Youth Volunteering and Its Influence on Ukraine’s Path to EU Accession

This research explores the transformative role of youth volunteering in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the country’s ongoing path toward European Union integration. By analysing the activities of volunteer organisations like Building Ukraine Together and the European Solidarity Corps, the research employs qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, to examine how volunteering shapes societal values, fosters civic engagement, and reflects EU principles. The study aims to identify the influence of youth volunteering on social cohesion, local community development, support and values formation, and the broader European integration process.

The research was developed during the course “Ukraine’s EU Integration Compliance and Resilience in Times of War & Geopolitical Rivalries” at the Invisible University for Ukraine and prepared for publication in collaboration with Kateryna Osypchuk (CEU) and Nataliia Shuliakova (CEU). The research was supported by the Open Society University Network (OSUN).

The landscape of volunteerism in Ukraine has undergone a profound transformation since the full-scale invasion by Russia on February 24, 2022. The surge in civic engagement, particularly charitable activities supporting the resistance, has been remarkable. In a mid-2022 survey carried out by the Zagoriy Foundation in Ukraine, 86 percent of the respondents expressed their engagement in humanitarian endeavours to support the resistance.1 This unprecedented wave of volunteerism has not only led to an eightfold increase in registered charitable organisations but has also revealed the underlying values shaping this ecosystem.2 The volunteer movement, of which I have been a part since the onset of the invasion, has become a litmus test for societal changes and a catalyst for new policies in the realm of volunteering.

The dynamics of volunteering in Ukraine have shifted significantly, crossing national boundaries and attracting support from international volunteers and foundations. This collaborative effort has reshaped the nature of volunteering in Ukraine, emphasizing its value-driven and transformative role. This new proactive wave’s potential for social and political change raises an important question: how might this volunteer-driven movement influence Ukraine’s ongoing journey toward European integration?

This research explores the role of youth volunteering in Ukraine and its broader impact on the country’s path to EU membership. Therefore, the key research question guiding this study is: Can people engaged in volunteer activities—those who form the agenda for change in the country and work on these changes voluntarily—be considered among the main actors in shaping Ukraine’s path to EU integration?

Examining the legal and policy frameworks at the EU level and youth volunteering policies, this study explores how volunteering contributes to social inclusion and cohesion in the European Union. In addition, I aim to explore how youth volunteering influences or interconnects the development of local communities where these activities are concentrated. I also seek to understand whether youth volunteer organisations create new perceptions of volunteering and European values within these communities and society as a whole, especially if the volunteers themselves are seen as carriers of these values.

The research methodology involves qualitative analysis, including 6 in-depth interviews with representatives of Building Ukraine Together (BUR) and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). These two organisations were chosen based on the principle of large-scale involvement among young people: BUR in Ukraine and the ESC in Europe. Although only six respondents were selected, they all had relevant and comprehensive volunteering experience with these organisations. Some participated on a one-time basis, while others were involved regularly but not for more than two years. Furthermore, the focus on experiences from the last two years was deliberate, as the adaptation process should be recent. This recency ensures that their memories are fresh, which is crucial for accurately representing their experiences in the research. The principles and proactive measures outlined in the interviews and founding documents of the ESC continue to support the cohesion of the European Union as a global political entity, even in the face of the changing political landscape. While the study acknowledges potential gaps and problems in the representativeness of the selected volunteer organisations, it serves as a preliminary exploration of the transformative role of volunteering, its values, and its impact on government, using a comparative example of two youth organisations.

Section I. Building Trust and Resilience

Civil Society and Volunteerism on Ukraine’s Path to the EU

Disillusionment with the pro-Russian, corrupt government of Viktor Yanukovych and Russia’s direct intervention to halt Ukraine’s integration into the EU led to the tragic events of the Revolution of Dignity and the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which in turn spurred a surge in civic activism. The Euromaidan protests, the annexation of Crimea, and efforts to counter Russian aggression solidified a sense of solidarity among Ukrainians, laying the foundation for an engaged civil society.

