Vice-Rector of UzhNU Myroslava Lendel presented the expert community of Ukraine at the seminar of the European Union Committee of the Regions
On 27 November 2025, Vice-Rector for Research and Academic Affairs Myroslava Lendel represented Uzhhorod National University (UzhNU) and the expert community of Ukraine as a whole at the external CIVEX seminar of the European Union's Committee of the Regions, dedicated to the topic “Ukraine’s Path to EU Integration and Recovery: The Role of Regional Cross-Border Cooperation.” The event in Slovakia, co-organized by the government of the Prešov Self-Governing Region (Slovakia), brought together European politicians, representatives of regional authorities from EU member states, Ukrainian government bodies, and experts to discuss cross-border cooperation and strategies for Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
Professor Myroslava Lendel was a speaker in Session II: “The EU as a Key Partner in Shaping Ukraine’s Recovery.” The session focused on the strategic role of the EU in Ukraine’s reconstruction, the Ukraine Facility mechanism, and the outcomes of the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Rome. She addressed two key questions proposed by the organizers:
- What role does Central Europe play in supporting Ukraine’s integration aspirations and its post-war recovery and how does this contribution differ from that of Western European countries?
- What role can the academic community and universities play in Ukraine’s recovery and regional development?
In her speech, Professor Lendel emphasized the strategic significance of cross-border cooperation between Zakarpattia and the Prešov Region, stressing that regional partnerships form the foundation for Ukraine’s practical integration into the EU. She noted that Central European countries, thanks to their geographical proximity, shared history, and experience of transformation, play a unique role in accelerating European integration and supporting Ukraine’s recovery.
Professor Lendel also highlighted the important role of universities in the country’s reconstruction. She underscored the potential of academic diplomacy, joint scientific research, the digitalization of education, the involvement of universities in regional development strategies, and the training of a new generation of professionals capable of implementing reforms in line with EU standards.
Uzhhorod National University highly values its long-standing cooperation with partners in Slovakia and the European Union more broadly and expresses gratitude to the organizers for the opportunity to contribute to strategic discussions concerning Ukraine’s future within the European Union. Participation in such events strengthens UzhNU’s role as an active participant in regional development and European integration processes.
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