In the framework of our project Civic School for Sound EU Practice (CiSEP), four interactive round tables have taken place in Ukraine between December 2019 and May 2020. Each of them covered one topic, which is relevant for the regional EU association: food safety, waste management, green economy and promotion of innovation. The round tables contributed to a dialogue and cooperation between Ukrainian civil society, business and public administration, but also included the interested public. All events encompassed both a seminar and a public panel discussion. The activities in the South and North of Ukraine took place locally whereas the ones in Western and Eastern Ukraine took place online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The first of the four round tables was organised in Odessa and dealt with the introduction of comprehensive food control in Southern Ukraine according to consistent international standards. The centrally discussed question was if the state or businesses should take on the responsibility of food inspections.
The second round table focused on sustainable regional development and waste management in Northern Ukraine. In the morning, the participants of the seminar had the possibility to get a practical insight into waste avoidance and recycling strategies of a local company whereas the afternoon provided space for informal exchanges in small groups on central problems and possible solutions for 2020. It was underlined how important the development of effective regional implementation plans for waste management will be.
The third round table dealt with green economy approaches in Western Ukraine (Lviv) and took place digitally. Representatives of science, politics and local businesses with sustainable concepts for success were invited as technical experts.
In May 2020, the fourth round table on the topic of promotion of innovation and export in Eastern Ukraine (Dnipro) also took place digitally. In addition to academic experts, a local businessman from Kamianske was willing to share his experiences in the areas of export and innovation with the audience. The event contributed to do away with myths concerning export economy and innovation.
The Civic School for Sound EU Practice (CiSEP) is a training programme for active citizens and change makers from Ukraine. CiSEP creates a Ukraine-wide network of specialists on questions of the EU-Ukraine association agreement with the aim to strengthen the European integration of Ukraine.
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