Ukraine Signs European Pact Fusing Culture with Democracy
Ukraine has joined more than 30 European nations in endorsing a new declaration that recognizes culture, heritage, and independent media as essential safeguards of democratic societies.
The Gaze reports this, referring to the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture, citing an official document.
The “Declaration on the Necessity of Culture and Media as a Safeguard for Our European Democracies” was adopted during an informal meeting of EU ministers of culture and media in Copenhagen, chaired by Denmark.
Alongside EU member states, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, and Ukraine also signed the document.
Ukraine was represented by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna, who underlined that cultural resilience is inseparable from democratic strength.
“Today, culture and media are strategic components of Europe’s security and resilience. By protecting culture, we protect democracy,” Berezhna said.
The declaration highlights that Europe’s shared cultural heritage – tangible, intangible, and digital – represents a “living memory” that connects citizens across generations and borders.
It reaffirms the role of free, diverse, and independent media as a cornerstone of credible information and a key instrument in combating disinformation and manipulation.
Participants emphasized that in an era of global crises and rapid technological change, culture and independent journalism remain central to the stability of European democracies. The document also calls for integrating cultural and media policies into broader European security strategies.
A dedicated section of the declaration focuses on ethical and societal challenges related to artificial intelligence, urging signatories to protect artistic integrity and citizens’ personal data – both seen as vital to maintaining trust and stability in democratic systems.
By joining the initiative, Ukraine reaffirmed its commitment to European democratic values, freedom of expression, and cultural cooperation.
As The Gaze previously reported, Ukraine’s parliament has approved Tetiana Berezhna as Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture, formally confirming her after nearly three months as acting minister.
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