Written by Cody Allen, CSEEES Autumn 2025 Intern

The Commission on Eastern European Affairs is an organization working within Ohio’s Department of Development. This body works to improve the lives of Eastern European residents within Ohio by collecting and sharing information on their needs, with the goal of ensuring their voice is heard and supported within decision-making efforts.  

The commission was originally created following advocacy from groups and individuals within the Ohio East European community. This includes important actors such as the Eastern European Congress of Ohio and current Polish American Club of Columbus president Helena Rempala. The result of this work was the creation of the Commission on Eastern European Affairs by the passage and signing of House Bill 33 on July 4, 2023. The first commission meeting was held in June of 2024, with meetings occurring on a biannual basis since. 

Despite the General Assembly choosing not to fund the commission, the body has been able to perform important work. This has included building relationships with Eastern European organizations and getting to know cultural events, creating a website that allows community members to contact the commission and learn about its activities, and remaining an outlet for the Ohio Eastern European community to speak through as it seeks to further establish itself within the government and achieve funding to expand its scope of activity. 

The current director for the commission is Tobias Engel, the manager of International Affairs within the Department of Development. Notable commissioners connected to The Ohio State University include Professor and Director of the Center for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies Dr. Angela Brintlinger; Senior Director of State Relations and Advocacy at Ohio State’s Office of Government Affairs Nazar Zhdan; and former Midwest Slavic Association President, friend of CSEEES, and supporter of the Undergraduate Russian Language Olympiada Timothy Pogačar. 

More information on the staff, activities, and work of the Commission on Eastern European Affairs can be found on their website here. Their bimonthly meetings are open to the public and meeting minutes are posted on the website after meetings for those who cannot attend.