Securing Peace in Europe: The EU Perspective of Ukraine

ongoing

The National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy proposes to explore the evolving role of the European Union in ensuring stability and peace in Europe, particularly in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine. This war has dramatically reshaped the European security landscape, forcing the EU to reassess its approach to regional security and conflict resolution. Ukraine’s EU candidacy and its accession process have become central to discussions about the future of European stability. Despite the significance of these issues, there remains a lack of structured academic inquiry into the security dimensions of European integration, and public awareness in Ukraine has traditionally focused on NATO. This Jean Monnet Chair project explores European integration as a mechanism for peace and security, providing a robust academic framework to equip students with key competencies in EU foreign policy, security, and Ukraine-EU relations. The project introduces a new undergraduate course, expanding EU security studies to students who might not otherwise engage with these topics, and inspires the incorporation of EU Studies into the research programs of Ukrainian graduate students. Furthermore, it fosters policy-relevant research and generates new knowledge on the EU's evolving role as a security actor. The planned teaching will be enhanced by a Conference on European Security and Ukraine's EU Integration, targeted at graduate and undergraduate students, as well as faculty from universities and associated institutions. Beyond academia, the project engages policymakers, media professionals, and the public through high-profile events such as the Public Forum on the Future of Europe and Ukraine. A better understanding of the EU’s role in securing peace and stability in Europe in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine will greatly enhance the EU's public image within Ukraine and facilitate the nation’s discourse on achieving security.