Third Edition of the EU-Funded Programme on EU Integration for Ukrainian Public Officials Concludes at the College of Europe in Natolin

The third edition of the Tailored Onsite Knowledge and Analytical Skills Programme has successfully concluded at the College of Europe in Natolin, marking another step forward in strengthening Ukraine’s institutional capacity for EU integration. With this milestone, 25 participants have now completed the training — representing one quarter of all professionals expected to graduate from the full 12-session cycle by January 2027. 

Implemented under the EU-funded project “Natolin4Capacity Building Phase II”, the programme offered the participants of the third edition an intensive, practice-oriented learning experience focused on the “Fundamentals” cluster. Over the six-week course, they deepened their understanding of the rule of law, democratic governance, human rights, and the core reforms underpinning Ukraine’s path to EU membership.

Reflecting on their learning journey, participants highlighted the programme’s unique combination of academic excellence, practical insights, and networking opportunities that will support their work in advancing Ukraine’s European integration:

“It helped me see the connection between theory and real decision-making, between policy and people. I will share this knowledge with my colleagues, and we will benefit greatly from it”, - said Olha DEINEKA, State Space Agency of Ukraine. 

“The most important aspect for me was the practical information about how EU legislation is implemented, as well as the experience — and perhaps the challenges — that arose during the implementation of certain regulations and directives in Poland’s accession process to the EU”, - emphasized Vadym KORYTSKYY, Ministry of Health of Ukraine. 

“Here, I gained not only theoretical and practical experience, but also an understanding of the logic behind the European Union’s way of thinking. In my future work, I will try to reflect this and make my role in Ukraine’s accession process even more valuable for our country”, - shared Lada PIETUNINA, State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine.

In addition to classroom-based learning - which included expert-led lectures, mentoring support and work on analytical papers - the programme offered valuable exposure to institutional practices through study visits to Polish public institutions and EU entities based in Warsaw.

“The visit to the Ministry of Justice of Poland was very practical and useful for me. They deal with the EU acquis and similar EU matters, just as we do in the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. The way they organise their internal processes and workflows was very insightful. I also realised that we face some similar challenges. It helped me understand that we are not alone in this process,” - shared Khrystyna DANIUK, Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.

“The main benefit of the programme for me was the development of my analytical thinking. While working on my paper, I selected a topic and conducted research that helped me understand how to process information, define clear goals, and develop strategies to address the challenges Ukraine is facing,” - reflected Denys DOLYNSKYI, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

Beyond professional knowledge, participants also highlighted the importance of networking and cooperation developed during the training.

“Undoubtedly, it is highly advisable for state institutions involved in EU integration to take part in this programme. It offers an excellent opportunity to engage with high-profile experts, broaden their knowledge, and gain a clearer understanding of how to improve their work once they return to Ukraine,” - said Amina SAIENKO, Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.

Participants highlighted that beyond the academic content, the programme offered a unique environment for exchange, collaboration, and mutual understanding among professionals working on EU integration. They noted that these interactions have not only enhanced their knowledge but also strengthened the sense of shared purpose and partnership across institutions.

“Our team was very friendly, and during the programme I had the chance to learn more about the role of each institution represented here and its part in the accession process. I can now see various opportunities for cooperation between our institutions,” – shared Alina Prystupa, Secretariat of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. 

“Some of the experts who taught us were the same age as we are now when they took part in Poland’s EU accession process. Today, they are sharing their experience with us. This is our chance to learn something truly priceless and apply it in our own accession, contributing to Ukraine’s future,” - noted Olena Romanovska, State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine.

About N4CB-II

Natolin4Capacity Building Phase II is funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by the College of Europe in Natolin and the High School of Public Governance, in cooperation with the Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service.

The project builds on the previous EU-funded Natolin4Capacity Building (N4CB) initiative, implemented between 2021 and 2024.

For more information, visit natolin4cb.eu or follow Natolin4CB on Facebook.