Introductory speech at the International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘European Integration and Sustainable Development of Rural Areas in Ukraine in the Context of Post-War Recovery and Food Security’ (14-15.05.2026, online)
On May 14–15, 2026, the team from the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine took part in the International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘European Integration and Sustainable Development of Rural Areas in Ukraine in the Context of Post-War Recovery and Food Security’, organised within the framework of the EU Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Module project “NEWAGRO”.
The conference aimed to discuss current challenges related to the development of Ukraine’s agricultural sector and rural areas in the context of European integration and post-war recovery, as well as to present the outcomes of the NEWAGRO project. Participants focused on issues of food security, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, organic production, agritourism, implementation of European practices, and strengthening cooperation within communities.
The event was organised with the participation of Zaporizhzhia National University, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, representatives of public authorities, research institutions, international organisations, businesses, and civil society organisations. More than 200 participants from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States joined the conference.
Welcome speeches were delivered by representatives of higher education institutions, public authorities, and international partners, including Svitlana SHYTIKOVA, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, who highlighted the importance of international cooperation, support for educational and research initiatives, and the role of the EU Erasmus+ Programme in promoting sustainable approaches to the recovery of rural areas in Ukraine.
The conference programme included thematic discussions on agricultural development, land resources, organic production, digitalisation of agribusiness, community support, advisory services, and agritourism. A separate block focused on youth and student initiatives aimed at community development, environmental solutions, agro-innovation, and infrastructure modernisation in rural areas.
As a result of the conference, participants emphasised the importance of combining science, practice, international experience, and cross-sectoral cooperation in shaping effective strategies for the sustainable development of rural areas in Ukraine in the context of post-war recovery and European integration.