This shift was not only about proactivity but a broader realization that Ukrainians would struggle to exist as a nation without mutual support and assistance. While this was not a nationwide awakening, it sparked a new vision of volunteerism as a driving force shaping social dynamics and civic engagement, fostering collaboration among those who wanted to make a difference. By building trust and promoting participation, volunteerism contributes to the country’s “civic health,” providing social services and community support that alleviate the government’s burden and demonstrate a commitment to shared values.3

In parallel to the surge in volunteerism and civic engagement, Ukraine has also been working towards joining the European Union for many years. The country has signed various agreements, such as the Association Agreement and the Energy Community Treaty, which have helped align its legislation with the EU acquis—the body of common rights and obligations binding on EU member states. Additionally, Ukraine has implemented challenging reforms and is committed to building a sustainable democracy and market economy, which are key requirements for joining the EU.

However, some obstacles still need to be addressed before Ukraine can become a member of the EU. These include the need to strengthen the fight against corruption, ensure compliance with anti-money laundering standards, and limit the excessive influence of oligarchs in the economic and political spheres. The EU has also recommended that Ukraine enact and implement legislation to improve the selection process for judges and adopt a media law that aligns with EU standards. On the other hand, there are also new opportunities for Ukraine in its relationship with the EU. The European Union granted the country visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and both parties have increased their engagement and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as the Green Deal and cybersecurity. Additionally, the EU has provided significant financial assistance to Ukraine, which has helped to support its reforms and development. This support has provided both resources and a governance model, inspiring citizens to engage more actively in their communities.

Despite ongoing challenges, the European Union’s active support has bolstered Ukraine’s commitment to aligning with EU standards. This backing includes resources and a governance model, influencing citizens to become more actively involved in their communities.

In response, civil society in Ukraine has taken on an increasingly proactive role in addressing various issues, including disinformation, corruption, the return of veterans, and support for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Volunteer initiatives further bolster this proactive role, as evidenced by Ukraine’s participation in European initiatives such as the ESC, which promotes social integration and intercultural understanding, especially among young people. Such initiatives help foster community-building and alleviate social tensions within both Ukraine and the European community, supporting a more inclusive society.4 For example, a survey by the National Democratic Institute in early 2023 revealed that 94% of respondents viewed the establishment of a functioning democracy in Ukraine as important, up from 71% in 2021.5.This shift reflects a broader societal change that Ukraine’s EU integration efforts spurred

Ukraine’s aspiration for EU membership became even more resolute in February 2022, when the country formally applied for membership and was granted candidate status in June. The decision by EU leaders in December 2023 to begin accession negotiations marked a significant milestone in Ukraine’s journey toward European integration. This process has served as a catalyst not just for political changes, but also for societal transformation. By actively working to align its legislation with EU standards, Ukraine has begun to overcome the legacy of the Soviet era, characterized by historically low levels of trust.

This transformative shift is further evident in public attitudes. Trust in charitable and humanitarian organisations has notably increased, with nearly 30% of Ukrainians in 2020 expressing trust in most of their fellow citizens, up from 23% in 2011. Similarly, around 58.5% of Ukrainians trusted charitable and humanitarian organisations in 2020.6

These percentages illustrate a significant change in societal perceptions, signalling a growing foundation of trust in both public and volunteer organisations.

Volunteerism’s role in building this trust cannot be understated; it represents a commitment to democratic values and social resilience, paving the way for Ukraine to potentially serve as a global example in post-war recovery, democratic revival, and the development of participatory pro-European institutions.7


This newfound trust and commitment to democratic values are crucial in supporting Ukraine’s ongoing integration with the European community.

Section II. Volunteer Organisations and Volunteers as Carriers of European Values

Building on the foundation laid in Section I, this chapter delves into the role of volunteer organisations and individual volunteers as carriers of European values. The main focus is on the analysis of commonalities and differences between the values of the European Union, as outlined in Article 2 of the Lisbon Treaty.8 and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.9 Additionally, I explore the representativeness of volunteering, particularly volunteers, as active promoters and defenders of these values.

