Ukraine

On July 3, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine presented its 2030 Employment Strategy aimed at supporting economic development by reducing unemployment, ensuring equal access to quality jobs, supporting SMEs, and increasing market flexibility. The Strategy is intended, among other things, to facilitate the creation of new jobs and reform the employment service system. It appears that the government’s primary focus will be on reactivating the economically inactive population, which exceeds 12 million people, and achieving a target of 20 million employed citizens.

What is the role of human rights advocacy in a full-scale Russian war in Ukraine? What part do Europeans play in this struggle? And how to fight the growing sense of indifference? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Oleksandra Matviichuk, a human rights defender who works on issues in Ukraine and the OSCE region. She heads the human rights organization Center for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.

In 2022–2023, when Russian aggression blocked most of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, the small river ports of Izmail, Reni, and Ust-Dunaisk quietly became lifelines. Grain, metals, oil products — all rerouted through the Danube. Cargo volumes multiplied sixfold. But in 2024, things changed.With the reopening of the Black Sea corridor, cargo naturally shifted back.

\"Estonia will never recognize the forcible seizure of Ukrainian territory,\" Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) said. Despite differences between Ukraine, European countries, and the US on peace, the Prime Minister remains hopeful about progress in upcoming talks after Wednesday\'s summit in London drew a blank.

What should we know about Europe’s defense industry? What capabilities does Europe need to develop to deter the Russian aggression? What are the consequences of the German debt brake reform? And is a common European defense single market possible? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Guntram B. Wolff, a Senior fellow at Bruegel.

In 2024, Ukraine demonstrated a strong commitment to its economic obligations, meeting key conditions under the IMF and EU support programs. The country remained on track with its structural benchmarks, ensuring the flow of critical financing for non-defense expenditures. Entering 2025, risks persist, but Ukraine\'s focus on reforms and its urgent financing needs make staying the course essential.

At the outset of 2024, many economic projections assumed the war in Ukraine would conclude within the year. However, reality defied expectations. The war persisted, bringing new challenges, including territorial losses, large-scale infrastructure destruction, and sustained Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid. The Government faced the pressing need to secure funding for the war effort and mobilize additional defense forces.

How can the European Union woo Donald Trump? Why immigration is beneficial and morally right? And what is the EU\'s potential for change and reform? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Philippe Legrain, a former economic adviser to the president of the European Commission, a Visiting Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics’ European Institute.

What is the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Georgia? What should we know about the authoritarian evolution of the Georgian Dream ruling party? What was the role of the Russian war in Ukraine on the politics in Georgia? What is the way forward? And what should the European Union do about these recent developments?

What lessons should be drawn from the EU\'s response to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the Russian war in Ukraine? How can the European Union act more efficiently in a crisis and reduce bureaucratic procedures? What is the overall strategic and geopolitical vision of the EU? And what should we know about the referendum on including integration with the EU into the constitution and the presidential elections in Moldova?