Meeting with The EU Delegation to Ukraine: Partnership That Shapes The Future

9.12.2024

On December 3, 2024, Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University (LTSNU) opened a new chapter in its cooperation with the European Union by attending a meeting with the EU Delegation to Ukraine in Poltava.

The event brought together the university administration, students, and European partners to discuss the results and future prospects of a significant European project.

The meeting marked a pivotal step in strengthening the university’s ties with the European Union, serving as a platform for an inspiring dialogue between LTSNU representatives and their European counterparts. Discussions revolved around the achievements and ambitious plans of the large-scale project funded by the European Union.

The event was attended by the University’s Rector, Olena Karaman; First Vice-Rector, Vitalii Kurylo; Director of the Institute of International Education, Iryna Myhovych; Director of the Institute of Arts, Iryna Prodan; Executive Director of the Luhansk Regional Charity Fund “Alma Mater,” Volodymyr Moroz; and students of the University. The EU Delegation was represented by the Deputy Head of Mission, Rémi Duflot, and the Head of the Regional Office for Eastern Europe at the European Investment Bank, Kristina Mikulova. The meeting drew significant public attention, with a full hall of journalists from all leading media outlets in Poltava Region witnessing this important dialogue. Their presence underscored the event’s importance for both the academic community and the region at large.

A central theme of the meeting was the discussion of the outcomes of the large-scale project “Intensification of influence of teachers of Luhansk region on the process of society’s consolidation in Ukraine,” which was financially supported by the European Union. This initiative not only contributed to the development of educational efforts but also became a reliable pillar for the university community during its most challenging times. The discussions highlighted that, in 2022, LTSNU was forced to relocate for the second time, this time to Poltava Region, due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The loss of academic buildings, equipment, and essential working conditions posed immense challenges. However, the teacher support project played a critical role in preserving the institution’s vitality.

Thanks to the project, several crucial goals were achieved: 1) Provision of housing: Rental of dormitories, hostels, and hotels in Poltava, Lubny, and Myrhorod allowed students and staff to continue studying and working in a stable environment. 2) Transport arrangements:  Regular transportation ensured the continuity of the educational process. 3) Enhanced technical capacity: The acquisition of modern equipment enabled a swift adaptation to new realities.

The project also strengthened collaboration between the university and local communities. Methodological seminars for teachers, the development of inclusive programs, and joint initiatives with local resource centers provided platforms for professional growth and the promotion of tolerance and social resilience. Thus, despite numerous challenges, the project not only maintained its relevance but expanded its impact. Its successful implementation underscores that education remains a powerful driver of positive change, even in the most adverse circumstances – both for individual institutions and the broader educational system.

LTSNU takes pride in this project as a symbol of recovery, partnership, and aspiration for a brighter future. This unique initiative demonstrates the invaluable support of the European Union and highlights education as the key to unity, resilience, and prosperity. The implementation of such projects lays the foundation for building a strong, independent, and modern Ukraine that confidently claims its place among the European nations.

Developed by
International Relations Office
Institute of International Education