The European Union is built upon core values outlined in Article 2 of the Lisbon Treaty. These values include respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These principles form the bedrock of the EU and are designed to foster a society characterized by pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity, and equality between women and men.

The European Union, in recognition of its commitment to these values, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012 for promoting peace, reconciliation, democracy, and human rights in Europe. This accolade underscores the substantial efforts made by EU institutions to communicate and promote these values among their citizens. However, it also raises a critical point—the potential idealization of these values.

While the EU has made great strides in promoting and communicating its values, there is a risk that they become stale and taken for granted rather than actively discussed and debated. This may suggest that EU values exist more in theory (de jure) than in practical impact. However, these values gain tangible expression through the actions of volunteers and organisations on the ground, as they actively work to restore, navigate, and strengthen the formation of local communities. The interviews and observations in this study illustrate how these abstract values are materialized and lived by the very actors who embody them in their daily volunteering.

2.1. Representativeness of Volunteers as Carriers of European Values

2.1.1. EU Values in Detail

To comprehend the role of volunteering in promoting European values, it is essential to delve into the specifics of these values as articulated in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights:

Dignity: Human dignity is inviolable. It must be respected and protected. Everyone has the right to respect for their physical and mental integrity.
Freedoms: These encompass the right to liberty and security of a person, the right to privacy, freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and the right to freedom of expression.
Equality: Everyone is equal before the law. Discrimination based on various grounds, such as sex, race, or religion, is prohibited.
Solidarity: The EU emphasizes the importance of working conditions that respect health, safety, and dignity.
Citizens’ Rights: Every Union citizen has the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States.Justice: The right to an effective remedy and a fair trial is a fundamental aspect of European values10.

Volunteer organisations and individuals play a crucial role in embodying these values. By engaging in activities that uphold human dignity, promote freedoms, fight against discrimination, and contribute to solidarity, volunteers actively contribute to the realization of European ideals.

2.2. Building Ukraine Together: A Model for Youth Empowerment

Building Ukraine Together (BUR), a non-governmental organisation founded in 2014, has played a pivotal role in shaping young people’s values and civic engagement across Ukraine. The organisation operates through a unique model of youth empowerment that encompasses volunteering, non-formal education, financial support for business and educational projects, mentoring, and trust-building initiatives. This model has been successfully applied in 87 cities across Ukraine, fostering a sense of responsibility, diversity, trust, and belief in the country among its participants, the number of which now exceeds 5,000 volunteers.11

2.2.1. Values of Building Ukraine Together

Building Ukraine Together articulates its values, aligning with the core principles of the European Union, while adding a unique and nuanced perspective to the volunteer experience. The values that BUR volunteers adhere to are as follows:

  • We Take Responsibility

BUR promotes a sense of responsibility among its volunteers, encouraging them to take ownership of their actions and contribute to their development, communities, and Ukraine as a whole. Volunteers are motivated to solve problems, generate solutions, and accept freedom responsibly, fostering a culture of active citizenship. A female respondent, who served as a volunteer and camp leader, described her experience at the camp:

Once at the camp, I took the initiative and had to wash the dishes for everyone. It was very hard, and at some point, I wondered why I volunteered for this. Why didn’t my friends want to take on this responsibility and just go on holiday? I felt uncomfortable about it at the time, but at other camps, this thought somehow transformed from the question, ‘Why do I have to do this?’ to the statement, ‘We all live in this together.’ It’s not about roles, or handing over work to someone else, but about being able to care for each other.12

  • We Value Divers(equal)ity

Human dignity is a fundamental and inviolable value for BUR. The organisation emphasizes openness to change, dialogue with dissenters, and respect for differences within the framework of the law. One of the respondents, the volunteer and camp administrator, mentioned one of BUR’s central mantras: “I don’t have to accept your point of view, but I have to respect you as a human being.” This encapsulates the commitment to this equality. She emphasizes, 

My favourite value has always been difference/equality. It has always been important to me because sometimes it is difficult to accept all volunteers and convey that difference is a strength, not a weakness. Although we are all really different, it is very important to see that another person has something that you don’t have and try to take something from it and work on it. And even though sometimes I may not like volunteers, I remind myself that this person came here with the same goal as me — to invest and help in this project. So, it’s just a reminder for everyone and myself that we are all equally valuable in this process of contribution and help.13

