Specific responsibilities include:

• Planning, development and implementation of the “International Dialogue” Programme;
• Organizational and logistical support of programme events;
• Programme monitoring, evaluation and reporting to donors;
• Participation in strategic planning and fundraising efforts; 
• Liaison with international and Ukrainian partners.

Qualifications:

• 3 years of progressive experience in the field of international relations and / or non-profit sector;
• Demonstrated experience in project management;
• Solid writing and analytical skills;
• Advanced level of English language;
• Sub-grant management experience preferred;
• Advanced University degree in a relevant field (International Relations, Public Affairs, and Communications).

Personal qualities:

• High level of responsibility;
• Ability to work in a team and under pressure;
• Excellent communication skills.

Please send your CV along with a cover letter and your salary expectations to mv@openukraine.org with a subject line: “Programme Manager” by August 18, 2010. 

“The world crisis pointed just one thing. There is no single hegemon in the world anymore. But new centres of influence appear. And either European countries, including members and not-members of the EU, do unite for European continent to form powerful centre of influence, either we will stay behind again. It was America before, in some ten years it will be China. Events in the world are developing very dynamically now. It is a chance for us to get leadership. For us as a united Europe”, - Arseniy Yatseniuk, the leader of the “Front zmin” political party, the peoples’ deputy of Ukraine, the founder of the Open Ukraine Foundation, said while opening the Conference.

The world crisis has changed accents not only in geopolitical or financial environment. It has touched the grounds of existence of many international organizations. Particularly, Michel Dure, Head of the Outreach Countries Section, Public Diplomacy Division, NATO Headquarter has stressed on the changes which are happening in NATO: “The nature of cooperation principles of the NATO with other structures is changing. Now we have a lot of understanding of security, democracy, culture societies. On the other way there are many general problems and security threats. Finding consensus between this understanding, solving general problems and threats’ preventing is indeed the new interface of cooperation. A lot of international organizations exist today, and NATO is not to govern them, but to look for wider approaches to cooperation. Each international organization must find its own niche, then it will be possible to work together to manage the crisis”. 

Something new and progressive always appears owing to difficulties’ overcoming. “This crisis gave us the vision of the real objectivity. Owing to the crisis the countries of the world have chance for changes, making reforms and the possibility to become stronger”, - Pirkka Tapiola, Senior Adviser, Policy Unit, Council of the European Union, General Secretariat, underlined.

Representatives of the European Union, the NATO, the OSCE, the GUAM, the BSEC, the EBRD, embassies, government and non-government organizations, research institutes from over twenty countries of the world attended the event.

The International conference took place in the network of the KYIV SECURITY FORUM, held annually by the Open Ukraine Foundation, under assistance of the Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House (London), European Policy Centre (Brussels), and the Regional Representation of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation for Belarus and Ukraine.  The financial aid was granted by the Black Sea Trust of German Marshall Fund and the Polish Aid Program.

The bust of the famous Ukrainian, made under assistance of the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, became a showpiece of the prominent artists’ gallery of the Warsaw Opera House. "Recognition of our compatriot among the best artists of the Warsaw Opera House is the historical demonstration of the fact that Ukraine is a part of the Europe. This also confirms the significant contributions of many prominent Ukrainians to the development of the European civilization.

Through such very steps the Open Ukraine Foundation aspires to remind both to Europeans and Ukrainians the moments of our shared history, to mark what we can be proud of. These are not the first actions of the Foundation in this regard. Last year, for example, we opened in Vienna the memorial to the first Minister of Health of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, our compatriot Ivan Horbachevsky"- the director of the Foundation Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze said during the official presentation of the bust.

The sculptural composition was made by the people’s artist of Ukraine Vasyl Yarych. The bust itself is made of bronze; a stand and a column are of granite. The total height of the composition is over two meters. This will be the first bust of Solomiya Krushelnytska in Poland according to the composition’s architect, the honored artist Orest Skop. Artistic image, that inspired the creators, was the image of Krushelnytska in the role of Countess in the same-named opera of Stanis?aw Moniuszko.

Four years of Solomiya Krushelnytska’s activity are connected to the Warsaw period. Her performances on stage of the Warsaw Opera raised unprecedentedly the success of Moniuszko's operas. It is considered that Krushelnytska was the best performer of the “Galka” role in the same-named opera, for what the Poles often call her "Polish" opera singer.

"For more than a century Solomiya Krushelnytska has been considered to be one of the leading figures in the history of Polish opera. Now she returns to Warsaw. The bust will stand near the so-called "Redut halls" of the Grand theatre - the part that remained unhurt during the destruction of Warsaw in the years of the World War II, so these buildings still remember the proud walk of our prima donna"- said Rostislav Kramar, the initiator of events, teacher of Warsaw University, the Ukrainian public figure in Poland.

The adornment of the gala evening became the presentation of the sisters Natalya and Galyna Datsko, invited to the solemn event by the Open Ukraine Foundation. Lviv opera singers performed arias from the repertoire of Solomiya Krushelnytska.

- Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine on “The situation created by the flu epidemic and by the A (H1N1) flu pandemic, and on primary prevention measures” No 5302, 5 November 2009.
The resolution, above all, recommends that the Cabinet of Ministers “urgently implement the order of the President of Ukraine No 887/2009 dated 31 October 2009.”[…]The resolution tasks the Government with establishing, within 10 days, Rules for the sanitary control of the territory of Ukraine, in accordance with International Medical and Sanitary standards. 
 
- Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on “Preventive measures to stop the spread of flu type A/H1N1/Californian/04/09 and other acute respiratory diseases among the population” No 1152, 30 October 2009.
Para.1.: Starting from 30 November 2009, raise the threat level related to the spread of type A/H1N1/Californian/04/09 flu (hereafter pandemic flu) and prohibit all mass public gatherings.
 
- Decree of the President of Ukraine pursuant to the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine dated 30 October 2009 on “Urgent measures to guarantee national security in the context of the spread of pandemic flu in Ukraine”    No 887/2009, 31 October 2009.
Para.10: Immediately establish restrictions on any public cultural and entertainment events and other events involving mass gatherings.       

