Introductory speech within the SMART AGRO FORUM: The Future of Ukrainian Agribusiness at Zaporizhzhia National University (14.10.2025, online)

On 14 October 2025, the SMART AGRO FORUM: The Future of Ukrainian Agribusiness was held online within the framework of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet project “European integration and sustainable development of rural areas in Ukraine as a guarantee of food security in the context of post-war recovery” – NEWAGRO (101127828 — ERASMUS-JMO-2023-HEI-TCH-RSCH).

The event was organised by Zaporizhzhia National University, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, and numerous national and regional stakeholders and institutions.

Svitlana SHYTIKOVA, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, joined the opening panel and addressed the participants with a welcome speech. In her remarks, she highlighted the strategic importance of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Actions in promoting European values and sustainable development in Ukraine’s agri-food sector and rural communities.

She also emphasised the role of Erasmus+ as a tool to foster synergies between public authorities, academia, and agribusiness in the process of post-war recovery and European integration. The speaker underlined the opportunities for Ukrainian HEIs and stakeholders within the Programme and encouraged active participation in upcoming calls.

The event served as a platform to exchange expertise, strengthen cooperation, and explore innovative approaches for the sustainable transformation of Ukrainian rural areas and agricultural enterprises.