Europe Is Getting Closer — to Both Canada and Ukraine
Nadiya Yashan, Global Peace Ambassador | International Peace Alliance, Chair, Women For Peace | Global Leadership Council
An opinion article by Nadiya Yashan, Founder and President of Business Woman PRO Canada
Less than a year has passed since my first visit to the European Parliament in Brussels in October 2025.
At the time, it was an important milestone in my international community work. I could hardly have imagined how much the world would change before my next visit.
On October 2, 2026, I returned to the European Parliament. This time, however, I saw the experience through a different lens.
Not because the institution itself had changed, but because the international environment around us had.
Over the past year, geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, questions of sovereignty, and growing concerns about global security have forced countries to reconsider traditional relationships and strategic priorities.
Governments are increasingly asking how to strengthen their independence, diversify their partnerships, and protect their national interests in an uncertain world.
Against this backdrop, one development has become particularly clear to me:
Europe is getting closer — to both Canada and Ukraine.
Canada and Europe: A New Chapter in Strategic Cooperation
Canada's relationship with the European Union is not new. It is built on decades of cooperation, common values, and strong economic and political ties.
However, recent developments suggest that this relationship is entering a new phase.
In June 2025, Canada and the European Union announced a new strategic partnership and signed a Security and Defence Partnership.
In February 2026, Canada became the first non-European country to join the EU's SAFE defence initiative, expanding opportunities for cooperation in defence procurement and industrial development.
Then, on September 17, 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg, calling for a much deeper partnership between Canada and the European Union.
In his address, he reflected on sovereignty, economic security, international cooperation, and the need for countries to respond collectively to emerging global threats.
For me, this was a significant moment.
Canada, whose political and economic relationships have traditionally been closely connected to the United States, is increasingly diversifying its international partnerships. Europe is becoming an especially important part of that strategy.
This cooperation now extends well beyond trade agreements. It encompasses defence, technology, energy, economic resilience, and the future of international security.
Ukraine: European Integration and Responsibility for the Future
For Ukraine, becoming closer to Europe carries a different, but equally profound meaning.
Ukraine is not simply seeking stronger cooperation with the European Union. It is pursuing full EU membership.
This is a complex process that requires institutional reforms, democratic accountability, the rule of law, and long-term economic transformation.
Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine continues to move forward.
On October 13, 2026, shortly after my visit to Brussels, the European Union and Ukraine opened additional accession negotiation clusters covering the internal market, competitiveness, and inclusive growth.
It was another important step in Ukraine's European integration process, although significant work remains ahead.
Canada and Ukraine have different relationships with the European Union and different strategic objectives.
Yet both increasingly recognize the importance of reliable partnerships, democratic institutions, security, and international cooperation.
Within this changing landscape, Ukrainian communities in Canada have a meaningful role to play.
Ukrainians Abroad: From Cultural Identity to Public Diplomacy
On October 2, I had the honour of speaking at the European Parliament for the second time, this time during the international forum “Ukrainian Women Uniting the World,” which brought together representatives of Ukrainian communities from more than 20 countries.
I participated in the session “The Voice of Ukrainian Women in the World: Diplomacy, Civic Leadership, and Joint Solutions,” sharing the experience of Ukrainian women in Canada and the work of Business Woman PRO Canada.
But my purpose was not simply to describe our conferences, community projects, or organizational achievements.
I wanted to raise a broader question:
What role should Ukrainian communities abroad play in today's rapidly changing world?
Traditionally, diaspora organizations have been closely associated with preserving language, culture, identity, and traditions, as well as providing humanitarian assistance and supporting Ukraine.
These efforts remain essential.
But the role of Ukrainian communities abroad has expanded considerably.
Ukrainians around the world are entrepreneurs, legal professionals, researchers, executives, community advocates, and civic leaders.
They establish businesses, work with public institutions, organize international events, create professional networks, and contribute directly to the societies in which they live.
This is where public diplomacy takes shape.
It does not replace official diplomatic institutions. Rather, it complements them by creating meaningful connections between communities, organizations, businesses, and public institutions across borders.
Why Women's Leadership Matters More Than Ever
My experience in Canada has strengthened my belief that women's organizations can play a far greater role in international cooperation than is sometimes recognized.
When we established Business Woman PRO Canada, our initial goal was to bring women together, support entrepreneurship, encourage professional development, and create opportunities for collaboration.
Today, our initiatives connect entrepreneurs, federal and provincial political representatives, municipal leaders, international partners, and diverse cultural communities.
However, I do not measure success only by the number of events we organize or the distinguished guests who attend them.
What matters most is what happens afterward.
Do new connections become lasting partnerships? Do women gain access to opportunities? Are community concerns brought to the attention of decision-makers?
And most importantly, can we turn dialogue into meaningful action?
Ukrainian women abroad have more than a voice. They have professional experience, international networks, knowledge of different societies, and growing opportunities to contribute.
Our responsibility is to turn this potential into practical cooperation and meaningful results.
Beyond International Conferences
Returning from Brussels, I found myself reflecting on the real value of international forums.
Speaking at the European Parliament is undoubtedly an honour and an important opportunity to represent one's community.
Yet international engagement should not be measured solely by the number of conferences attended, speeches delivered, or photographs taken with prominent public figures.
Its true value lies in what comes next.
New partnerships. Joint projects. Practical solutions. Opportunities to support communities. The ability to transform discussions into action.
This is why I believe that Ukrainian organizations operating in different countries should move beyond occasional meetings and work toward building a stronger, more coordinated international network.
A network in which experience gained in one country can benefit communities in another, and where shared initiatives can achieve much greater impact.
Europe Becomes Closer Through People
My second visit to the European Parliament reminded me how deeply connected our countries and communities have become.
Governments negotiate agreements. Parliaments adopt legislation. Political leaders make decisions that shape international relations.
But the relationships between societies are also built by people.
People who establish businesses, develop community organizations, support newcomers, build professional connections, and create opportunities for cooperation.
It is possible to live thousands of kilometres from Ukraine, contribute actively to Canadian society, and remain meaningfully engaged in shaping Ukraine's future.
I no longer see these roles as separate. I see them as interconnected opportunities.
Europe is becoming closer to Canada through strategic partnerships, and closer to Ukraine through the challenging but continuing process of European integration.
For Ukrainians living around the world, Europe can also become closer through cooperation, shared values, and the relationships we build every day.
Perhaps this is the most important reflection I brought home from my second visit to the European Parliament:
The future of international relations is shaped not only by political leaders and institutions, but also by people who build bridges between countries every day.
And I am proud to contribute to that process.
Nadiya Yashan
Founder & President, Business Woman PRO Canada
Advisor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights — Canada Representative
Global Peace Ambassador | International Peace Alliance
Chair, Women For Peace | Global Leadership Council
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