Once again Open Ukraine Foundation expresses our sincere appreciation of your willingness to participate and speak at this event and reiterate that we are extremely sorry that because of the circumstances not depending on us the Third Kyiv Security Forum has to be canceled.

We very much hope that such development will not impede our future cooperation and we will have the opportunity to work with you on other occasions. Moreover, we are planning to hold the expected debate online via the renewed web-site of the Forum http://ksf.openukraine.org.

Respectfully Yours,
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze Executive Director, Open Ukraine Foundation

• what methods Ukraine needs to overcome the economic crisis;
• shaping a new world order;
• which countries should be Ukraine’s "friends" in the future;
• whether one should start own business during the crisis;
• how does the British journalist see the post-crisis world;

and many others arising from the financial crisis 2008-2009.

You can find the answers provided by the British journalist at the chat conference page: http://ksf.openukraine.org/ua/2009/press/news/chat_with_nick_kochan 

Open Ukraine Foundation expresses sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in our chat conference and hopes that you will find interesting further events organized by Open Ukraine Foundation.

The web-conference will tackle the following questions:

• What is the global crisis? What has the world faced in 2008-2009?

• What kind of economic policies will emerge in the post-crisis world?

• Will new superpowers appear? What will be the world security order in the years to come?

You are welcome to post a question, in Ukrainian or English, at page http://www.ksf.openukraine.org/en/2009/press/news/chat_with_nick_kochan . The moderator will screen the questions and immediately put them on the web page. Responses will appear in the original language.

Note: Nick Kochan is a prominent British journalist who writes on economic and political issues. He contributes articles to famous journals and magazines such as “The Financial Times”, “The Daily Telegraph”, “The Banker”, “Euromoney Magazine” and many other international editions. He writes regularly on political issues in Eastern and Central Europe, as well as on economic, financial and banking systems and capital markets. He has co- authored a biography of Gordon Brown, and several other books on money laundering and financial crimes. He recently published a book on the implications of current recession. He holds a degree from the University of Cambridge.  

The Program Manager must demonstrate an extensive knowledge related to the issues of foreign policy and security and spirit of creativity.

Specific responsibilities include

• Planning, developing and implementing “International Dialog program”;
• Program monitoring, evaluating, and reporting to the donors;
• Participation in strategic planning and fundraising efforts; 
• Liaison to international and Ukrainian partners;

Qualifications

• 3 years progressive experience in activities related to international relations and / or non-profit sector;
• Demonstrated experience in project implementation and management;
• Solid writing and analytical skills;
• Advanced level of English language;
• Subgrant management experience preferred;
• Advanced international degree in a relevant field.

Personal qualities

• High level of responsibility;
• Ability to work under pressure in a team;
• Excellent communication skills.

Please, send CV, cover letter and salary expectation in English to mv@openukraine.org with the Subject line: “Deputy Director” by September 18^th.

Leszek Balcerowicz (polish economist, former Vice-prime-minister and Minister of Finance and ex-Chairman of the National Bank of Poland) shared his views about the global economic crisis during the Diplomatic club in Kyiv, July 9th, 2009, which was organized by Arseniy Yatseniuk Foundation “Open Ukraine” and Viktor Pinchuk Foundation. Arseniy Yatseniuk moderated the meeting.

Mr. Balcerowicz explained, that this crisis is not the first one, and it became global because it has come from the USA --  the country with the biggest share in the world economy. He reminded, that there were other depressions in different countries, but those didn’t influence the global economy due to the small share of those countries in the world economical processes.

To his mind, other reasons that led to the crisis were unsustainable and risky financial policies along with exaggerated spending. “The housing boom in Spain, Britain and Ireland amplified the rate of spending and loaning. Spending too much in good times multiplies the losses during the bad times”, added Mr. Balcerowicz.

To Mr. Balcerowicz’s opinion the increased production and decreased budget deficit  should replace social and fiscal populism in order overcome the crisis. “Majority of the electorate should avoid the so-called Santa Clauses in politics who promise to spend a lot of money for social needs”,- emphasized Leszek Balcerowicz.

Talking about the influence of politics on economics, Leshek Balcerowicz said, that “if policies are correct the noise is disregarded by the matters; and public opinion supports good policies”. To his mind democracy is an insurance for the good policies, but still there should be some work done with public opinion.
 
Arseniy Yatseniuk, member of the Ukrainian Parliament, founder of the Open Ukraine Foundation, added at the meeting of the Diplomatic club that another reason of the global crisis is the fact that the real sector of economics was serving the banks, and not vice versa: “It’s a paradox when bank with one thousand employees earns hundred times more than a company with millions of employees which produces billions of dollars worth amount of goods”. Mr. Yatseniuk mentioned, that Ukraine should rely on itself, at the same time “Ukrainian and world politics should get rid of the populistic Santa Clauses”.

The Diplomatic club meeting was attended by Eyvhen Marchuk, Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Euro-Atlantic integration, members of the Parliament  Iryna Akimova, Iryna Heraschenko and Yuri Miroshnichenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kostiantyn Eliseev, Advisor to Prime-Minister on the international investments Vladyslav Kaskiv, Deputy Minister of Economy Valeriy Piatnytsky and other governmental representatives, businessmen, former ministers of foreign affairs, diplomats, independent experts.

Volodimir Ivasiuk scholarship was awarded to young composer Ivan Pahota.

The policy paper analyzes current situation in the energy industry of both Black Sea region and the European Union: extraction, transit and consumption of the hydrocarbons; price policy for the energy resources; impact of the key events within the energy industry. The document also defines the energy-related threats, their nature and suggests ways of countering them.

The policy paper provides relevant recommendations to the EU countries and to Ukraine, as well as describes major aspects of the energy security and it’s further strengthening.

Policy paper prepared by:
Mykhailo Honchar, Director of Energy Programs, NOMOS Center
Oleksandr Todiychuk, President of Kyiv International Energy Club (Q-club)

With participation of:
Iulian Chifu, Executive Director, Center for Conflict Prevention and Early Warning, Romania

The Policy Paper became possible:

• Upon the initiative and management of Open Ukraine Foundation
• With the support of Victor Pinchuk Foundation and Black Sea Trust of German Marshall Fund

“We shall support our foreign policy through NGOs” said Mr. Yatseniuk, while talking about the reputation of Ukraine and Ukrainian foreign relations’ perspectives. With regards to Open Ukraine Foundation, Mr. Yatseniuk mentioned Diplomatic Club and Kyiv Security Forum that were launched “in order to attract foreign politicians and business leaders who can deliver new messages to the Ukrainian society and who can listen to Ukrainian citizens”.