  • We Trust 

Trust is a foundational principle for BUR, both in terms of trusting one’s own strengths and competencies and building trust among Ukrainians from different regions and within communities. The organisation believes in people, fostering an environment where trust is automatic and only lost if actions threaten safety, thus promoting open communication and collaboration as the one volunteer camp leader of BUR testifies:

At the camp, for example, one of the principles is to trust. It means that you trust a person automatically by default. Your trust does not have to be earned, and a person can lose your trust if you realize that their actions threaten your safety, although this usually does not happen because it can be discussed. And you don’t have to worry about things you left behind or about asking someone to do something, and they didn’t do it.14

  • We Believe in Ukraine

BUR emphasizes unity among Ukrainians at various levels, including the team level, the BUR community, local communities, and the country as a whole. Volunteers are encouraged to take pride in being Ukrainians and engage in the study and research of Ukrainian identity, history, and culture. A male respondent, a volunteer, reflected on his experience: 

One of the biggest insights was about faith in Ukraine, because I saw it as a community of knowledge. I saw it at the camp as a united community; we have one person and one Ukraine; we don’t have eastern and western Ukraine. What is this? Suddenly, I realized that a person from Donetsk, Crimea, Kyiv, and Volyn was sitting next to me; you speak the same language, maybe dialects, have common values, and you are building Ukraine together here. At some point, I felt like I was at home, and that’s how I realized that Ukraine is definitely my home.15

Three representatives from the Building Ukraine Together community shared insights into how these values impact their volunteering experience. Their narratives shed light on the practical application of BUR’s values during volunteer camps, showcasing the organisation’s commitment to creating a community driven by shared principles.

Notably, the values promoted by Building Ukraine Together align with, and in some instances expand upon, the fundamental values of the European Union: dignity, freedom, and equality. BUR encapsulates these principles within the value of divers(equal)ity, emphasizing the strength found in diversity and the importance of mutual respect.

Building Ukraine Together, through its innovative model of youth empowerment, serves as a beacon for actively promoting European values. By infusing the principles of responsibility, diversity, trust, and belief in Ukraine, BUR exemplifies how volunteer organisations can be powerful carriers of values that resonate with national and European ideals.

2.3. European Solidarity Corps: Fostering Shared Values

In exploring the ESC’s values, it was important to recognize the diverse perspectives of the three key stakeholders: a participant, a staff member, and a volunteer, as reflected in the responses of our interviewees. Each offered a unique understanding of the core principles that guide the organisation. Although none provided an exact list of these values, their responses highlighted the essence of democracy, solidarity, justice, sustainable development, eco-awareness, mutual respect, human-centredness, proactive responsibility in interactions, and trust.

Examining the official rules of the ESC provides a structured framework that aligns with the broader values of the European Union. It is worth noting that three of the participants could not formulate a specific number or the same set of values of the ESC. All participants in the European Solidarity Course programs received training on values and interaction, had activities and training in this area in preparation for the volunteering itself, and signed agreements to abide by the agreed rules. However, from their conversations, the following values can be distinguished: democracy, solidarity, justice, sustainable development, eco-awareness, mutual respect, human-centredness, proactive responsibility [in interaction], and trust. 

The official guidelines of the European Youth define the following rules.16

  • Solidarity, Human Dignity, and Human Rights

Youth volunteers should share the values of solidarity, respect for human dignity and human rights, and the promotion of a just and equal society based on pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity, and equality.10

We, as volunteers, undertake not to spread hate speech either inside or outside the institution, not to spread discriminatory narratives and racist anti-Semitic ideas, and we undertake not to reproduce these values. We support education against discrimination, anti-Semitism, and hate speech. This was spoken about, but for me, it was a matter of course. What surprised me was the great respect for the individual; the person is more important than their work. Everyone supports this culture, and it surprised me. Here, long-term planning protects against stress and panic. I have to pay tribute to the institution where I volunteer; it really cares about its employees.17

