In May, Europe marked 80 years since the end of World War II and 40 years since the establishment of Europe Day. These dates serve as a reminder of the price of freedom—one that Ukrainians are defending today.
This year’s Kyiv Security Forum was dedicated to freedom, self-determination, and collective security. Among the guests were representatives of border communities, local authorities, and international partners. The EU Strategy for the Danube Region Association and its president, Yurii Maslov, participated as expert contributors.
Can Europe ensure the security of its borders not only through deterrence but also through deeper regional integration? Participants believe so. Border regions—particularly Ukraine’s part of the Danube Region—are becoming true gateways to the EU, where European values are being practically implemented through infrastructure projects, exchanges, joint initiatives, and political synergy.
The EUSDR (EU Strategy for the Danube Region) is a dynamic platform that unites regions, people, and opportunities. In the context of the war in Ukraine, it holds particular relevance. A new dimension of European solidarity is emerging here. Ukrainian communities in the Danube Region are showing that Europe begins at the local level. According to forum experts, strengthening Ukraine’s involvement in EUSDR implementation is a path toward a strong, independent nation and a secure Europe.
Yurii Maslov stated: “Ukraine is a key link in the great European chain of peace, security, and development. We see the Danube as a space of unity. Now more than ever, it is vital to invest in cross-border connections, logistics, education, and environmental security. Our goal is to make Ukraine’s Danube Region an example of sustainable integration into the European Union—one that benefits both local communities and Europe as a whole.”
We thank all partners and participants for their commitment to building a just, resilient, and united Europe. We are confident that it is through cooperation in the Danube Region that we can overcome today’s challenges and build a future where security, development, and democracy go hand in hand.