As to the foreign policy, Mr. Yatseniuk emphasized that Ukraine should start reshaping the Ukrainian-Russian relations, and take new approach to the European Union — both relationships should be based on pragmatic approach and be economically predictable.

Arseniy Yatseniuk mentioned that building strong civil society, as a major aspect of the development of Ukraine and its reputation, is a key challenge for Ukrainian citizens: “We have reached a lot, but we need to do more – people have to be interested in having civil society”.

“Europe without Ukraine is not the same Europe as with Ukraine. Take a look: 50 million people, strategic location, European and Christian background, immense potential. I consider EU’s ignorance of such a partner, and a future member, as a big mistake”—said former Polish President at the Diplomatic Club meeting in Kyiv on April 15th, 2009. The event was  organized by Aresenij Yatseniuk’s foundation Open Ukraine and YES (Yalta European Strategy).

Aleksander Kwasniewski also emphasized the fact that Ukraine should concentrate on the mutual dialogue with Europe since the European Community expects mutual cooperation and responsible partnership from Ukraine”.

In order to strengthen Ukraine’s role in the international affairs, Kwasniewski recommends Ukraine to develop relations both with the Russian Federation and the West and aim for political balance. Ukrainian policy should be clear and understandable for its European partners.

Kwasniewski believes that young democracies should develop democratic culture, maintain stability, and be cautious with the amendments to their constitutions. “A constitution does not change people’s characters. Even a bad constitution in the hands of good people can work properly”,--said former Polish President.

Aleksander Kwasniewski claimed himself as “a strong advocate of Ukraine” and stressed the fact that Ukraine plays an important role in his political career.

The Diplomatic Club was attended by the 1st President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk, the 2^nd President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma, former Ministers of foreign affairs Ananoliy Zlenko and  Borys Tarasiuk, representatives of diplomatic, business and expert communities.

Mr. Kwasniewski is a member of the Board of the Yalta European Strategy for more than 5 years. YES is a independent international organization, which unites famous politicians, business and public opinion leaders, journalists; supports necessary European integration and positive image reforms in Ukraine.

Aleksander Kwa?niewski is the former President of the Republic of Poland (1995 – 2005). He was born on the 15th November 1954, in Bia?ogard, Poland.. Long – standing supporter of Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, Aleksander Kwa?niewski inspired the international mediation efforts during the 2004 Orange Revolution. He couragesly confronted the past, significantly contributing to the reconciliation between Poles and the German, Jewish and Ukrainian people. During his Presidency Poland became a member of the EU on May 1, 2004.

The Diplomatic Club – co-initiative of Open Ukriane Foundation and Victor Pinchuk Foundation

Partner of the Diplomatic Club: Yaltal European Strategy (YES, yes-ukraine.org) – international net-work, founded by Victor Pinchuk in 2004 to support reforms in Ukraine and integration into the European Union

Open Ukraine web-site - http://www.openukraine.org/
YES website- http://www.yes-ukraine.org/
Victor Pinchuk Foundation web-site - http://www.pinchukfund.org/

Ivan Pahota is a young composer and a 4th year student of M.V.Lysenko’s  Lviv National Musical Academy, who studies in the class of Myroslav Skoryk.

However, from Mrs. Freeland’s perspective, constant political tensions in Ukraine complicate the international dialogue since Ukraine remains incomprehensible for outside world. Moreover, “during the financial crisis the US is mostly focused on relieving its consequences for the American economy, finding the way to assist those people who lost their jobs and homes, - this captures most of the political energy of the new President Obama’s Administration. At the moment foreign policy as such is not the top priority for the new Administration and under the circumstances no one is ready to spend additional time in an attempt to grasp Ukraine’s internal conflicts”.

Chrystia Freeland is sure that Ukrainians, having experienced revolutionary changes and difficult economic circumstances of the 80s and 90s are psychologically better prepared for facing the crisis phenomena compared to successful and prosperous Americans who did not experience similar turmoil for more than 70 years now.
 
Mrs. Freeland pointed out to one of the major points of the discussion within the US that is whether the current crisis will foster the transition of economic powers from America to Asia, namely, to China. This belief was also shared by many Ukrainians, participating in the Diplomatic Club meeting. At the same time Mr. Arseniy Yatseniuk voiced the idea that no new geopolitical players will emerge as the result of the crisis. This crisis will be resolved first of all in the USA, where it started. “At present each country looks for solutions on its own, and this is the most unsettling tendency, and common global response is hard to envision”, summarized Mr. Yatseniuk.

The following members of the Diplomatic Club also participated in the debate: Leonid Kuchma, President of Ukraine (1994-2005), Volodymyr Khandohiy, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Anatolij Zlenko and Hennadij Udovenko – former Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, members of the parliament – Yurij Miroshnychenko and Iryna Herashchenko; also - Yevhen Marchuk and Volodymyr Horbulin, analysts Oleksiy Haran and Valeriy Chalyj, Ambassadors Volodymyr Vasylenko and Roman Shpek.

Download Annual Report 2008 (PDF, 4.7Mb)

7 million 605 thousand 308 hryvnas - this amount Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Private Charitable Foundation «Open Ukraine» invested in 2008 in programs aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s image in the world, promotion of public diplomacy and self-actualization of Ukrainians. This was announced at the public presentation of the Foundation’s annual report on February 12th, 2009.

This is the first event of a kind in the history of Ukrainian philanthropy. It has gathered leading businessmen, sponsors, partners of the Foundation and journalists in the «Vozdvyzhensky» hotel for an informal discussion of the philanthropy.