  • Building a Community of Shared Responsibility

The rules and values by which the European Solidarity Corps operates emphasize the need to strengthen solidarity among people while respecting their diverse cultures and traditions. They aim to build a community founded on shared responsibility and mutual support.16 One respondent illustrated this, recalling their coordinator:

Our coordinator was Italian, from Sardinia, and he told us a lot about the area and the culture because he was born here. We shared some of our own peculiarities, traditions, language, and sometimes stereotypical memes about our people. He said that for him, these programmes are about making Europeans feel European, about feeling this Europeanness, about us all being together, all united. Such programmes allow everyone to get to know each other because, in a normal context, we will not have so many friends from different countries because countries are still clustered together geographically. We have the opportunity to really get to know other people because there is no one else, you are just thrown on an island.18

  • Meaningful Contribution to Society and Solidarity

Young citizens are encouraged to make a meaningful contribution to society, demonstrating solidarity, cooperation, and mutual understanding.19 One respondent shared their experience:

Despite the fact that my programme wasn’t perfectly aligned with my interests, I don’t regret for a minute that I went to volunteer more internally. I think the more people volunteer in Ukraine, the closer we will get to the EU. I don’t know how much it is at the political level, but more at the psychological and mental level because even after being here for a year, I feel the difference in communication, in building work processes, mentality, and values, such as the importance of inclusiveness regarding identity.20

  • Ensuring Safety

Young members of the EU will not act in any way that could put others or themselves at risk of harm.16

One respondent described how their current support group made communicating openly about sensitive topics like the war easier. They appreciated being able to share their experiences without feeling judged or vulnerable. However, they also recognized moments of disconnect when others did not fully understand their perspective:

Now, I have a fairly supportive group of people; they went to protests with me, and it is generally easy to communicate now. I bring up the war without feeling vulnerable. It’s really cool to feel like you can share and talk about it, and people won’t be like: ‘Oh, my God! Why is she talking about this?’ or, even if they think that, they won’t show it because they respect me and that’s very valuable. At the same time, even though I know I can share this, I see that people sometimes don’t understand. Some things that volunteers say are still triggering for me. I don’t think they are bad people. I think they are good people, but we don’t share the same values.20

2.4. Synthesizing BUR and ESC Values

As we consider the values of BUR and the ESC, a convergence emerges. Both entities emphasize democracy, solidarity, justice, and mutual respect as foundational pillars. The narratives shared by the volunteers reveal a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and a shared responsibility for positive societal change. These values not only foster a sense of European identity but also contribute to the broader mission of building a democratic and united Europe.

The exploration of values within volunteer organisations like BUR and initiatives such as the ESC illuminates the interconnectedness of shared principles across local and European contexts. However, in addition to the positive changes in these values, there are also shortcomings in the representation of volunteering in general.

Chapter III. Navigating Values and Perceptions in Volunteering

3.1 The General Challenge: Perceptions of Volunteering

A critical aspect of understanding the dynamics of volunteering lies in the disparities in perception, especially within the context of family and societal values. Volunteers often encounter a gap in comprehension, where somebody equates personal value with financial gain. One respondent shared, 

When I talk about volunteering in my family, some of the older generation members say: ‘But when will you earn money?’ It is unclear to them why I do this and spend my time and resources.17

This sentiment highlights the persistent challenge of reconciling the altruistic motives of volunteering with more traditional measures of success.

An important remark—it is not about helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but about volunteering abroad or in institutions like BUR, where people build youth centres with their own hands for free or restore houses for internally displaced persons. Delving deeper into this issue, another volunteer reflected on the historical traumas embedded within Ukrainian society, affecting public evaluation of charity:

This is a very big gap, which is difficult to overcome regarding values and materials when you barely survive. Your great-grandparents have the trauma of the famine, the idea that you have to run away from here, and this is not about poverty but about very deep generational traumas. That is why conveying the essence of volunteering is challenging, which goes beyond immediate material gains.10

Instead, trust, as one of the values of communities, can often counter this specific suspicion of volunteering: 

