Information session on Erasmus+ opportunities in the field of European Studies within the Erasmus+ Staff Week (08.06.2026, L’Aquila, Italy / online)
On 8 June 2026, the team from the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine participated in the international Erasmus+ Staff Week “Making Ukrainian Studies Relevant: Language, Memory, Resilience and Academic Partnership”, held in L’Aquila, Italy. The event was co-organised by the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies and the University of L’Aquila.
The Staff Week served as a pilot model for strengthening cooperation in Ukrainian Studies between Ukrainian and European universities. Its aim was to enhance the visibility of Ukrainian topics within the European academic space, foster inter-university cooperation, and support the development of new educational and research initiatives in the field of Ukrainian Studies.
The programme brought together academics, researchers, university representatives, and international partners to discuss key dimensions of contemporary Ukrainian Studies, including language and culture, memory and identity, cultural heritage, resilience and mental health, as well as the role of universities during war, crisis, and recovery.
The Staff Week included panel discussions, methodological sessions, practical workshops, and collaborative activities focused on developing new courses, guest lectures, research projects, mobility initiatives, and other forms of cooperation between Ukrainian and European higher education institutions.
During a thematic session, Svitlana SHYTIKOVA, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, delivered an information session on the opportunities offered by the EU Erasmus+ Programme for the development of Ukrainian Studies and international academic cooperation. Her presentation highlighted opportunities for higher education institutions to engage in international cooperation projects, academic mobility, partnership development, and initiatives supporting the promotion of Ukrainian Studies within the European educational area.
Particular attention was given to the role of international academic partnerships in supporting Ukraine, fostering intercultural dialogue, and establishing sustainable educational and research networks between Ukrainian and European universities.
The final session of the Staff Week focused on presenting the outcomes of participants’ work, discussing future directions for the development of Ukrainian Studies, and strengthening international academic partnerships. As a result of the event, new ideas were generated for future courses, research projects, and international initiatives in the field of Ukrainian Studies.