photo: Agata Mitek
Summer School of Democracy: Ukraine on the Road to the European Union – registration is underway!
The process of close cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union began in 2014 when both entities signed an association agreement, which obliges Ukraine to undertake economic, judicial, and financial reforms, aligning its policies and legislation in line with European Union regulations. Ukraine commits to gradually adhere to EU technical and consumer standards.
War and Russian military aggression have significantly harmed the country, displacing millions of people and devastating infrastructure; the challenges are enormous. However, despite these adversities, Ukraine has made commendable progress in economic reforms and institutional strengthening. Therefore, in 2022, Ukraine obtained the status of a candidate country, and on December 14, 2023, the European Council decided to start accession negotiations with Ukraine. Additionally, the conflict has given rise to a new generation of Ukrainians deeply committed to European values, demonstrating an unwavering determination to secure the future of their country.
The Ukrainian government has set its sights on EU membership. This project will require significant reforms, but it is achievable. The benefits of EU membership are clear: increased trade, investment, and economic growth. Membership would also bring political stability and security to Ukraine.
The “Summer School of Democracy: Ukraine on the Road to the European Union” is organised by the University of Wrocław in partnership with the Arqus European University Alliance and NAWA, this initiative refers to the one organised by the Faculty of Political Science at the UWr in 2013. The school will provide young researchers with the opportunity to engage in critical reflection on the current political and economic transformation of Ukraine.
The summer school will take place from June 2 to June 8, 2024, at Wojnowice Castle, located near Wrocław. We expect to accommodate approximately 20 participants, half of whom will represent Ukrainian universities (Ivan Franko National University of Lviv; Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University; National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy; Lviv National University of Technology), and the other half will be members of the ARQUS Alliance. The main theme of the school is “Ukraine on the Road to the European Union.”
During the five days of the school, participants will have the opportunity to attend lectures and workshops, during which they should share their perspectives on Ukraine’s democratic path to the European Union and the current war situation. Doctoral students from Ukrainian universities will present political, social, and economic changes caused by the war. In contrast, doctoral students from Arqus will present political, social, and economic consequences of the war on Ukraine for their countries. Detailed topics are to be related to the research interests of individual participants.
Additionally, they will have the opportunity to visit institutions in Wrocław, such as the European Parliament Liaison Office in Poland, museums, and other historical sites.
The school will provide a unique space for open and frank discussions on sensitive topics related to Ukraine’s choice of Europe by Ukrainian society. It also offers an excellent opportunity for networking and exchanging views among young European professionals from different regions of the country. Overall, the event has contributed to a better understanding of Euro-Atlantic integration processes among its participants and helped them develop the skills necessary to effectively support Ukraine’s European aspirations.
Candidates apply by submitting an abstract of 200-300 words by February 29, 2024, to Summerschool@uwr.edu.pl; accepted candidates will be notified by March 10, 2024.
More information: summerschool@uwr.edu.pl / bachobitari.khuroshvili@uwr.edu.pl
Translated by Karolina Łodyga (student of English Studies at the University of Wrocław) under the supervision of Maria Kozan as part of the translation practice.
