. We work in different conditions, but we share one goal – a strong Ukraine, the preservation of Ukrainian identity and the protection of Ukrainians’ interests worldwide,” said Volodymyr Palamar.

A gathering of SUM members in Augsburg

In Augsburg, Volodymyr Palamar also represented the Ukrainian Youth Association in Estonia (SUM), part of the worldwide SUM network. He met Oleksandr Nesmachnyi, head of SUM in Germany, and Orest Antoshkiv, head of SUM in Spain.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was a group photo of SUM members from different generations and countries with the traditional motto “Hartuis!” (“Be strong!”). Standing together were Paul Grod, Eugene Czolij, Zenon Kowal and other leaders of the Ukrainian community worldwide who are also SUM members.

The forum continues

The forum continues on 31 October. We will report separately on the second day and the results of the trip.

More photos in the album “European Forum of the Ukrainian Diaspora Augsburg 2026”.

Sources: European Congress of Ukrainians; Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Germany; Shevchenko Scientific Society archives; bpb.de.