European Forms of University Alliances as an Instrument of Educational Diplomacy in Ukraine

  • Post category:Issue XXV

Volodymyr Buhrov
PhD in Philosophy, Full Professor, Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv;
Kseniia Smyrnova
Doctor of Law, Full Professor, Vice-Rector for Education (International Affairs) of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

DOI:

Abstract. The article describes the initiative of establishing the European Education Area. It is indicated that the European Commission presented its vision of the European Education Area by 2025, an important aspect of which is the creation of a network of top European universities to enable seamless cooperation, even across borders.
The concept and functions of university alliances are explained. It is noted that European universities are transnational alliances engaged in educational activities of the ‘universities of the future’ in the field of internationalisation, promoting European values and identity, revolutionising the quality and competitiveness of European higher education. The activities of European universities encompass the missions of all higher education institutions in terms of education, research, innovation and service to society.
Moreover, the competitive opportunities, conditions and results of the Erasmus+ programme 2021–27 are comprehensively analysed. The article highlights the latest forms of internationalisation at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. In particular, the university supported pilot processes of cooperation with alliances of European universities and began to intensify such cooperation. For example, the university organised and coordinated the initiative of twinning partnerships between alliances of European and Ukrainian universities.
The conclusions emphasise the important role of educational diplomacy after the fullscale invasion of Ukraine by russia, in particular the contribution of Ukrainian higher education institutions through European forms of university alliances.
Keywords: European Education Area, European University Initiative, alliances, twinning partnerships, Erasmus+ programme, EUniWell alliance.

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References:

  1. European Commission (2022) Opening of 2023 Erasmus+ European Universities call comes with record budget. Available at: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/news/opening-of-2023-erasmus-european-universities-call-comes-with-record-budget
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