Hundreds of Ukrainian and Moldovan Students Study European Union Policy at the University of Latvia

The three-month lifelong learning programme is implemented by the FESS in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia. Since 2014, this training programme for young professionals has provided international students with the opportunity to obtain an internationally recognized educational certificate – the UL Lifelong Learning Certificate for completing a continuing education programme. The studies are conducted online.

“The aim of the programme is to support Ukraine’s progress towards European integration, while also strengthening its democratization processes and preparing students for future work in public administration,” emphasizes Professor Iveta Reinholde, Vice-Dean for Research at the FESS. “During the programme, students acquire knowledge about the implementation of public administration and democratization reforms, the processes of Europeanization, as well as the principles and values underpinning the functioning of the EU.”

The curriculum consists of two integrated components. The external policy module includes courses such as “Europeanization: From Partnership to Membership” and “The History of the Foundations of the European Union.” The internal policy module, in turn, offers courses such as “Governance and Management of the European Union,” “Local Government Administration,” and “Strategic Communication and Public Diplomacy,” among others. This year, 129 students are enrolled in the internal policy module, while 199 are taking part in the external policy module.

“Through the programme, students not only gain essential knowledge but also engage in discussions and explore explanations for the various challenges related to European integration efforts,” notes Project Manager, Assistant Professor Malvīne Strazdiņa. “As a result, the knowledge and insights gained through lectures and discussions will be applicable in the students’ future professional roles within the public administration systems of Ukraine and Moldova.”

Ganna Gubina, Senior Researcher at the Scientific Research Institute for Legal Framework of and Innovation Development of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine, expresses her appreciation for this international cooperation project: “The course creates a very positive and inspiring learning environment. The classes provide many interesting and practical examples that help to better understand theoretical concepts. The course has a strong theoretical foundation, offering a deeper understanding of the field and its practical applications.”

The implementation of the study project “Training Programme for Young Professionals from Ukraine and Moldova at the University of Latvia – European Union Studies: Internal and External Policy” is supported by funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia through the development cooperation funding for 2025.