The main feature of the event, as well as of the report itself, was transparent documentation and honesty of the speakers. «Interrogation» of the representatives of the Foundation’s governing bodies was lead by the Ukrainian TV talk-show host Anna Bezulyk. The revealing discussion, provoked by the host, has given the answer to the main question of the evening – Ukrainian philanthropists are engaged in charity not for the publicity, but by the call of their hearts. This was also testified by serious commitments of support of the Foundation’s activities in 2009, taken upon themselves by “Open Ukraine”’s main sponsors – Viktor Pinchuk and Serhiy Taruta.

«Partners and donors of the Foundation are pleased with the results of the Foundation’s activities, and will further support our programs, notwithstanding the crisis and other problems. After all, it comes from their heart. And concerning the crisis – we will get through it», said Arseniy Yatsenyuk, founder of «Open Ukraine» Foundation.
 
Victor Pinchuk, one of the Foundation’s main donors, noted: «When we started our work with Arseniy (Yatsenyuk), the main condition was provision of absolute transparency of the Foundation’s activities and reports». According to Victor Pinchuk, such public presentations, the possibility for everybody to access complete information about Foundation’s activities and their results via the internet-site, is a bright example of transparency.

Pavlo Gudimov, leader of the «Gud:mov Art Project» and participant of the Foundation’s programs said: «Ukrainian culture has a great potential, and support the modern, dynamic art, capable of competing with the world’s best pieces, is very timely. Foundation is focusing on that today, and I hope will adhere to its principles in the future».

«Even in the hostility of the crisis we will continue to translate Ukrainian books into foreign languages and will bring Ukrainian artists abroad», said Arseniy Yatsenyuk, founder of the «Open Ukraine» Foundation.

Discussing the right of the private initiatives to present the image of Ukraine abroad, Igor Burakovsky, Director of the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting, noted: «Civil society greatly surpasses political elites in their level of understanding of the processes within Ukraine; and the Foundation’s achievements are the proof. The new should be further searched for and concerned and interested people should be supported».

It was impossible to avoid the questions forthcoming presidential elections. Answering those, ex-speaker jokingly responded: «I’m 34, I’m too young to be a president. In May I’ll turn 35. Let’s discuss it then».

2009 activities will include:

• Continuation of the program of support of young Ukrainian’s business-projects, that are already changing the country today - «Space of Change»,
• Cultural programs – translation of Ukrainian books into foreign languages, support of Ukrainian artists’ exhibits and performances abroad,
• Development of new accents of the «Migration today» program, aimed at supporting Ukrainians abroad, and
• Program of «Raising Ukraine’s reputation in the world», within the framework of which the Third Kyiv Security Forum (November 2009), and Diplomatic Club meetings with leading European politicians will be held.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk also introduced new head of the Board of Directors of “Open Ukraine” Foundation – Roman Shpek, experienced diplomat, ex-ambassador of Ukraine to the European Communities.

The brightest events of the Foundation in 2008:

• For the first time in Ukraine a full-scale survey of the number of Ukrainian citizens working abroad, of the reasons and results of labor migration was carried out; integrated recommendations for the new migration policy of Ukraine were worked out. 156 000 citizens of Ukraine travelling abroad received informational support in the Call-Center.
• More than 300 members from 25 countries were gathered by the Second Kyiv Security Forum. For the first time since gaining independence, Ukraine made a statement as an equal partner in the European discussion of the energy security issues.
• Regular discussions within the «Diplomatic Club» framework provided opportunity to the European and American politicians to shape their very own impression about Ukraine; and assisted Ukrainian politicians and experts to formulate their understanding of Ukraine’s place in the international setting. Among the guests of the Club – NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.
• More than 30 thousand people had a chance to touch the beauty by visiting the tactile photo exhibit for the sightless. The «Touch and see» exhibit presented blind people with unique opportunity to share the emotions and impressions from the photos of picturesque Ukraine with seeing citizens. The exhibit, which has no analogues in Europe, continues its tour countrywide.
• 25 artists have represented Ukrainian modern art at 15 international festivals and exhibits.
• Essays of leading modern Ukrainian writers are already read in Czech Republic. Unique program «Book Fund» has supported publication of the «The Anthology of a small Ukrainian prose».
• The Fund has united the best: 43 young leaders of Ukraine – winners of the «Space of Changes» program – have opportunity now to implement projects, that will change the look of Ukraine http://ua.prostirzmin.org/

The program will continue in 2009. Among the Ukrainian authors that Open Ukraine will be presented internationally are Evheniya Kononenko “Novels and Stories” in Russia and Yuriy Vynnychuk “Spring games in the autumn garden” in Bulgaria.

Book Fund is the only program in Ukraine that supports the translation of Ukrainian writing aboard.  As of today we have received 6 application forms from publishing houses worldwide. Among them: 

• Stock (France) for Lyubko Deresh “Cult”
• Meettok (Spain) for Natalko Snadyanka “Collection of  passions and adventures of young Ukrainian”
• Ad Marginem Press (Russia) for Taras Prokhasko “You can make some stories out of this” and “Complicated”
• Zalihica (Bosnia) for Andriy Kurkov “Geography of a single shot”
• Kastaniotis Editions S.A (Greece) for Andriy Kurkov “Last love of the President” and “Dear friend, decedent’s comrade”
• Czarne (Poland) for  Sophia Andrukhovych “Salmon”

If you would like to support the Book Fund of Open Ukraine, please contact: Iryna Deshchytsia, Program Manager at id@openukraine.org

"If talking about gas supply, Europe and other countries naturally need diversification", believes Boris NEMTSOV, member of the Federal Political Council of the SPS political party, Russian Federation. His forecast concerning a gas price for Ukraine was deplorable. "The price will most likely be higher - that's your pay for independence".

Noting many European countries' dependence on Gazprom, Mr. Nemtsov highlighted the only possible, in his opinion, option for democratization of the company: "The system of pipelines should be separated from Gazprom - that is, done the way it was done to Transneft company. Let the pipeline be owned by the State but it must be an independent company, and all gas sellers should be provided equal conditions". At the same time, Nemtsov remarked that, given existing prospects, Gazprom would most likely remain under the state control. The idea of building new gas pipeline routes from Russia is considered as not good by him because the pipelines will remain unfilled because of gas shortage in Russia.

