On November 14, 2024, 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!
