Warsaw, October 7, 2025

Memorandum of Cooperation between the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP) and the Ukrainian Dual-Use Technologies Cluster (UADUT)

On October 7, 2025, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed in Warsaw between the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP) and the Ukrainian Dual-Use Technologies Cluster (UADUT).

The Ukrainian Dual-Use Technologies Cluster (UADUT) brings together enterprises, research institutions, and educational organizations working on the development and implementation of innovative defense technologies and their subsequent transfer to the civilian sector.

In the face of dynamic changes in the region, cooperation in the field of dual-use technologies — encompassing both the civilian and military sectors — is gaining strategic importance for the security, innovation, and economic development of both countries. The signing of the Memorandum marks an important step in strengthening lasting economic ties between Polish and Ukrainian companies. The development of partnerships in dual-use technologies is particularly significant for enhancing regional security.

During the ceremony, Paweł Kowal, Chairman of the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine, emphasized that we live in uncertain times marked by a technological arms race, particularly in the field of drones. Therefore, the Ukrainian Dual-Use Technologies Cluster plays a crucial role today — what you are doing is truly changing the face of the modern battlefield. Similar breakthroughs took place during the First and Second World Wars. This is precisely where business, science, and politics intersect. The Cluster focuses not only on the military but also on the civilian dimension, and true value arises when these two spheres cooperate.

Marcin Nowacki, Vice President of the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, highlighted the importance of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation. ZPP has long been focused on supporting economic relations between Poland and Ukraine, but we also see tremendous potential in the field of dual-use technologies. This partnership is extremely important to us — we believe that combining the experience of Polish entrepreneurs with the innovation of Ukrainian companies will bring tangible benefits to both sides.

Serhii Oprya, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of UADUT, presented the activities of the Cluster and expressed his pride in the signing of the Memorandum. “The Ukrainian Dual-Use Technologies Cluster is ready to open up to international cooperation, not only within Europe. Our goal is a partnership based on mutual benefit: Ukrainian dual-use technologies will be able to expand their export markets, while European partners will gain the opportunity to test solutions in real battlefield conditions. We believe that the war will soon end, and joint research and development in the field of dual-use technologies will continue and deepen. On behalf of UADUT, I declare our full readiness and openness to further cooperation” – said Serhii Oprya.

The signing of the Memorandum paves the way for the implementation of joint projects, the exchange of experience, and the creation of synergy between Polish and Ukrainian entities, contributing to strengthening not only security but also innovation and competitiveness of both countries on the international stage.

Brussels, 30 September 2025 

Webinar Summary: EUIPO Mediation at a Glance – Helping Businesses Avoid IP Litigation

On September 30th, 2025, the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, European Enterprise Alliance and European Union Intellectual Property Office hosted an online webinar titled “EUIPO Mediation at a Glance – Helping Businesses Avoid IP Litigation.” The session aimed at providing businesses with practical insights into how mediation can serve as an effective alternative to costly and time-consuming intellectual property disputes.

The webinar was moderated by Lusyne Kesziszjan, Public Affairs Manager at the European Enterprise Alliance, and featured presentation by Plamena Georgieva, IP lawyer and Mediator at the Boards of Appeal at the EUIPO.

Plamena Georgieva provided an overview of the EUIPO Mediation Centre, highlighting its role as one of the core tasks of the EUIPO under Article 170. With over 23,000 inter partes proceedings each year – including oppositions, cancellations, design invalidities, and appeals – mediation offers businesses a faster, cost-effective, and confidential solution compared to litigation. She presented the evolution of EUIPO mediation since November 2023, which has shown a 70% settlement rate and an 80% user satisfaction rate. Mediation services are conducted mainly in English, though 51 mediators across the EU can facilitate in a variety of languages.

The session also compared mediation with litigation, pointing out key advantages such as flexibility, reduced costs, confidentiality, and the ability to preserve long-term business relationships. Georgieva highlighted five common reasons to choose mediation, including complex cross-border disputes, the need for enforceable outcomes, confidentiality concerns, and situations where parties maintain ongoing business ties.

Participants also received an outline of the mediation process at the EUIPO, which includes suspension of proceedings for six months, a three-month mediation phase, and active roles for companies, lawyers, and mediators to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes. The discussion concluded by emphasizing the importance of raising awareness of mediation as a viable tool for businesses to resolve disputes efficiently while maintaining focus on growth and innovation.

ZPP and the European Enterprise Alliance’s continued commitment to equipping European businesses with practical tools and knowledge to thrive in a complex regulatory environment is highlighted with this webinar.