"The more flourishing the economy, the greater the need to deliver energy from all sources - both conventional and unconventional. The world will be trying to meet the growing demand. It will entail greater tension in the producer-consumer environment", says Patrick van DAELE, General Manager, Shell Ukraine Exploration and Production. In his opinion, under such conditions energy should be produced at the most affordable level of its price. "No company is able to solve these issues by itself so we back up the idea of discussing elaboration of ideas jointly", Patrick van Daele said in his address.

Besides, he shared two scenarios of events in the world energy sector designed by Shell. "The first one says that countries will concentrate on their own energy issues. The second scenario assumes conclusion of international agreements. We discussed the scenarios in all the countries we are working in, and we should say the governments not always realize all the problems and therefore they often work along the first scenario", he summed up.

Unlike the Russian colleague, Georgy VASHAKMADZE, GUEU Foundation Director, still sees a future for new pipelines. "Nabucco, White Stream, Southern Stream - all this is possible if there is a correct attitude to the idea. Our goal is to connect the Caspian region with Europe and let European companies be present in the Caspian region but this matter should be approached in an integral fashion", he pointed out.

Simon PIRANI, Senior Research Fellow, Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, UK, described reduction of single-supplier dependence as the most important issue for Ukraine. He also noted that Ukraine has its own gas, which should also promote the country's stronger energy independence. At the same time, he was negative about the Ukrainian government's actions in energy matters: "I see no strategy from the government that would concern energy efficiency and energy saving. It must become a priority in the State's energy policy".

***

A lively discussion was caused by statements of participants of the second thematic session -ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY - INCREASED ENERGY SECURITY? - which was reduced to the conclusion that these technologies will be actively used in Ukraine when a young team has come to power.

Kevin ROSNER, Senior Fellow, Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, USA, voiced his concern about the mankind's reliance on oil, pointing out that 97% transport in America works on gasoline. Mr. Rosner gave examples of other countries using alternatives to oil, which is becoming increasingly popular, namely Brazil with ethanol and China with methanol, as well as biofuel.

Valeriy BOROVYK, Chairman of the Board, New Energy of Ukraine Alliance, presented projects of alternative energy sources under implementation by the Alliance, which include taking power off the Earth rotation and outputting energy, a power plant producing electricity out of wave energy, creation of wind farms in Crimea, and a geothermal power plant.

***

Discussing the final subject - WAYS TO IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN PRODUCERS, TRANSIT AND CONSUMER COUNTRIES OF ENERGY FOR STRONGER EUROPEAN ENERGY SECURITY - the experts concluded that the financial crisis could even stimulate better relations among the countries in the energy sector.

In the context of Russia's influence upon European energy security, Mikhail KRUTIKHIN, Editor of Russian Energy Bulletin, Russia, accentuated on the substantial contradictions that had arisen between Russia as a gas monopolist and Europe as a gas consumer. As far as Russia's use of its monopolistic status in the energy market is concerned, Mikhail Krutikhin voiced the hope that the need to cooperate with the European community would eventually make Russia work in a more civilized manner. Besides, in the expert's opinion, Russia's position may be affected by the world financial crisis, which will force the RF government to make certain decisions concerning Gazprom. "To overcome the gas supply crisis, Gazprom will have to increase its investments in production, which would promote development of the sector but would hardly be liked by the government because of not paying fast dividends. Or, under the crisis, the government could divide Gazprom into individual gas production companies", he said.

James SHERR, Head, Russia and Eurasia Program, the Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House, UK: "Russia does not welcome any competing projects in its region. This way Russia proves that all the projects implemented without it are dangerous. What choice does Ukraine have in this context? Only cooperation with Russia". Considering ways out of the situation, Sherr noted that "Russia was interested to be a monopolist, but at the same time, competition needs to be created and new energy sources be searched for. It does not exclude Russia from the energy system because that would be impossible but, perhaps, it will make its stand more moderate".

Mykhailo HONCHAR, Director of Energy Programs, NOMOS Center, suggested his own formula to improve the "producer - transit country - consumer" energy chain: strategic reserves plus integrated infrastructure plus diversification of sources plus transparency. Energy market improvement, in his opinion, also requires a more active role to be played by the International Energy Agency and the Energy Charter. At the same time, talking about cooperation between these organizations and Russia, he emphasized that there was no other way to improve the relations under the current reality but a dialog.

"The financial crisis has to some extent played into the hands in the issue with Russia because there had actually been no chance to stabilize the situation before", said independent expert Oleksandr NARBUT. "Today when investments are quite important to all countries, Europe has got a unique chance to reach understanding with Russia in the field of energy", Narbut says confidently. Therefore, he believes that Europe's first step in that direction should consist of adapting the Energy Charter for Russia. Besides, Europe's subsequent initiatives should be aimed at modernization inside transiting countries.

Tim GOULD, Programme Manager - Caspian, Caucasus, Southeast Europe, International Energy Agency, is sure that one should focus on transparency and openness issues today. Major directions on the road towards energy security, in the expert's view, consist of investing in energy infrastructure and diversifying sources of supply, but at the same time, Mr. Gould reminded that under such an approach one must clearly understand what countries should be offered new sources.

Friedemann MULLER, senior researcher, German Institute for International and Security Affairs, said highlighting Europe's major security issues: "Europe should talk one voice in terms of energy but national interests of the countries must not be forgotten". Referring to threats in the energy sector, he mentioned Russia as an example of using energy as a weapon for a few years already.

The role of NATO in assuring security was outlined by Michael GAUL, Deputy Director of the Defense and Security Economics Directorate, the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division at the NATO Headquarters. "NATO is in a position to foster a dialog between producing, consuming and transiting countries. Establishing this dialog may take place both at formal and informal meetings, in particular such as this forum. We approach such activities very seriously. It lets us see the existing problems and allows us to conduct the dialog in a more constructive way", he said.

Ukraine's view on ensuring security was voiced by Bohdan SOKOLOVSKYI, Special Representative of the President of Ukraine on energy issues. He believes that Ukraine should find some new forms of guaranteeing security, a shift from individual to collective forms being one of the possible ways. In addition, he pointed out that Ukraine must develop metrological centers, establish and secure real-time control over energy carriers, i.e. make the gas transportation control regime as open as possible. "It is necessary to create joint structures that would guarantee rapid response to accidents in the joint energy space", he said.

