Students and scholars discussed the prospects of European integration of Ukraine

On 5 December 2016, the students of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Lviv Polytechnic National University and the scholars of the Faculty of International Relations of the University discussed the current prospects of European integration of Ukraine. The discussion of the difficulties that arise in the way of our country to the EU and the benefits that could be obtained from Ukraine’s full membership in the EU took place within the youth conference “Prospects of Ukrainian European integration following the summit Ukraine – EU”.

The Director of the Department of International Technical Assistance and International Cooperation Pauline Lee and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of International Relations, Professor Mykhailo Mykiyevych welcomed the conference participants.

Docent of the Department of Geography and International Tourism, Candidate of geographical sciences Oleksandr Fedun and Docent of the Department of International Relations and Diplomatic Service, Candidate of political sciences Nataliya Shalenna analysed the main problems existing in the way of Ukraine to the European Union and reviewed the experience of overcoming them in other EU member states. In particular, the scholars believe that one of the key challenges to the European integration of our country is activation of the civic stance of the Ukrainians.

In addition, the teaching staff of the Faculty of International Relations analysed the role of state leaders in establishing European values in Ukraine and stressed the importance of intensifying the cooperation between the regions and cities of Ukraine and the European Union.

Thereafter, the students and teachers took part in the discussion of the major challenges faced by Ukraine regarding European integration. The participants of the scholarly meeting concluded that the process of Ukraine’s accession to the EU will be long and it will require numerous reforms and solving the internal problems of our country.

The students of the Faculty of International Relations of the University and the students of Lviv Polytechnic National University stressed the important role of youth in the state building processes nowadays, the need to consolidate efforts and ideas aimed at building a qualitatively new state. According to the students, the future of our country depends on how consolidated the Ukrainian nation is.