Ukraine and EU Intensify Joint Efforts Against Cultural War Crimes
On June 24, a key meeting took place in Kyiv between Andrii Nadzhos, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications for European Integration, and Jan Branderhorst, expert on international crimes against cultural heritage from the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM).
The two sides coordinated joint steps to combat the illegal transfer of Ukrainian cultural assets from temporarily occupied territories, The Gaze reports, citing the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine.
The discussion focused on practical measures, including plans to organize a dedicated seminar in Kyiv. This event will address crimes against Ukraine’s cultural heritage committed in occupied regions, with a specific emphasis on protecting at-risk museum collections.
The partners highlighted the importance of safeguarding Ukraine’s national heritage from looting and deliberate destruction by the aggressor state.
EUAM representatives emphasized the critical role of international experience-sharing in developing a coordinated response to cultural threats.
They noted that this initiative would not only strengthen cooperation between cultural and security institutions but also help establish a resilient response system to heritage-related challenges.
This meeting marked another milestone in the deepening cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine and the EUAM, which intensified in May 2025.
The EU Advisory Mission has been active in Ukraine since 2014, supporting civil security reforms based on EU standards and the rule of law.
As The Gaze previously reported, 1,482 cultural heritage sites and 2,302 cultural infrastructure facilities have been damaged across the country as of May 25, 2025.
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