Kiri

GLENN MICALLEF MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Heidy Purga Minister of Culture

Dear Minister,

On 5 March 2025, the European Council reaffirmed our steadfast and unwavering support for

Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as its reform efforts on

the path toward EU membership. As part of this commitment, it is crucial that we continue to

support Ukraine’s culture and heritage — cornerstones of both its national identity and our

shared European values.

The devastating impact of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine’s cultural heritage cannot be

overstated. According to UNESCO, 485 cultural sites have already been damaged, and the

reconstruction needs of Ukraine’s culture and tourism sectors are estimated at EUR 9.7 billion.

Beyond the material destruction, the sector is facing a profound human crisis, with the

displacement of artists and the loss of cultural livelihoods.

The EU and its Member States have already stepped up. Since the beginning of the conflict, we

have provided over EUR 37 million to support Ukraine’s cultural and creative sectors through

instruments such as Creative Europe and the Civil Protection Mechanism. But more must be

done.

During the recent “Cooperation for Resilience” Conference in Uzhhorod and my visit to Kyiv

alongside the College of Commissioners, the Ukrainian Minister of Culture made an urgent

appeal for further targeted assistance. Specifically, Ukraine seeks support for exhibiting and

safeguarding cultural artefacts at risk, restoring damaged heritage, and increasing

scholarships for students in the cultural and creative fields.

In this context, I call on all Member States to take collective action in a spirit of solidarity and

shared responsibility. Your contributions could make a real difference by:

• Providing venues to store or exhibit Ukrainian cultural artefacts currently at risk.

• Strengthening efforts to protect and restore Ukraine’s cultural heritage through human

and financial resources.

• Offering additional scholarships for Ukrainian arts and culture students to study in the

EU, complementing the support provided through Erasmus+.

To coordinate and communicate these efforts effectively with our Ukrainian partners, I kindly

ask you to complete the attached table by 30 April 2025. As a first step, we will start to take

stock and foster discussions at the Informal Ministerial Meeting on 7–8 April under the Polish

Presidency.

Let us stand together, as Team Europe, in support of Ukraine’s cultural resilience, a vital part

of Europe’s own identity. We must remain by its side not only throughout this time of conflict,

but also as it rebuilds and moves closer to the European family.

Yours sincerely,

Glenn Micallef

Electronically signed on 25/03/2025 12:40 (UTC+01) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121

Rue Guimard 11/13 1040 Brüssel Tel: +32 2 227 39 10 [email protected] https://eu.mfa.ee/et/

Heidy Purga

Kultuuriminister

Kultuuriministeerium

26.03.2025 nr 10.1-13/266-1

Austatud minister

Edastame Teile Euroopa Komisjoni voliniku Glenn Micallefi 25.03.2025 kirja nr Ares(2025)

2405996 (Cultural Heritage in Ukrane).

Lugupidamisega

Kyllike Sillaste-Elling Alaline esindaja EL juures

Tiiu Noobel +32 2227 4337 [email protected]

1

Tiiu Noobel

From: BONNICI Stephanie <[email protected]> Sent: teisipäev, 25. märts 2025 15:44 To: Esindus EL juures üldaadress Cc: TANTI Clint; BARRETT Helen Subject: Letter to EU Ministers on Ukraine Cultural heritage Attachments: EE_Cover note HoC .pdf; EE_Letter to EU Ministers on UA Cultural heritage.pdf;

Table for Member States_Letter to EU Ministers on UA Cultural Heritage.docx

Dear Ambassador, Please find enclosed a le er signed by Commissioner Micallef to the Minister of Culture, Heidy Purga. On behalf of Clint Tant (Head of Cabinet, CAB-Micallef), we would be most grateful if you could ensure the transmission of the le er to the Minister. Best regards, -- Stephanie BONNICI Policy Assistant Cabinet of Commissioner Glenn MICALLEF Intergenera onal Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport

European Commission BERL 08/313 B-1049 Brussels/Belgium Office: +32 229 95286 [email protected]

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