In the column "The surprise guest" you will find views and opinions of people whose attitudes, actions and commitments are models for others. In this issue, we publish an article written by Olga Vegera and Vasyl Kushmuns – members of the NGO Promote Ukraine – about their activities as a non-governmental organisation in Brussels working for a free Ukraine.

Promote Ukraine is an independent media and civil society platform that gives voice to experts from Ukraine and the EU on issues relevant to both parties. It is a politically and governmentally independent organisation based in Brussels which aims to empower Ukrainians to take up a role as free European citizens. The team works to boost Ukraine's visibility within the EU, while at the same time promoting Ukraine in political, business and non-governmental circles in European countries.

The NGO's main task is to facilitate relations between the EU Member States and Ukraine. Promote Ukraine's long-term goal is to establish a network entitled 'Successful Ukrainians – Prosperous Ukraine' – to be made up of people who are ready to use their skills and time to benefit Ukraine. About 150 volunteers of numerous nationalities work in the organisation. Most are from Ukraine, but there are also Spaniards, Italians, Belgians, French people, Canadians and Americans

To turn solidarity with Ukraine into concrete action, in April 2022 the EESC joined the European Parliament's civil society hub initiative for Ukraine, allowing Promote Ukraine to use part of its offices, premises and equipment situated in the Rue Belliard 68-Rue de Treves 74 complex in Brussels' EU district, while also providing administrative and technical support to help coordinate Ukrainian civil society's activities. In this way the EESC has offered Promote Ukraine a secure home in the heart of Europe. (ehp)