On-line UGent Academy for Ukrainian Lecturers: EU Law and Policy: 2nd Edition (Building on Previous Success)

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The Jean Monnet Module UGent_ACADEMY4UA: 2nd Edition builds upon the highly successful UGent_ACADEMY4UA, which is now in its final year. This second edition ensures the program’s continuity while expanding its impact on Ukraine’s academic landscape. Ukraine’s higher education system faces a significant gap in EU-related courses. The country’s EU scholars typically fall into two categories: (i) lecturers and researchers who lack formal training in EU disciplines, relying on self-education with limited resources, and (ii) young academics trained by the first group, often inheriting similar gaps in knowledge. The first edition of UGent_ACADEMY4UA has taken important steps in addressing this issue. Participants have highlighted the program’s practical and in-depth approach to EU law and policy. The growing demand for this training is reflected in the increasing number of applications: 120 in 2022/2023 and approximately 140 in 2023/2024. Building on this success, UGent_ACADEMY4UA: 2nd Edition will continue providing intensive, high-quality training to Ukrainian lecturers and PhD students, equipping them with the expertise needed to teach and research EU law and policy effectively. The program remains selective, aiming to train 25 experts annually while maintaining a rigorous and impactful curriculum. Each academic year will feature 66 hours of online instruction covering a broad range of EU law and policy topics. Additionally, workshops on practical skills, such as grant writing, will further enhance participants' academic and professional development. Beyond bridging academic gaps, UGent_ACADEMY4UA: 2nd Edition fosters closer cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. By strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian educators, the program supports a long-term transformation in how EU law and policy are taught. Ultimately, it helps cultivate a new generation of highly skilled Ukrainian academics, shaping the future of EU studies in the region.