Ukrainian Delegation joined Study in Europe events in the Republic of Moldova (4-5.05.2026, Chişinău)
On 4–6 May 2026, the Republic of Moldova hosted the “Study in Europe” series of events, bringing together experts, higher education institutions, and European organisations to promote academic cooperation and study opportunities in Europe. The events were organised by the European Commission, through the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, the Delegation of the European Union, and European partners.
1st half-day hybrid event offered a dynamic space for knowledge-sharing, peer learning, and policy dialogue on EU higher education developments in quality assurance (QA) and cross-border quality assessment. The event promoted mutual learning, support policy alignment with the European Education Area, and encourage constructive dialogue, with a particular focus on Moldova and Neighbourhood East region. The event was focus on the technical dimensions of QA and assessment, bringing together policymakers and practitioners from higher education authorities, agencies, and institutions for constructive discussion and mutual learning.
A central focus was the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG), including the ongoing revision towards ESG 2027, currently under preparation following the 2024 Tirana Ministerial Communiqué. Participants gained insights into current achievements, future policy directions, and the technical dimensions of QA and assessment shaping trust, mobility, and recognition across Europe.
Experts and practitioners from the European Union, the Republic of Moldova and other Neighbourhood East countries, including Ukraine, took part in Study in Europe – EU Policy Event in Moldova 2026, dedicated to developments in European higher education in the quality assurance and evaluation.
Attending the event, Ludmila Pavlov, Deputy Secretary General of the MEC emphasized the importance of organizing the event in the context of our country’s EU accession process.
“It is both an honor and a responsibility to host Study in Europe event in Chișinău for the first time and to hold relevant discussions about the quality of education and study opportunities in Europe for young people – especially the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ Programme,” said Pavlov.
Nataliya Stukalo, Deputy Head of the National Quality Assurance Agency of Higher Education of Ukraine was the speaker of the plenary panel discussion “National developments in QA in the light of ESG updates”, dedicated to modern national approaches to quality assurance in the context of ESG updates. As the ESG have not yet been formally updated, the panel focused on how the proposed changes might influence quality assurance systems in different countries.
Natalia Stukalo also moderated the session “Practices on Cross-Border Quality Assurance: Insights and Lessons Learned”, which focused on the practical aspects of cross-border quality assurance. The discussion covered the motivation of institutions to participate in such procedures, the specifics of their implementation in different national contexts, the challenges at different stages, as well as the conditions necessary for trust in the results and their effective use. The session was attended by representatives of leading European and national institutions.
The event was dedicated to topical issues of quality assurance in higher education and brought together representatives of higher education institutions from Erasmus+ countries, Eastern Partnership countries and the expert community. The discussions were attended by representatives of ENQA and EQAR management, quality assurance agencies, as well as student organizations, which ensured a multilateral dialogue and meaningful exchange of experience. In total, more than 170 participants joined the event.
The participants had the opportunity to discuss current status of the quality assurance system and culture at their institutions.
Estonian Quality Agency for Education (HAKA) opens in a new tab is involved in co‑organising the event.
2nd day event consisted of 2 parts: panel sessions of the experience of the countries in Erasmus+ and priorities for cooperation followed by the contact matching meetings. It was organised by the European Commission in cooperation with Campus France, the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC) and the EU Delegation to Chișinău with participation of European Education and Culture Executive Agency.
The Contact-Building Seminar took place, aiming to facilitate the development of new partnerships between higher education institutions from Erasmus+ Programme countries, Ukraine, and other Neighbourhood East countries. Participants discussed cooperation opportunities within Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility, Erasmus Mundus, and Capacity Building in Higher Education. On the same day, participants also attended a networking session, which provided an informal setting for exchanging experiences and establishing new academic and institutional contacts.
Ukraine was presented by the delegation of 12 Ukrainian universities, National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine and Erasmus Students Network – ESN – Ukraine.
Svitlana Shytikova, Coordinator of National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine performed the presentation on the status of Ukraine in Erasmus+, challenges during martial law, opportunities and priorities for cooperation within coming calls. The information on the ideas of further cooperation was disseminated via universities participated in the event. Ukrainian universities had the opportunity to meet potential partners and connect for further collaboration. The universities of EU Member States confirmed their interest to cooperate with Ukraine, their contacts were provided in the group chats for the Vice Rectors responsible for international cooperation and International Relation Officers facilitated by the NEO – Ukraine.
The programme culminated with the “Study in Europe” Education Fair, held on 6 May at the Chișinău Summit Events & Conference Center. The event brought together 33 exhibitors from 12 European countries, including universities and Erasmus+ National Agencies. Visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives of participating institutions and obtain information about study programmes, scholarships, and academic mobility opportunities in Europe.
During the fair, the National Erasmus+ Office – Moldova was present at the joint “Study in Europe / Erasmus+” booth, which served as an information and consultation point on European Union-funded study and research opportunities. Representatives of the Office provided guidance to students interested in academic mobility, scholarships, and European programmes dedicated to young people and higher education institutions.
In addition, presentations dedicated to the Erasmus+ Programme and European funding opportunities were organised during the fair, followed by presentation sessions delivered by participating agencies and institutions.
Ukrainian Universities participated in the Fair and learnt the experience on how to organise such events. Hope to have such possibility to organise it in Ukraine soon too.
We appreciate organisers, speakers and participants for high quality events, friendly and cooperative atmosphere.
Look forward to the valuable results and that such events will strengthen the possibilities for cooperation between EU Member States, Ukraine and other Neighbourhood East Countries.