In BUR, you should trust automatically. For me, it was such an insight because all my life, my parents taught me that there are enemies everywhere and you can’t trust anyone. Everyone wants to set you up, and here I was offered a different view—trust and talking it out. You don’t have to joke around and never talk again, but you can say: ‘Hi, I’m sorry, let’s solve it together somehow.12

Going beyond individual perspectives, the interaction between local communities and voluntary organisations reveals different barriers. These include general distrust and a lack of understanding about why someone would do something for free, stemming from a deeply ingrained belief that “you have to pay for everything.” Additionally, some argue that war is not a time for altruism, but rather for self-preservation and setting aside resources “for a rainy day.” Conversely, there is a belief that volunteering should solely focus on directly supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, dismissing other forms of volunteering, such as community development, youth education, and cultural exchanges, as mere distractions or entertainment.

These narratives about volunteering can overshadow the proactive desire to volunteer and prevent a broader evaluation of its impact. It is important to note that this dichotomy of views often appears between older and younger generations—though I present this as an assumption.

3.2. Collaborative Initiatives: Volunteers and Local Communities: based on the experience of volunteers from Building Ukraine Together

The interaction between volunteers and local communities is pivotal in the realm of volunteering. Volunteers often find themselves at the intersection of varying perceptions and trust dynamics. One respondent highlighted a positive experience, stating,

The locals just tried to provide us with everything they could, and that’s where we really felt—their initiative in this. We felt that they knew that it was necessary for us and them, and they somehow tried to help us as much as possible.13

Moreover, the conditions of the grantor can contribute to a good attitude. One volunteer reflected, 

In the first one [project], we just come, we do our part, there are repairs, and then they do what they want there. On the other, in this second project, we are doing our part—the construction object that we promised, but we acted as a contractor for the international organisation on migration (…) They realized that the cooperation was long-term, and therefore, they were open.10

In other words, if the community experiences stability in supporting itself while also being aware of the involvement of an international organisation, the communication takes on a significantly higher level of recognition and backing from the local community.

Navigating trust dynamics between volunteers and local residents often presents challenges. A respondent shared insights into the varied experiences: 

Sometimes, the local residents were less open than us. It was felt that they simply did not trust us; they did not understand why we wanted to do something in our free time.12

The contrast in trust expectations is evident: volunteers often operate based on an assumption of immediate trust, whereas local communities may regard trust as something that must be gradually earned.

However, it also happens the other way around. Sometimes, the political involvement of the head of the community also causes great doubt among the volunteers who work in the field. A volunteer spoke about a similar experience: 

Sometimes, there is mistrust of communities, especially local leaders, because they may be politically involved. That is, BUR, for them, is a tool for stealing more money. Then pretend that the city financed it and not some volunteers.21

Despite the challenges, engaging with communities resistant to change offers a unique opportunity for volunteers. One respondent emphasized, 

But this is the value of going to a difficult community and talking to them about something, changing their attitude to some things with your actions, your help.12

The difficulty lies in initiating change where resistance prevails, and the transformative impact of such interactions becomes immeasurable.

3.3. Communication with volunteers from Ukraine: Experiences in the European Solidarity Corps

Volunteering within the European Solidarity Corps offers a lens into the complexities of shared European values and peculiarities of perception of military experience. Volunteers from Ukraine often find themselves at the intersection of understanding, misconceptions, and the burden of re-traumatisation. A volunteer shared his experience of communication during onboarding training, stating,

I had a moment when a volunteer from Algeria came up to me, and I knew him for literally two seconds, and he was just like: ‘Listen, do people really die in Ukraine because of the war?’ And there was another volunteer from France nearby, and he also started asking about it: ‘Have you had any friends or family members die in the war? People just die there on both sides.’ This was probably my worst interaction with volunteers.18

Such interactions highlighted the need for greater sensitivity and awareness within the volunteer community. Therefore, there is a dilemma and a huge emotional gap because Ukrainians cannot help but talk about the experience of war. At the same time, citizens/youth/conscious volunteers, from whom Ukrainians expect support and empathy, find that citizens are not ready to accept this war experience, nor are they ready to empathize and try to understand it. 

