Two years after the full-scale invasion began, Yaroslava Melnychenko returned to Kyiv and gained access to the Taras Shevchenko National Museum. What she found wasn't visible destruction, but absence: the paintings had been evacuated, leaving only pale outlines on the walls where they once hung.

On 13 May @anneapplebaum.bsky.social​ took the stage at Vienna's Judenplatz to deliver this year's Speech to Europe, »The European Moment«. Read the full speech in our journal: https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/a-speech-to-europe-2026-the-european-moment/

Art historian Katia Denysova on keeping culture alive under pressure, & why Ukraine's struggle demands our continued attention. In a world of many crises and shifting headlines, Ukrainian culture refuses to stop. Full interview: https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/three-questions-to-katia-denysova/

4 years ago today, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We all read the headlines. But for most of us, it is hard to imagine what daily life in Ukraine looks like right now. Anna Makhno from our Next Visionaries programme takes us along on one day in Kyiv.

Each year, the event invites the speaker to deliver a narrative which shines a different light on the Europe we live in, and would like to live in. A joint event by Wiener Festwochen, ERSTE Foundation and @iwm.at. In cooperation with the Jewish Museum Vienna.

Her speech explores what it means to be a migrant in a divided world — at once open and alienated, seen and erased. Standing in front of Vienna’s Holocaust Memorial, @leaypi.bsky.social reminds us that the cost of exclusion is not abstract, it is written in stone.

In Vienna’s Judenplatz, »A Speech to Europe« offers an annual moment of reflection on Europe’s past, present, and future. This year, renowned philosopher and political scientist @leaypi.bsky.social took the stage to reflect on migration and identity.

A Speech To Europe 2025: »A world in which nobody is forced to leave their home« by @leaypi.bsky.social What does Europe mean today — and how can we hear its voice in a city’s heart? The full speech: www.erstestiftung.org/en/a-speech-...

This year, @leaypi.bsky.social, an Albanian-British political scientist and philosopher, will deliver the Speech to Europe. Launched in 2019, it brings critical voices to Vienna’s Judenplatz — a historic site that invites reflection on Europe’s past & present. www.erstestiftung.org/en/events/a-...

📚“We never lose our inner freedom; the freedom to do what is right.” – Free by @leaypi.bsky.social A sharp, moving memoir about growing up in Albania during the collapse of communism. Personal & political, it explores freedom and ideology. Available in EN & DE at the ERSTE Foundation Library.

Join the discussion of Germany’s future and its future role in Europe at Burgtheater - with @gfelbermayr.bsky.social, @mariafiedler.bsky.social, Katja Hoyer & @eurobriefing.bsky.social, moderated by @krisenfrey.bsky.social. More: https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/events/can-germany-still-be-saved

Three years of war. One truth: Ukraine must not stand alone 3 years ago, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 3 years of loss—but also courage, unity, determination. Solidarity is as crucial today as on day 1. #StandWithUkraine means standing for justice, democracy, shared values.

Read our full reflection on three years of commitment to Ukraine⬇️ www.erstestiftung.org/en/press/thr...

Supporting Ukraine is about more than rebuilding what was lost—it is about imagining and creating what could be. The challenges facing Ukraine are vast, but so too are the opportunities. Even amid the devastation of war, there is room for hope, innovation, and progress.

As our Programme Director for European Policies and Ukraine, Yana Barinova, states: "The war is not solely about Ukraine—it tests the unity of the European community."

Through initiatives like Professional Integration HUB, Kyiv Media School, Next Visionaries, Policy Labs, Civil Society Leadership Programme by NGO Academy, advocacy trips, & diverse cultural diplomacy projects, we seek to help Ukraine become a model for democratic & resilient societies worldwide.

From emergency response to long-term support, we have evolved our mission to foster transformative partnerships across civil society, private and public sectors that build the foundation for modern institutions in post-war Ukraine and inspire European innovation.

As Russia's brutal full-scale war against Ukraine enters its 4th year, we stand firm in our commitment to 🇺🇦: It's not just an act of solidarity; it's an investment in the continent’s stability&peace. We see our support for 🇺🇦 as a principled stance in defence of democracy, freedom, & human dignity.

Statement of ERSTE Foundation on the incidents that happened after an NGO Academy workshop in Belgrade this week (2/2)

Statement of ERSTE Foundation on the incidents that happened after an NGO Academy workshop in Belgrade this week (1/2)

Nationalism & repression are reshaping Eastern Europe's cultural scene. At A Stage for Eastern Europe, Cathrin Kahlweit discusses this with Michal Hvorecky & Paul Lendvai. 📅 19.01.25 https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/events/eine-buhne-fur-osteuropa-with-michal-hvorecky-and-paul-lendvai/

Die Welt ist heute ambivalent: Offenheit und Abschottung bestehen nebeneinander. In "Durch Widersprüche hindurch" zeigt Nathalie Tocci, wie Europa durch diese Spannungen navigieren kann. https://www.iwm.at/publication/iwm-books/durch-widerspruche-hindurch-europa-in-einer-ambivalenten-welt

How extreme fringe groups exploited social media & took over the political mainstream Join Dr Julia Ebner for the NGO Academy Keynote as she explores radicalisation in CEE & its threat to democracy. 📅 15.01.25 https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/events/ngo-academy-keynote-on-mass-radicalisation/

What does Trump’s re-election mean for Ukraine, NATO, & Europe’s economy? "Debating Europe" with Balázs Orbán, Nathalie Tocci, Hannelore Veit; moderated by Misha Glenny. 12 January, 11:00 at Burgtheater Vienna - details at: https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/events/europes-future-after-trump

What an eventful year! There's still so much to be done - but your dedication and support make all the difference. Thank you! Our office and ERSTE Foundation Library are closed until and including 6 Jan 2025. All the best, we look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Calling all journalists! Apply now for the Milena Jesenská Fellowship. Take 3 months in Vienna to dive deep into your research, supported by a stipend, access to IWM resources, & an inspiring community. ❗️Deadline: 15.01.25 https://www.iwm.at/program/milena-jesenska-fellowship-for-journalists