Online meeting «ProjectCHECK» brings together experts and educators across Ukraine

November 14, 2024

On November 14 the online meeting «ProjectCHECK» was held, organized by the HEUS – «Hub of the EU solutions» project team of the National University of Ostroh Academy. The event provided a platform for sharing experiences, discussing current challenges, and finding solutions for implementing Jean Monnet projects.

The online meeting «ProjectCHECK» was a significant event for the Ukrainian educational community, bringing together representatives from nearly all regions of the country. The event generated considerable interest among Ukrainian higher education institutions, with participants from 40 universities attending. This level of participation underscores the relevance of European studies and the importance of supporting initiatives within Jean Monnet projects.
 
This broad geographic and professional spectrum of participants highlights the readiness of Ukrainian educators to collaborate, embrace innovation, and advance European studies by integrating international experience.

The event was officially opened by Olha Balatska, PhD in Law, Associate Professor at the Department of Civil Law Disciplines, Educational and Scientific Institute of Law named after I. Malynovskyi, National University of Ostroh Academy, Author of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence «Hub of the EU solutions» (2023-2025). Eduard Balashov, Dr. Sc. in Psychology, Professor, Rector of the National University of Ostroh Academy, delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of supporting European studies in Ukraine and fostering international cooperation.

First session: «From the first step to results: Jean Monnet Projects as a tool for expanding the European academic space».

This session was presented by Svitlana Shytikova, PhD in Pedagogics, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine. Project Managers of the European Commission (European Education and Culture Executive Agency - EACEA) also participated, offering practical advice on applying for and implementing Jean Monnet projects.

Second session: «Experience in implementing Jean Monnet Centres of Excellence in Ukraine».

This session featured leading experts:

• Oksana Holovko-Havrysheva, PhD in Law, Associate Professor of the European Law Department of the Faculty of International Relations, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Head of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence «Western Ukrainian Research Center in European Studies» (2018-2021).
• Roman Petrov, Dr. Sc. in Law, Professor, Director of the Institute of German Law, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Head of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence «Promoting European studies in Ukraine: The EU Centre of Excellence at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy» (2011-2013).
• Olena Sviatun, PhD in Law, Associate Professor at the Department of Comparative and European Law, Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Expert at the Jean Monnet Centre «Advancing European Studies in Ukraine: Interdisciplinary Approach» (2019-2022).
• Olha Balatska, PhD in Law, Associate Professor at the Department of Civil Law Disciplines, Educational and Scientific Institute of Law named after I. Malynovskyi, National University of Ostroh Academy, Author of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence «Hub of the EU solutions» (2023-2025).

The speakers, all authors and coordinators of such projects, shared their achievements, challenges, and key lessons learned. Participants explored how these centers continue to function after their projects conclude, contributing to the development of European studies, conducting research, and fostering interdisciplinary approaches in education.

During their presentations, experts shared real-world examples of how the results of Centers of Excellence projects influence the academic environment, enrich curricula, and promote international cooperation. Special attention was given to integrating these tools and practices into other universities and educational programs. This session inspired participants to consider establishing or enhancing their initiatives within the framework of Jean Monnet programs.

The Q&A session was particularly active, allowing participants to discuss pressing challenges in implementing Jean Monnet projects, such as overcoming administrative barriers and finding partners for international collaboration.

We sincerely thank each participant and speaker for taking the time to join this meeting. Your engagement and enthusiasm form the foundation for generating new ideas, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation within European educational initiatives.

The HEUS project team firmly believes that «ProjectCHECK» will serve not only as a critical milestone in the development of Jean Monnet projects in Ukraine but also as a source of inspiration for new, ambitious initiatives aimed at strengthening the European academic space.

Together, we are building the future of European studies in Ukraine!