At the same time, international teams within the European Solidarity Corps sometimes have strategic planning of interaction risks. One volunteer shared their experience with a diverse team, including members from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Finland, Spain, Poland, Germany, and Belgium. “I did not feel any discomfort, although I knew that I was from Ukraine, and I know the political situation in their countries,” the volunteer noted. 

The local coordinator avoided discussing the war during organised events. This deliberate approach fostered an environment of general support, steering clear of potential conflict zones.

Volunteers from organisations like BUR or the ESC navigate a landscape fraught with challenges. The intricate interaction between volunteers and local communities and the added layer of war-related sensitivities demand careful consideration and cultural intelligence. The experiences recounted underscore the need for heightened awareness, respect for individual narratives, and a collective effort to foster an inclusive volunteer ecosystem. As Ukraine moves toward post-war recovery and European integration, these interactions become crucial touchpoints in building a resilient and empathetic society.

3.4. Bureaucratism or human-centeredness of European values

One of the ways to learn European values is through the experience of learning the different dynamics of work in Ukrainian volunteer organisations and European ones. Often, the clash of bureaucratic processes becomes a determining factor in shaping the perception of European values.

A volunteer administrator from Building Ukraine Together, who has worked with international charitable organisations for many years, shared her relevant experience:

Bureaucracy is the biggest and, I think, the only thing that stops me from continuing volunteering. For me, the word ‘European values’ now has a negative meaning, something about ‘We’re deeply concerned.’ It is something about wanting to please everyone so that benefit is dispersed, which means you do something mediocre.13

This sentiment reflects a perception of European values as entangled with excessive bureaucracy, which compromises efficiency and dilutes impact.

Moreover, the volunteer emphasized a stark contrast with the Ukrainian approach: 

In our country, if you want something to be really implemented, you have to organise  it yourself, take this responsibility, do everything, believe in others, and believe that it can be done in Ukraine.21

This viewpoint underscores the belief in a more grassroots-driven, proactive approach to implementation, diverging from what is perceived as a more bureaucratic and less efficient process in European institutions.

However, the European Solidarity Corps volunteers’ experiences present an alternative narrative. One volunteer attests, 

At first, I had some superiority towards the European work culture, that they are very slow, but later, I realized that it is much healthier, that is, personally, more comfortable.17

The acknowledgment of a slower pace is reframed positively, highlighting a healthier work culture that allows for a more balanced and sustainable working approach.

Lastly, volunteers cite instances where a personal crisis required a break from work, and their superiors responded with empathy. One volunteer shared, 

In October, many of my friends died in one week, and I could not work very well. I was doing less than the minimum, and I just told my boss about it; he said, “Take your time, no problem.”20

This portrayal underscores the compassionate, people-centred nature of the institution where the interviewee volunteered. The institution acknowledged personal challenges and provided support. This perspective dichotomy reveals the nuanced interplay between bureaucratic structures and the human-centred ethos within European volunteering contexts. While challenges persist, the contrasting viewpoints hint at the need for a balanced approach, acknowledging the strengths and limitations of bureaucratic processes in the desire to make and communicate the same values.

Chapter IV. Volunteering as a Catalyst for Societal Transformation: Does it Shape Ukraine’s Integration into the European Union?

In assessing the role of volunteerism in Ukraine’s integration into the European Union, it is crucial to consider the intricate relationship between active civil society, the implementation of EU rules, and the development of professional leaders in state institutions. The European Governance White Paper emphasizes that while proactive civil society is a potent force, it cannot comprehensively address all societal challenges. Institutional and permanent impact necessitates the active involvement of proactive individuals within public institutions directly engaged in the integration process.The White Paper underscores, “Ultimately, the impact of EU rules depends on the willingness and ability of MemberStates’ authorities to ensure their effective, full and timely implementation and enforcement. The main responsibility for this lies with state administrations and courts.”22

It highlights the essential ongoing efforts required in candidate countries and Member States to enhance performance interaction.