The role of Ukraine in the energy security system was also referred to by Margarita BALMACEDA, Associate Professor, John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Harvard University. "Ukraine's greatest problem", according to the expert, consists of signing of gas agreements prior to the winter season. However, in her opinion, problematic of this issue for Ukraine lies in a political plane. "Russia does not know who to deal with in Ukraine", she says.

Concluding the discussion, the thematic panel moderator John ROBERTS, PLATTS information service, expressed the opinion that the EU was not fast enough in moving on concerning Turkey and Ukraine. Besides, the expert did not back up the opinion on bilateral consequences of Europe's conflict with Russia: "If Russia cuts off gas deliveries it is a real threat but its impacts for Russia will be much less than for Europe".

In particular, Volodymyr MAKUKHA, Deputy Minister of Fuel and Energy of Ukraine, pointed out: "Increasing Ukraine's role in ensuring energy security requires application of some other formats of cooperation in the energy sphere. The goal of strengthening Ukraine's energy security is served by its participation in the Energy Charter. Ukraine is ready to take further steps for integration into Europe's energy sector".

Faouzi BENSARSA, Adviser for energy issues, the European Commission's Directorate-General for External Relations, said in the beginning of his address that he trusted Ukraine even in spite of the political processes going on in the country. "Our goal for next years is to integrate Ukraine's energy market into the EU energy market", he pointed out. In his opinion, a condition for such integration consists of creating a calm situation in the country and letting the private sector take the lead. Talking about general European efforts in ensuring energy security, he remarked: "The energy security issue is going to become a powerful political tool soon, therefore solidarity of all the countries' efforts should become a key point in the near future".

Speaking of dangers in the energy sector, Ursula GACEK, Member of the European Parliament from Poland, observed that Ukraine and Georgia had already run into energy security problems in cooperation with Russia. "Russia uses energy as a weapon against Georgia and Ukraine", she said. That's why, in Ursula Gacek's opinion, energy diversification and increasing the in-country share of energy output should now become priorities for Europe.

Altai EFENDIYEV, BSEC Deputy Secretary General, underlined the need to diversify ways and sources of energy supply in the Black Sea Cooperation countries and, continuing his predecessors' thought, said: "Europe and the Black-Caspian Sea region are united by common priorities in assuring security".

Taking part in the forum are about 300 high-level statespersons, well-known analysts, representatives of business and mass media from the Black-Caspian Sea Region, the European Union, the United States, and international and regional organizations representing 25 countries of the world.

The forum was opened by Arseniy Yatseniuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, founder of Open Ukraine Foundation. He pointed out that so-called energy independence is one of the most important challenges the world is now facing. "Energy independence is a myth, it is impossible to achieve. All energy market players are extremely dependent on each other. And that's an endless circle. However, it is this circle that we should shape an energy policy in", he said.

The main topics Arseniy Yatseniuk drew the experts' attention to included establishment of a charter of transit countries, development of alternative energy sources, and oil production decline.

Arseniy Yatseniuk emphasized that uniform rules of the game should be provided for all the energy market players today: "There are no uniform rules of the game in the energy market, so elaboration of energy rules must become #1 priority to the WTO. The existing Energy Charter is a very good document but, unfortunately, purely declarative in most its provisions. Besides, a whole range of countries have not ratified the Energy Charter, hence it would hardly be correct to say that it could be efficient to Ukraine. It doesn't mean, however, that we must forget about the Charter; it should be perfected by involving in it all the countries operating in the energy market. That's why #1 item for global security is to elaborate, within the WTO framework, the rules of the game in the energy market".

This opinion was shared by William TAILOR, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the USA to Ukraine: "We support Arseniy Yatseniuk's proposal to create a single energy market". Besides, talking about energy security problems in Ukraine, William Taylor observed that the country needs a serious pricing reform in the energy sector.

The experts believe that European energy security is primarily threatened by the lack of transparency and corruption in energy resource commerce. They also added the following to the urgent threats: domination of a limited number of suppliers on the market of fuel-energy resources; political instability in transit countries; the absence of an EU common energy policy despite the fact that it has been declared; and limitations of investment resources for development of mining, transportation networks and capacities for processing of energy resources (in other words, financial crisis).

Among non-urgent threats are the issues of bilateral relations between supplying monopolists and consumers along with transit countries, the absence of Euro-Atlantic consolidation (USA-EU relations) concerning new infrastructural projects and manipulation of mass consciousness by mining companies.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze, deputy director of Open Ukraine Foundation: “Summing up the experts’ responses, we may state that the energy security problems have to be solved in the format of joint all-European cooperation – the role of the EU, NATO, OSCE, ОЕСР/МЕА has to increase”.

Time: October-November 2008
Amount of financing: 30 348 UAH  

Also, targeted commercials were broadcast on the TV channel "Rada" devoted to disclosure of the most wide-spread fraudulent schemes used against Ukrainian labor migrants.  

Amount of Financing: 149 735 UAH

Frankfurt Book Fair is the largest and the most prominent book fair in the world. This year, over 7,000 publishing houses from 100 countries presented their productions; altogether nearly 400,000 new books were presented there.

Apart from Ukrainian literature, Ms. Antonenko presented the Open Ukraine Foundation program "Book Fund", a grant program for translation of modern Ukrainian literature into foreign languages.

Ms. Koval took part in the conference of directors of international book fairs where one of the issues was Lviv Publishers Forum inclusion into the Association of International Book Fairs of the World. Membership in this association will create new opportunities for international contacts and wide representation of modern Ukrainian literature in various countries of the world.

The "Book Fund" program is a new grant program for translation of modern Ukrainian literature into foreign languages which is aims to raise the prestige of Ukraine in the world and promote intercultural understanding and interchange of cultural values through literature. The program finances foreign translations of Ukrainian literary works that have been published during last 50 years in such genres as essay, documentary prose, and journalism. Translation of poetry is not financed.

The contest will result in the concept development and publication of a literary almanac with the purpose of popularizing modern Ukrainian literature at international book fairs and literature festivals.

The deadline for submitting bids for the contest is October 27, 2008.

