What does it actually mean to be European? The war in Ukraine has made this question more urgent than ever. While Russian attacks are putting pressure on the European security order, a more fundamental question is also at stake: where are Europe’s borders, what values do we share, and why does the war matter to every European?
These and more questions were central to the event Why Ukraine is a European country, which took place on 27 January in the Brandweerkantine in Maastricht. In front of a packed audience, Ukrainian historian and public intellectual Yaroslav Hrytsak discussed Ukraine’s historical, cultural and social ties with Europe.
Ukrainians in Limburg
An important part of the event was the presence of many Ukrainians who now live in Limburg. The programme explicitly gave them space to share their perspectives. Many of them had fled when the war broke out and found refuge in the Netherlands. Their contributions highlighted how abstract discussions about EU enlargement, security and European values directly affect personal experiences of war, loss and migration.
During the event, Hrytsak was joined by Ferenc Laczó, assistant professor of European history at Maastricht University, who moderated the discussion. When asked what message Hrytsak would like to convey to visitors, he says: “Ukraine matters, and this war matters. It is a problem that has to be addressed. If we pretend it does not concern us, it will return sooner or later. And the sooner it is confronted, the better.”
“This war is a disaster for Europe as a whole, and it is a disaster that Europe must confront”
“We are not so different”
He also wants to make people realise that Ukrainians are not very different from Western Europeans. “Ukraine is Europe. It is part of European society. This war is a disaster for Europe as a whole, and it is a disaster that Europe must confront. We belong to the same family — like brothers — and we have a responsibility to support one another.”
According to Laczó, an important insight from the conversation was that Ukraine can indeed become a member of the European Union, but only through a careful and mutual process. ‘The EU cannot simply transfer its rules to a country that has been fighting a devastating war for years and resisting imperialist aggression,’ he said. ‘This requires a new, more creative approach to EU enlargement. If we do this right, the European Union will ultimately emerge stronger.’
After a lively discussion and questions from the audience, the conversation continued informally during drinks. Visitors, speakers and members of the Ukrainian community continued to discuss what the Ukrainian struggle means — not only for the country itself, but for the future of Europe as a whole.
The photos below show highlights from the event.
