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As it is known, on June 25, 2024 Ukraine officially commenced its EU membership negotiations. Following this, on July 4-7, the first Ukrainian summit titled "Partnership, Innovation and Veterans' Health" was held at the Ukrainian Civil Society Hub based at the European Parliament in Brussels. Leaders of veterans' organizations from Ukraine, Belgium and France, representatives of NATO, the European Commission, both European and Ukrainian governments and parliaments, as well as delegates of associations and charitable foundations presented innovative solutions to foster cooperation between Ukrainian and European entities supporting and rehabilitating veterans. The key initiative was the launch of the New Start for Ukraine platform, designed to advance the development of veterans and their families through important directions and strategic projects.

During the address at the summit Vsevolod Chentsov, Head of the Ukrainian Mission to the EU, underscored that Ukrainian veterans are ambassadors of a new Ukraine. Their status is earned not only through their battlefield sacrifices, but also because they represent a new generation of Ukrainians; they have learned to live and work under extremely unfavourable and dangerous conditions; they have mastered new professions during the war; and they are capable of quickly assessing situations and making reasoned decisions where civilians might panic. Responsible, honest and hardworking veterans will undoubtedly be valued in industries, such as production, management and business. Veterans are among the most valuable assets that Ukraine now possesses.

This view was also shared by representatives of various EU structures present at the summit. In particular, Philippe Joppart, Senior