ARSENIY YATSENYUK, Founder of Open Ukraine and Head of the Ukrainian Parliament, opened the exhibition on October 4^th. Addressing the citizens of Chernivtsi, he expressed his delight to present the tactile photo exhibition in his native city. Mr. Yatsenyuk emphasized that this project was created not only for the blind, but also for people with sight, attracting society’s attention to its most vulnerable members and their needs. Mr. Yatsenyuk thanked everyone who participated in creating this project; he expressed gratitude to Yuriy Bilak for the idea of the project, to the corporation “Industrial Union of Donbas” for their support, and to the Open Ukraine Foundation  for organizing and implementing the all-Ukrainian tour.

Yuriy Bilak, the author of the idea and photographs, a French citizen of Bukovinian descent, told the audience that this unique exhibition had been in the making for almost a year. Mr. Bilak was impressed by the wide response the exhibition had in other cities of Ukraine and expressed his hope that it will be equally popular in his historical motherland.

Ivan FESTRYGA, Chairman of Chernivtsi Association of the Blind, expressed sincere gratitude to Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s Open Ukraine Foundation and to Yuriy Bilak, emphasizing that this exhibition is the best present for Chernivtsi citizens for the anniversary, particularly for those with vision impairments. Oleksandr FESENKO, Chief Rehabilitation Physician of the Chernivtsi Association of the Blind and the Head of the Scientific Rehabilitation Center, told guests about the problems and needs of the blind and stressed the importance of solving them both by authorities and the community.

General partner of the exhibition: “Industrial Union of Donbas”. Partners: Chernivtsi City Council, Association of Chernivtsi Oblast public organizations “Bukovyna”, Charitable Foundation “Ukraine 3000”, electronics stores chain "Unitrade". Information partner: publishing house “Molodyi Bukovynets”.

Throughout August and September, the Foundation received more than 200 applications from young people who carry out projects in the fields of education, culture, public activities, youth politics, business, local government, ecology, media and social assistance.

At the end of October, the Supervisory Board of the project chose winners, whose names and projects will be published on the Foundation website www.openukraine.org and on the project portal www.prostirzmin.org

The program winners will receive an invitation to the Forum which will take place at the end of the year, and will be able to commence writing grants to support their own projects or to finance personal professional advancement.

In his welcoming words, Mr. Yatsenyuk noted that Ukraine faces a task to help Georgia escape from economic collapse and focus on the development of Georgia in a democratic way after its crisis. Mr. Yatsenyuk also supported the 43 questions posed to the Georgian authorities, which Nino Burdzhanadze made public on October 2^nd 2008.

The Ex-speaker of the Georgian Parliament addressed to the authorities of his country such a profound list of questions to emphasize that only through painful but serious analysis of the August events and its mistakes can Georgia correctly take the next steps.

At the informal meeting of Ukrainian politicians with Nino Burdzhanadze the guests stressed the importance of the lessons learned from the Georgian-Russian conflict for both conflicting states, Europe and the world in general. Mr. Yatsenyuk opined that lately international law has been more frequently broken - the situation has been changing from world order to world disorder. It should be a warning bell and cause worry for all the international society and Ukrainian elite in particular. Mrs. Burdzhanadze agreed with Mr Yatsenyuk by adding that after the August events in Georgia, Russia should not be left with a syndrome of impunity, since the matter of determination of the new world order must still be based on the supremacy of law, not on the supremacy of force.

Mrs. Burdzhanadze noted that the last conflict changed the geopolitical situation in the world for the worse. She believes that the external political priority of Georgia has to remain orientated towards the USA and Europe.

At present, Mrs. Burdzhanadze does not herself belong to those who are in power, nor to those who are in opposition. Nevertheless she plans to create her own political party, which will criticize the present Georgian power in a constructive manner and in the frame of diplomatic etiquette.

Another point of the discussion was bilateral relations between Ukraine and Russia. Mr. Yatsenyuk said that he welcomes the prolongation of the Agreement for Friendship and Cooperation between Russia and Ukraine. In the meantime, he supposes that such agreements do not prevent a number of bilateral conflicts. This agreement should be supplemented with sub-agreements which would include the mechanisms of implementation of each of the points.

The Diplomatic Club meeting was attended by Victor Pinchuk, philanthropist and businessman; Merab Antadze, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Georgia to Ukraine; Anatoly Zlenko and Hennadiy Udovenko, ex-Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; Igor Dolgov, Chief of Main Directorate of the Foreign Policy of the Secretariat of the President of Ukraine; Andriy Kurkov, writer; Oleksiy Haran and Vadym Kiselyov, Ukrainian political analytics; and other foreign policy experts. 

The Diplomatic Club is a joint initiative of the Open Ukraine Foundation and Victor Pinchuk Foundation. The Club aims to help Ukrainian leaders to better understand global developments and to reinforce political support of Ukraine in the world.

The seminar is an extension of a series of meetings between Ukrainian and European colleagues that take place in different European capitals with a view to arouse the interest of national governments of EU member countries and to convey to them Ukraine’s persepctive on mutual benefits of the potential membership of the country in the European community.

The Ukrainian delegation was headed by Andriy Veselovskyi, representative of Ukraine in the European Union. On the Hungarian part, the discussion on common approaches to Euro integration was held by Zholt Neimet, President of the Committee of External Affairs of the Hungarian National Assembly.

The Ambassadors of Sweden and Poland in Hungary opened the seminar, insisting on the necessity to develop the original and more elaborate program for Ukraine on its admittance to the EU, and to assist Ukraine in this process.

The Ukrainian delegation included: the Head of Parliament Committee on European Integration Borys Tarasiuk; Deputy Director of Razumkov Centre Valeriy Chalyi; Director of the Institute for Economic Research and Political Consultations Igor Burakovskyi; Director of the EU Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin. On the Hungarian side, participants included professor of Central European University and Ex-Secretary of State of Hungary on European Integration Peter Balash; Ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary Janosh Martony; President of the International Centre of Democratic Transformations Ishtwan Diarmati; the Ambassador of Hungary in Ukraine Ondrash Barshon and others.

