A nation of volunteers and activists: Ukraine’s gift for the future of Europe
Author: Daria Hrosul/ Editor: Anna Mroczkowska
Civil society, whether organised through NGOs or embodied by individuals in the roles of volunteers and activists, stands as one of Europe’s greatest treasures. It is the backbone of every state, providing the foundation upon which democracy stands. This active participation is the highest expression of democratic values, where people, often without seeking personal gain, rewards, or access to vast state resources, come together to support their communities. Representatives of civil society organisations are often the most politically and socially engaged individuals, who stand guard for human rights and the rule of law.
Ukraine has long been a nation shaped by resilience, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty to its people. Since gaining independence in 1991, the country has experienced significant transformations in civic engagement and volunteerism. The 1990s and 2000s marked the beginning of this shift, with grassroots movements emerging alongside the transition from Soviet rule.
Ukraine’s path towards European integration and the development of CSOs were intertwined. The Euromaidan protests of 2013-2014 sparked a dramatic surge in civic participation. In the wake of the Revolution of Dignity, dozens of volunteer movements emerged and soon evolved into structured organisations, with many transforming into full-fledged charitable foundations and NGOs.
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 became the ultimate test for the country’s civil society, further solidifying the role of volunteerism as a base of national resilience. Practically overnight, volunteer networks expanded, adapting to unprecedented challenges with remarkable speed and efficiency. Many of the organisations that had emerged after the Revolution of Dignity became key actors in humanitarian aid, defence support, and social assistance. This time, volunteer movements operated on an entirely different scale, demonstrating an extraordinary capacity for self-organisation. Large networks coordinated deliveries of protective gear and vehicles, while local initiatives ensured that displaced persons had shelter, food, and legal assistance. Digital platforms allowed volunteers to mobilise resources and connect those in need with those willing to help. Subsequently, many volunteers have taken on long-term responsibilities, professionalising their efforts, integrating with government initiatives, and advocating for systemic reforms.
Since 2022, Ukraine has ranked among the top 10 most charitable countries in the world out of 142 included in the annual World Giving Index research initiated by the Charities Aid Foundation. In 2023, Ukraine achieved the highest annual growth in the history of the index, securing a second place globally.
The scale of civic engagement has been unparalleled. A record-breaking 37% of Ukrainian adults participated in volunteer activities in 2023. This is notable when compared to 12.2% in the EU. For context, Norway is the only European country which reported a higher indicator – 51% of its population over 18 years old participating in such activities.
Despite being a middle-income country, Ukraine is also considered one of the most generous nations in Europe. In 2023, 70% of Ukrainians regularly donated to charitable causes, making it one of the highest figures worldwide. In 2024, this number slightly decreased to 67%, yet it remains among the strongest in the index.
The growth of charitable giving in Ukraine since 2022 points out how powerful individual generosity can be. These small but regular financial contributions kept countless grassroots organisations alive when state resources were stretched thin. They are a reminder that philanthropy isn’t just about big donations, it’s about creating a culture where everyone’s contribution matters, no matter the size. By nurturing this culture of giving, Europe can grow stronger and more resilient civic movements that are better equipped to tackle societal issues, even when external support is limited.
Europe’s current challenges — democratic backsliding and political polarisation — are deeply intertwined with the lack of trust in institutions and the growing alienation of citizens from the political process. In several European countries, these issues have led to the rise of populist movements and increased tension between social groups. The cure may lie in greater civic participation, particularly through engagement in organised civil society activities. The Ukrainian model highlights the importance of bottom-up solutions in confronting threats. When traditional top-down approaches falter or become disconnected from the needs of the people, the grassroots level can offer fast and effective alternatives.
For Europe, this also speaks to the importance of nurturing civil society not just as a check on government power, but as a partner in governance. Civil society has the potential to become an integral part of the policymaking process, actively contributing to the creation of policies that reflect the needs of citizens. By supporting civic engagement and giving people the tools to participate actively in decision-making, Europe can build a stronger democracy.
