In search of the best forms and practices for Ukraine: UzhNU became a platform for international discussion and exchange of experience

The international conference “In search of the best forms and practices for Ukraine: cross-border cooperation in the Visegrad Four countries” was the final event of the international project "Cross-border cooperation in Ukraine and the Visegrad Four: in search of examples of best practices," which was implemented with the support of the International Visegrad Fund during 2024–2026. The project brought together experts from five research institutions in the Visegrad Group countries and Uzhhorod National University and aimed to identify effective forms of cross-border cooperation suitable for implementation in the border regions of Ukraine in the context of European integration.

The conference serves as a platform for presenting research results, discussing best practices in cross-border cooperation, and developing recommendations for stakeholders. The event was attended by representatives of the expert community, the diplomatic corps of the Visegrad Four countries, local communities, development agencies, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions with practical experience in international cooperation.

The rector of Uzhhorod National University, Volodymyr Smolanka, thanked the international partners for their participation in the event and emphasized the importance of lively professional dialogue. According to him, significant research and analytical work was carried out within the framework of the project, the results of which already have concrete manifestations.

“We realize that life does not stand still. And although this conference is the final one within the project, the cooperation itself does not end there. It will continue in other forms, with new tasks and goals. That is why the development of effective practices and formats of international cooperation is extremely important,” said the rector.

Volodymyr Smolanka also emphasized the value of direct communication, the opportunity for personal meetings, and the open exchange of ideas: “It is important for us not only to discuss, but also to see each other, shake hands, look into each other's eyes, smile, and exchange ideas. It is especially valuable that such a meeting is taking place in a relatively peaceful city in Ukraine.”

The project manager, Vice-Rector of Uzhhorod National University Myroslava Lendiel, emphasized the key role of UzhNU in the development of cross-border cooperation in the Zakarpattia region. According to her, the university is currently one of the most active implementers of international projects in the region.

"Currently, UzhNU is implementing seven projects within the Interreg NEXT program — this is the best indicator not only among institutions in the region, but also among higher education institutions in Ukraine.

Many organizations can prepare a project application and win a grant, but it is much more difficult to implement a project from start to finish," said Myroslava Lendiel.

She also added that between 2014 and 2026, the university implemented about 20 international projects, all of which were recognized as successful. "This is the result of the university's teamwork: all departments work in harmony, from the international relations department to the research department. We are particularly pleased with the fruitful cooperation with the authorities, in particular with the Transcarpathian Regional Council," concluded the vice-rector.

The head of the Transcarpathian Regional Council, Roman Sarai, noted the systematic role of Uzhhorod National University in the development of cross-border cooperation in the region and emphasized its leading presence in most partnership initiatives.

“I am extremely pleased that Uzhhorod National University has already established cooperation with most of our partner regions. Even when we are just opening up new areas of cooperation, UzhNU is often already present there,” he said.

According to Roman Sarai, Zakarpattia is one of the flagships of cross-border cooperation in Ukraine. Most projects within various international programs are implemented in Zakarpattia. That is why, he emphasized, holding such a conference in the region is natural and extremely important, given the rapid changes in social relations and approaches to international cooperation.

The Consul of the Consulate General of Hungary in Uzhhorod, Bence Gombor, emphasized the relevance and importance of the conference topic for Ukraine, noting that cross-border cooperation issues are strategically important and require constant state support.

According to him, cooperation within the Visegrad Group is a special form of international interaction that has been developing for decades and, despite the diversity of approaches, has a clearly defined common outcome for all participants. At the same time, the diplomat stressed that going beyond the traditional formats of cross-border cooperation is extremely important for the development of the state.

The conference included a presentation of research results on effective forms and practices of cross-border cooperation in the Visegrad Four countries and Ukraine. Participants discussed Ukraine's institutional readiness for cross-border cooperation, the legal aspects of the functioning of relevant institutions, the experience of implementing Interreg programs, as well as the current state and prospects of cross-border cooperation in border regions. Considerable attention was paid to practical cases—infrastructure development, functional cross-border territories, intercultural dialogue, social and environmental innovations, countering disinformation, the circular economy, and the cultural dimension of cross-border cooperation. The first day concluded with a broad discussion involving experts and practitioners from Ukraine and EU countries.

• International Activities