On Friday, 24 February 2023, the Natolin Community commemorated the first anniversary of Russia's aggression against Ukraine with a series of events and actions expressing solidarity with Ukrainians.
The Natolin Academy of Migration Nest and the European Civilisation Chair organized the "Searching for a New Form of Solidarity" conference. A year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the conference aimed to reflect on the new forms of solidarity that rose around the EU to assist the incoming refugees.
Since the beginning of the invasion, EU institutions, national governments, and civil society have shown unprecedented unity in helping refugees coming to the European Union. The event was opened by the remarks of Dr Patrycja SASNAL (Mentor, Natolin Academy of Migration), Prof. Georges MINK (Chairholder, European Civilisation Chair), and Dr Iwona REICHARDT (Deputy Editor-in-Chief, New Eastern Europe).
During the conference, the participants also had the opportunity to discuss the topic with the invited experts: Mr Mateusz KRĘPA (Center of Migration Research, Warsaw University) and Ms Weronika CZYŻEWSKA-PONCYLJUSZ (European Civilisation Chair), under the moderation of Ms Lavinia PRETTO (Student of the College of Europe in Natolin).
At the event, the Ukrainian Community of the David Sassoli Promotion at the College of Europe in Natolin presented the 2022-2023 Fundraising Campaign "We Natolinians for Ukrainians".
This student-led initiative is asking for the support and contribution to the fundraising campaign for the Volunteer Paramedical Battalion "Hospitallers". The Hospitallers are a group of civilian paramedics operating on the front lines of Donbas since 2014. They provide first medical aid to critically wounded civilians and soldiers, as well as post-hospital support and rehabilitation to those affected by military actions and their families.
As a non-state organization, the Hospitallers rely solely on collaborating with volunteers and donations. Their motto is "for the sake of every life", and the goal of students' fundraising initiative is to help them fight for those lives by providing medical and technical equipment.
Later that day, the Natolin Community met in front of the Natolin Palace for a minute of silence in solidarity with Ukraine, one year after the Russian invasion.
Ми з Bами!