Uzhhorod University Participates in Ulysseus International Conference in Brussels
On 10 November 2026, Brussels hosted the Ulysseus International Networking Conference, which focused on strengthening partnerships between universities in the European Union and beyond. Professor Myroslava Lendel, Acting Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Uzhhorod University, attended the event.
Entitled “From EU International Cooperation Policy to Partnership and Co-creation in Higher Education”, the conference brought together members of the Ulysseus European University Alliance, international university partners, representatives of EU institutions and the diplomatic community. Discussions centred on practical models of cooperation, the future of the Global Gateway strategy and funding opportunities for international education and research beyond 2027.
Representatives of the European Commission also discussed the possibility of opening full membership in European University Alliances to Ukrainian universities under the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. This remains a prospective opportunity, subject to future decisions on programme eligibility and funding arrangements. Such a development could create new opportunities for Ukrainian higher education institutions to deepen their institutional integration with European partners.
The programme explored the regional impact of international university partnerships, examples of collaborative projects and the role of science diplomacy in building lasting relationships. A dedicated workshop considered priorities for the next phase of European University Alliances, including improvements to Erasmus+ cooperation instruments, academic mobility and sustained partnerships with institutions outside the EU.
For Uzhhorod University, participation built on an established relationship with Ulysseus. The university joined the alliance as an associated partner in autumn 2023. Its associated-partner status is also listed on the official Ulysseus website. The alliance comprises eight member universities across Europe and promotes cooperation in education, research and innovation.
Professor Lendel has been directly involved in developing these links. In March and April 2024, she held discussions with Ulysseus representatives and presented the university’s potential for cooperation. Following a working meeting in May 2024, the institutions agreed to cooperate on project proposals aligned with the alliance’s priorities and to explore academic mobility opportunities for staff and students.
Engagement continued in 2025. From 20 to 22 October, a University delegation, leaded by Rector Professor Volodymyr Smolanka, attended the Ulysseus summit at the Technical University of Košice, where representatives discussed joint grant applications, research initiatives and academic exchanges with partner institutions.
The Brussels conference offered another opportunity to engage with discussions on how universities from outside the EU can contribute to European education and research initiatives. Its concluding sessions focused on the proposed Ulysseus International Cooperation Network and the next steps towards strengthening institutional partnerships.
Anastasiya Lendel
Information-publishing centre
