As reported by the Danish Presidency’s press service in the Council of the EU
Denmark announced €1.3 million to support the newly established Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund. This financial assistance is part of the country’s civilian support packages and aims to help restore cultural sites that have been destroyed during the war.
According to the official statement, the funds amount to 10 million Danish kroner and may be provided after the approval of the corresponding law by the Danish Parliament.
The prepared plan provides for using the funds to restore cultural buildings, monuments, and museums that were destroyed or damaged by Russian strikes.
Funding will be channeled through the newly established Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund (UCHF).
Danish Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt stated:
Denmark is once again taking the initiative, contributing to the reconstruction of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Cultural heritage plays a vital role in the national identity and self-awareness of the Ukrainian people. I sincerely hope that my European colleagues will follow this example, for the war in Ukraine is fought not only on the battlefield but also for the right of the Ukrainian people to preserve their culture, their language, and their connection to the values and places that define their nation
– Jakob Engel-Schmidt
Next steps and Ukraine’s position
The government’s position emphasizes that Denmark’s support and the establishment of the UCHF will help not only preserve the cultural heritage but also ensure the sustainable development of culture as the basis of Ukraine’s national identity and resilience. It also underscores the need to mobilize additional funding from governments, international organizations, experts, and partners for the high-quality restoration of the country’s cultural assets.
Denmark calls on other EU member states to contribute to the restoration of Ukraine’s cultural heritage in light of the prolonged attacks ongoing in the region.
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