During discussions the experts and officials touched upon sensitive topics for both Ukraine and the European community concerning collective security, political stability, economic relations, the geopolitical range of problems, the influence of Russia on these processes, etc.

For example, Mr. Neiman emphasized that policies towards Russia cannot possibly exist without serious consideration of Ukraine and vice versa. “After the crisis in Georgia it becomes clear that the summit in Bucharest made a grave mistake when accession to the NATO Membership Action Plan was not granted to the countries-aspirants. It could have been a considerable advance, although it is clear that this would not automatically guarantee NATO membership” – says the politician.

Generally, performance at the seminar proved that today the EU itself is in search of a new European security strategy, and while developing a new concept of the alliance growth, NATO also considers new threats. Mr. Chalyi believes that in this context the skeptical attitude towards the pace and deadlines of integration of Ukraine into the EU and NATO has not yet been overcome, but experts and politicians are beginning to now consider new challenges and new ways of reacting in the immediate strategic future.

He emphasized that there is not much time left for the final determination of the geopolitical fate of Ukraine. He also advanced an opinion that, by their actions in Georgia, Russia in fact induced skeptics in the West to think about more profound cooperation and the start of actual integration of Ukraine into the European and Euro-Atlantic space.

At the same time, the Hungarian delegates emphasized the importance of the future of Ukraine for their country. However, along with the issues concerning international affairs, almost everyone spoke about internal political instability in Ukraine – one of the negative factors that hinder its advancement towards EU membership. Mr. Diarmati believes this factor is one that has to prompt the other EU member countries to think how to help Ukraine.

At the same time, Mr. Veselovskyi accentuated that Hungary as the neighbor to Ukraine is closer to understanding the situation in our country and in this respect it may prompt realistic topics in the actual dialogue with the EU. “The dialogue is being held with all the neighbors, each country is peculiar in some way, but Hungary was one of the most advanced countries, while joining EU, and it is an interesting question how they, after the Soviet past, managed to prepare themselves for the high European standards. That is why Hungarians are especially important in this respect”, believes Mr. Veselovskyi. He also underlined that Ukrainian membership in EU would be a warranty of European security and that Eastern Europe would make it possible to determine relationships between the EU and Russia.

The seminar was carried out in a friendly and business-like atmosphere. Significant was the fact that Hungarian representatives at the seminar, who are constantly in contact with the EU institutions and know the appropriate “feeling from inside”, could be accordingly good advisers to Ukrainians.

At the same time Ukrainian experts, ascertaining that lobbying activity of Ukraine concerning European and Euro-Atlantic integration, which in fact forms a positive public image of the state abroad, is not really intense, and underlined that this kind of event is a real “window to Ukraine”, opening it for the international community. It also accounts for the fact that representatives of scientific and expert circles are being invited, who are properly the leaders of public opinion.

The exhibition was opened by Yuriy Bilak, the author of the idea and photographs, Larysa Syvak, public relations manager of the Open Ukraine Foundation and Lyudmyla Chumakova, Chairman of Odesa Association of the Blind.

Ms. Chumakova expressed sincere gratitude to Arseniy Yatsenyuk's Open Ukraine Foundation and to Yuriy Bilak, emphasizing that this exhibition is a great festive occasion for the people who are deprived of the possibility to see and attend such events which are usual for others.

One of the zestful things of the holiday was the solemn award presentation ceremony of Kapitula figure (as a symbol of Polish-Ukrainian union) to this year's laureates: Jezhy Gofman and Bohdan Stupka. An unofficial football match between a Polish team comprised of members of Seim and a Ukrainian team composed of people's deputies of Ukraine and the combined team of Lviv City Council, added some sport and political mood to the holiday. The front men of Tartak band Sashko Polozhynskyi and presenter of the concert Igor Pelykh also played football for a couple of minutes.

Photos by Andriy Mochurad

Ms. Savka had an opportunity to communicate with colleagues and foreign editors, and in particular to tell them about the new program of Open Ukraine Foundation, the Book Fund, which provides grants for the translation of modern Ukrainian literature into foreign languages:

"The initiative of Open Ukraine Foundation to support foreign publishing houses in publishing works of Ukrainian writers translated into other languages is perceived positively and with approval by the festival lobby, since it is proved with considerable experience of other countries. Out of Ukrainian writers, only Andriy Kurkov is known here, obviously due to his English publications."

The representative of British Council in Ukraine Anna Bubnova and literary critic Yuriy Volodarskyi also visited the festival.

According to Ms. Savka, the organizers of the Edinburg festival have nothing against participation of Ukrainian writers, they are open for cooperation. The Director of the festival Kathrin Lockerby welcomes participation of Ukrainian writers in the Festival and believes that this is quite possible in the future.

The following authorities and guests participated in the ceremony: Anatoliy Hrytsenko, Chairman of Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea; Viktor Plakyda, Prime Minister of the ARC; Yuriy Bilak, photographer and author of the idea and photographs.

Four by four [Ukrainian and Lithuanian modern photography and graphics] is the mutual idea of Lithuanian cultural centre in Ukraine and the art-centre of Pavlo Gudimov "Ya galereya", which envisages exchange of photos and of graphical art between Lithuanian and Ukrainian artists.

Pavlo Gudimov: There is no need to expatiate about the necessity of such projects. We have an illusion of open routes and do not even imagine the scope of the cultural vacuum in which Ukraine is today.

Petro Tyma, the Head of the Ukrainian Association in Poland and co-organizer of the festival, expressed his delight in the fact that probably for the first time the festival was being supported by Ukrainian authorities along with private charitable contributions of Open Ukraine Foundation and the Donbass Industrial Union.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Head of the Parliament of Ukraine and founder of the Open Ukraine Foundation: "It is important for us that Ukrainians abroad keep their connection with Ukraine. That is why during its first working year, the Foundation has already supported cultural events for Ukrainians in Hungary, Serbia, Australia and Romania and today - in Poland."

About 600 musicians performed during the 19th Annual Festival, among whom were about 400 guests from Poland, 160 from Ukraine, and 10 from Canada. Over 7,000 guests from different parts of the world visited the Festival. In addition, the event was broadcast over Polish television which broadened the audience. Ukrainian book, press, audio and video production fairs were held during intervals between the concerts.