Why Ukraine is a European country:

A conversation with historian Yaroslav Hrytsak

January 27 | 15:30 - 17:00 | Brandweerkantine, Maastricht

Ukraine in EU?

Russia’s war against Ukraine has brought renewed urgency to questions about Europe’s borders, values, and future. At the heart of these debates lies the issue of EU enlargement: what does it mean for Europe, and how should Ukraine’s place within it be understood?

In this event, Yaroslav Hrytsak, one of Ukraine’s leading historians and public intellectuals, explores Ukraine’s deep historical and cultural connections to Europe. Moving beyond geopolitics alone, he will reflect on how history, culture, and memory shape contemporary debates about European belonging. He will be joined by Assistant Professor of European history, Ferenc Laczó (Maastricht University), and members of the Ukrainian community in Limburg for a conversation on how Ukraine’s past is intertwined with broader European context and what Ukraine’s struggle may mean for the future of the European Union.

Featured speakers

Programme

15:30-15:45 | Lecture by Yaroslav Hrytsak “Why Ukraine is a European country”

15:45–16:15 | Perspectives on Ukraine and Europe from local residents and Ukrainian community

16:15–16:45 | Discussion between Yaroslav Hrytsak and Ferenc Laczó

16:45–17:00 | Q&A

17:00–17:30 | Drinks & informal conversation

Location

Brandweerkantine

Capucijnenstraat 21

6211 RN

Maastricht

Why Ukraine is a European country: ​​