As part of the implementation of the Jean Monnet Project of the European Union «Self-Regulated Studies of Hybrid Threats and European Security», an international conference «Ukraine and EU: Toward Deep Cooperation in the Security Sector» was held at the National University of Ostroh Academy on September 23–24, 2025.
During the event, lecturers, researchers, students, experts in hybrid threat studies and security studies, as well as representatives of civil society, had the opportunity to exchange practical experience, valuable and up-to-date knowledge, and ideas.
«The implementation of the project ‘Self-Regulated Studies of Hybrid Threats and European Security’ and organisation of such events are particularly relevant in the context of russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, various threats in Europe, and other global security challenges. The conference brought together the university’s academic community, scholars, and experts from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Czech Republic, and the United States. In total, more than 60 speakers and participants joined the conference. The participants discussed pressing issues related to hybrid threats, security sector reform, the resilience of democratic institutions, and Ukraine–EU cooperation, as well as took part in a Q&A session, which allowed for deeper discussion and an exchange of practical ideas»,
emphasised Eduard Balashov, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor, Rector of the National University of Ostroh Academy, and Manager of the Project «Self-Regulated Studies of Hybrid Threats and European Security».
During the event, speakers and participants addressed key issues of the European security system, EU and Ukrainian security policies, the formation of a safe environment, including economic, social, and environmental security, reforms of the Ukrainian security sector with EU involvement, and the development of educational programs in European Security Studies.
Among the speakers of the conference:
- Prof. Luiza Bialasiewicz, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Italy), topic: «The Political Geography of Security Cultures»;
- Prof. Anatoliy Khudoliy, National University of Ostroh Academy (Ukraine), topic: «EU–Ukraine–NATO Cooperation During the Full-Scale War»;
- Prof. Timothy David Curp, Ohio University (USA), topic: «Conflict Duration as a Key Factor in Escalation»;
- Dmytro Sherengovsky, Vice Rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University, Director of the Security Program, Dnistrianskyi Centre (Ukraine), topic: «EU ReArm Europe 2030 and Its Security Implications for Ukraine»;
- Prof. Richard Whitman, University of Kent (United Kingdom), topic: «What Role for the UK in the EU–Ukraine Security Relationship?»;
- Ihor Malakhivskyi, PhD student, National University of Ostroh Academy (Ukraine), topic: «Security Cooperation Between the Baltic States and Ukraine»;
- Prof. Halyna Handzilevska, National University of Ostroh Academy (Ukraine), and Mgr. Barbora Kvapilová, Palacký University Olomouc (Czech Republic), topic: «Metacognitive Approach in the Context of Organising a Safe Sanogenic Educational Space: Ukrainian–Czech Experience»;
- Maksym Gardus, Communications Specialist, NGO Razom We Stand (Ukraine), topic: «The Shadow Fleet and Sanctions Policy: A New Front in Hybrid Warfare»;
- Prof. Olena Antoniuk, National University of Water and Environmental Engineering (Ukraine), topic: «Corruption Prevention and Financial Control in the Field of Public Procurement: The Experience of Ukraine»;
- Mykhailo Akimov, Chief Inspector, Department of International Police Cooperation, National Police of Ukraine (Ukraine), topic: «Interaction of Ukrainian Law Enforcement Agencies with Foreign Partners within the Framework of EMPACT»;
- Oksana Mararenko, Head of the International Relations Department, National University of Ostroh Academy (Ukraine), topic: «Project EUROHYBSEC as an Academic Response to Hybrid Threats: Building Resilience and Strengthening European Security»;
- Olena Shershniova, Doctor of Public Administration, Rector’s Assistant for Project Activities, Associate Professor of the Department of Journalism and PR Management, Coordinator of the project «Civil Society in Conflict Resolution: EU Experience for Ukraine», National University of Ostroh Academy (Ukraine), topic: «Hybrid Conflicts and Security Research: The Experience of the National University of Ostroh Academy in International Projects»;
- Viktor Shanskyi, PhD student, National University of Ostroh Academy (Ukraine), topic: «EU–Ukraine Cooperation in the Field of Migration»;
- Prof. Inna Shevchuk, Leonid Yuzkov Khmelnytskyi University of Management and Law (Ukraine), topic: «Implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: Challenges for Ukraine»;
- Mykola Davydov, PhD student, University of Customs and Finance (Ukraine), topic: «The Impact of Whistleblower Institutions on Preventing Tax Evasion in Ukraine»;
The project of the direction Jean Monnet of Erasmus+ program «Self-Regulated Studies of Hybrid Threats and European Security» (101081342 – EuroHybSec – ERASMUS-JMO-2022-HEI-TCH-RSCН) is aimed at promoting European principles of building a strong and secure order by using new forms and methods of communication and creating a clear vision of the European security system for target audiences.
