In today's world, knowledge of European institutions and access to international opportunities are key to a prosperous future, both for an individual specialist and for the country as a whole. Understanding this, Poltava Polytechnic actively supports its students' aspirations to go beyond classroom learning and become part of the global dialogue. Participation in prestigious programs such as EU Study Days is a prime example of how theoretical knowledge is transformed into practical experience, and how student initiatives find support at the highest level.
“'One simple word “yes” can have unexpectedly significant consequences” – an alumna of the previous Euroschool shared this with me, and the phrase really resonated. Saying “yes” to the invitation to join EU Study Days is one of those decisions for which I am truly grateful to myself,” – shares Vladyslava Herashchenko, a student of group 301-FM at the National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”.
EU Study Days is an educational project of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, which has been successfully implemented for many years to raise awareness among Ukrainian youth about European integration processes. The program consisted of two stages: an online part, based on which 40 of the most active participants from all over Ukraine – 20 students and 20 high school pupils – were invited to an offline school held from July 28-31, 2025, in Lviv. The event was organised in cooperation with Ivan Franko National University of Lviv and Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics. All participants went through a preliminary selection process and had already proven themselves to be proactive and conscious young people.
“The school's work began with an informal icebreaker, which immediately created an atmosphere of trust and openness. The first step was a tour of the historical centre of Lviv, during which participants immersed themselves in the city's centuries-old history, visited its iconic churches and cathedrals, and observation decks, feeling its European spirit.
This atmosphere of dialogue continued during the official opening of the offline school in the magnificent Hall of Mirrors at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. The event brought together distinguished guests who shared their vision of Ukraine's European future. Key figures in the European integration process addressed the youth with welcoming remarks:
- Viktoriia Davydova – Press and Information Adviser of the EU Delegation to Ukraine;
- Roman Hladyshevskyi – Rector of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv;
- Volodymyr Ponomarenko – Rector of Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics;
- Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze – Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU;
- Markiyan Malskyy – Dean of the Faculty of International Relations at Lviv National University, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine;
- Antti Hartikainen – Acting Head of the Lviv Regional Office of the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM);
- Yuliia Dobroskok – Head of the International Relations Office at Kharkiv National University of Economics;
- Indrė Isokaitė-Valužė – Head of the Ukrainian Law Centre at the Faculty of Law, Vilnius University;
- Oksana Kraievska – Associate Professor of the Department of European and Regional Studies at the Faculty of International Relations, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
The first day concluded with a networking session, where each participant shared their own experience and expectations. This open dialogue set the tone for the entire course of the school, creating an atmosphere of support and inspiration.
The following days were dedicated to a deep dive into key topics: the program covered strategic issues of Ukraine's European integration, the functioning of EU institutions and its support amidst the full-scale war, as well as practical aspects such as opportunities for youth, participation in grant programs, and the development of hard & soft skills, life-long learning, and so on.
Particularly valuable was the strategic game for students: we were divided into teams, and each had to develop a concept for a real-world project to be submitted for EU funding. After presenting our ideas, we received detailed feedback from Yuliia Dobroskok – practical advice on how to properly structure a project proposal, avoid common mistakes, and meet the expectations of donors. It was an incredible practical experience that will definitely be useful in the future.
A separate part of the program was dedicated to visits to key European integration institutions in Lviv. We visited the Lviv City Council, where we learned about the activities of the first European integration Office in Ukraine. Various programs aimed at developing the city according to European standards are implemented there. We also learned more about the title “Lviv – European Youth Capital 2025”, which is especially inspiring for active youth. This title is awarded to one European city every three years. In 2022, it was Lviv that received it, which is truly impressive because even in such difficult times, Ukrainian youth continue to study and actively participate in the country's development.
The following location was the office of EUAM Ukraine (the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine), which has been helping to reform the civilian security sector since 2014. We had the opportunity to talk with the mission's representatives, ask questions, and discuss the prospects of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the areas of security, the rule of law, and public oversight.
The final chord of the school was a formal ceremony at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. The presentation of certificates was not just a formality but a symbolic entry into the community of EU Study Days alumni – an active network where participants stay in touch, exchange opportunities, and support each other's initiatives. However, the most valuable resource gained these days was not so much the knowledge, but the people and emotions.
I met active, sincere, and caring young people who, despite all the challenges of today, not only do not lose their strength but charge others with it and I am grateful to every person I met. Your ideas, your words, your energy – that is what I will take with me”, – the student shares her impressions. That is why she sincerely advises all young people to follow the updates of the EU Study Days and join the following stages.
“This project is not only about professional development. It is about a change in mindset, broadening horizons, inspiration for change, for initiatives, and for interaction. It is about that same “yes” that is worth saying more often!” – says Vladyslava.
The participation of Poltava Polytechnic's students in such significant projects is a testament to their high level of training, active life position, and desire to contribute to the building of Ukraine's European future.
Previously, Vladyslava Herashchenko participated in an Erasmus+ youth exchange on developing leadership skills and in the “Feminist Academy for Ukraine” project.
Media Centre of
National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”