At the same time, despite all the ambivalence of the volunteer movement, volunteers and respondents provide valuable insights about the transformative power of volunteerism and its impact on societal attitudes. One respondent talks about national spirit, stating, We are such a nation that if we collaborate with some European organisations, it will not be in the format of ‘come and do everything for us’. Although we sometimes physically and financially cannot do it all ourselves, and we need help and support from outside, at the same time, we are super excited to change the country and help people with our own hands.13

Another respondent reflects on the lasting impact of volunteering experiences, noting,

Do you know how it can work? When you come to your city, whether small or very large, and you see some problems, you cannot be indifferent to them: a beam which lays crookedly there, or someone who was rude in the store, or served in a non-state language. It shows we are ready to change to gain a better future and build something more valuable.12

The transformative power of volunteerism goes beyond the immediate tasks at hand, shaping individuals into change-makers prepared to implement acquired experiences in everyday life and contribute to the transformation of the entire state. Another respondent highlights the cultural exchange aspect of volunteering: 

I am very interested in getting to know people from other countries and finding out how it works in those countries and with their peculiarities. I try to ask such question to see their picture of the world. It expands my worldview, the vision of people, the world, and myself.23

Volunteering emerges not only as a vehicle for addressing immediate societal challenges, but also as a transformative force shaping a generation ready to actively participate in Ukraine’s development and integration into the European Union. The experiences gained during volunteer activities contribute to a broader understanding of European values and foster a proactive mindset that extends beyond individual actions to influence broader societal change.

Conclusion

The landscape of volunteerism in Ukraine, catalysed by the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in 2022, has undergone a profound shift, becoming a dynamic force shaping societal changes. This research delved into the role of youth volunteering in Ukraine and its potential impact on the country’s integration into the European Union.

The surge in civic engagement, exemplified by an eightfold increase in registered charitable organisations, has transformed volunteering into a litmus test for societal changes and a catalyst for new policies. Collaborative efforts, transcending national boundaries, have reshaped volunteer dynamics, emphasizing value-driven components. The experiences shared by volunteers from Building Ukraine Together (BUR) and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) illustrate the duality of volunteerism—its inherent challenges and immense potential to drive change. These stories reveal how small, everyday acts of dedication can ripple outward to inspire broader reforms.

For these volunteers, the essence of “Europeanness” lies in the belief that profound societal transformations are not solely the result of sweeping policies or grand gestures but are often built incrementally, through the cumulative impact of countless small, meaningful efforts.

The research explores political frameworks in the Ukrainian and EU context, investigating how volunteering contributes to social inclusion and cohesion. Key focal points are the impact of youth volunteering on local communities and its influence on the perception of European values. Qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews and organisational documents from BUR and ESC provides a comprehensive understanding of the current dynamics.

While recognizing potential gaps in representativeness, this research serves as an initial exploration into the transformative space of volunteering and its values. As Ukraine navigates its path toward EU integration, the proactive wave of volunteerism emerges as a potent force for change, fostering intercultural ties, shaping agendas, and contributing to developing a society ready to embrace reform and responsibility.

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  10. Ibid. [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
  11. NGO “Building Ukraine Together”, https://www.bur.org.ua/en/. [↩]
  12. Interviewee 1, 1.12.2023. [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
  13. Interviewee 2, 1.12.2023. [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
  14.  Interviewee 1, 1.12.2023. [↩]
  15. Interviewee 2, 5.12.2023. [↩]
  16. Principles: European Youth Portal, https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/young-people/principles_en. [↩] [↩] [↩]
  17. Interviewee 4, 6.12.2023. [↩] [↩] [↩]
  18. Interviewee 5, 6.12.2023. [↩] [↩]
  19. Principles: European Youth Portal, https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/young-people/principles_en. [↩]
  20. Interviewee 6, 6.12.2023. [↩] [↩] [↩]
  21. Interviewee 3, 5.12.2023. [↩] [↩]
  22. European Commission, European Governance: A White Paper, (2001), https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/DOC_01_10. [↩]
  23. Interviewee 5, 1.12.2023. [↩]