Unity, Dignity and Partnership: Ilona Havronska Outlines the Key Principles

Ilona Havronska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine for European Integration took part, in the high-level event in Brussels, focused on the continued stay of Ukrainian citizens in the EU countries and their return home.

As a part of the event, she joined the panel discussion where she outlined the key principles that should form the basis of the step-by-step plan for the gradual completion of the EU Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that Ukraine, in cooperation with its partners, is currently coordinating further steps to ensure that this process is fair, predictable, and based on respect for people’s choices.

“Our joint efforts with the EU are based on future arrangements for Ukrainians is based on three key principles: unity, dignity, and partnership. Unity means maintaining the connection of Ukrainians with their homeland, with one another, and with Europe. Dignity means recognizing that Ukrainians abroad actively contribute to the societies that have welcomed them, rather than being a burden,” said Ilona Havronska.

Separately, Ilona Havronska focused on the principle of partnership, which will guide future cooperation between Ukraine and the EU.

“We must work together to ensure that every Ukrainian in the EU - whether they choose to stay or return home - feels integrated into Europe’s common future. We are deeply grateful to the Member States for their support to our people and for providing them with shelter. Now it is time to focus on the future - how we can transition from temporary protection to sustainable, partnership-based policies,” she said.

Ilona Havronska also noted the essential role of social cohesion among Ukrainians, both abroad and at home. According to her, social cohesion helps build connections at different levels - between individuals and communities, family and the state, communities and the state - which supports the effective reintegration of Ukrainian citizens.

As a reminder, Ilona Havronska previously visited the Ukrainian Voices RC community center in Brussels, which serves as an example of Ukrainians’ self-organization abroad.

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