Supported by: National Endowment for Democracy

Project span: 2006 – 2007

Project team: Martin Bútora,  Oľga Gyárfášová, and Grigorij Mesežnikov

Cooperating organizations: Democratic Initiative Foundation, Kiev

Objective:

IVO´ s task within this bilateral project was to transmit Slovak experience with the process of NATO accession to the Ukrainian public, particularly activities aimed at increasing the level of public knowledge and support for the country’s NATO membership.

In fall 2006 IVO organized a study stay for two Ukrainian experts (I. Kučeriv, G.Perepelica). They have met experts, former and current representatives of public administration and diplomats who were involved in the pre-accession process of Slovakia.

Final event of the project was a seminar Shared Values Community held in the Diplomatic Academy of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kiev. Participants of the seminar came from all Ukrainian regions (except of Donetsk and Lugansk). In addition to talks, presentations and lectures, the release of a publication Slovakia’s  Way to NATO published in Ukrainian language took place. This brochure contains digest of analytical materials about Slovakia’s  experiences and preparations for the NATO integration, e.g. communication strategy, studies about NGOs activities, political parties´ attitudes, and last but not least an analyses of political and military aspects of NATO entry.