An increasing number of Ukrainian cities are considering the perspectives of applying for the status of European Capital of Culture, despite formal restrictions for Ukraine. In particular, they are also considering applying for the ECC program in partnership with other cities in the European Union. How does the ECC status work and why do Ukrainian cities need it? What opportunities already exist and what should be prepared for? What are the prerequisites for preparing a successful application? These and other aspects will be discussed by representatives of cities that have implemented the ESC title in previous years or are in the process of applying for it now, during our meeting.

As a result of the event, a handbook for preparing an application for the ENC will be created, which will be available to all registered participants of the Congress of Culture and other cultural actors, including specialized departments of culture of Ukrainian cities interested in applying for the ENC program in the future.

As a result of Russia's full-scale invasion, public funding for Ukraine's cultural sector has dropped to historic lows. The situation has been partially stabilized by emergency support and funding programs for Ukrainian culture, which were promptly implemented by a number of public and private EU institutions. What is the state of affairs in the cultural sector 18 months later and what can we expect tomorrow? To what extent do the existing EU cultural support instruments meet Ukraine's medium-term needs? What is the place of culture in the context of post-war reconstruction of Ukraine? What added value can we create for those who help us?