EU regional security role: strengthening awareness within Ukraine
Short description:
National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” is Ukraine’s leading institution of higher learning, established in 1632 and restored after Ukraine gained independence in 1991 with a clear mission to entrench world and European democratic values in Ukraine, proposes to raise the public profile of the EU within Ukraine enhancing awareness on its role as a peace project. Security implications of closer integration of Ukraine with the EU have been paving the way to national reconsolidation counterbalancing Russian aggression since 2014. Jean Monnet Chair project explores the central angle of EU studies – European integration as a peace project – proposing a solid curriculum that will provide the young generation of Ukrainians with the necessary skills and competencies on European integration, the EU regional security role, and Ukraine’s relations with the EU. Two new courses are introduced for the undergraduate programs and expanded to HEI students who do not automatically come into contact with EU studies. The JM Chair brings EU security regional role to the attention of high school students and teachers, developing study materials and encouraging self-directed learning and incorporation of EU studies into school curriculum where European integration does not feature prominently despite its strong impact on Ukraine. The JM Chair fosters dialogue between the academic world and society on security implications of the conflict “in and around” Ukraine proposing informational products and generating knowledge. The planned teaching will be enhanced by a Symposium in EU Studies, targeted at graduate and undergraduate students as well as faculty from universities and associates. A better understanding of EU contribution to peace both between and within nation-states will greatly enforce EU public image within Ukraine and will facilitate the nation’s discourse on cohesion and reintegration of Eastern territories.