“A logical step in the expansion of Ukrainian studies” – Viadrina joins the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies
The European University Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder), joined the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies today, Monday 12 October 2026. To mark the opening of Ukrainian Week in Germany, Prof. Dr Eduard Mühle, President of the European University Viadrina, and Volodymyr Sheiko, Director-General of the Ukrainian Institute, signed the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Logensaal at Viadrina. As the first public university in Germany, Viadrina is now part of the international network of around 100 academic institutions committed to advancing Ukrainian studies.
The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies was launched in July 2024 by Olena Selenska, the First Lady of Ukraine. Its aim is to promote Ukrainian studies worldwide, to disseminate knowledge about Ukraine, its culture, history and language, and to strengthen Ukraine’s capacities in the field of humanitarian and cultural diplomacy.
Heide Fest
“Joining the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies is, for us, a logical step in the expansion of Ukrainian Studies at the European University Viadrina. With the KIU – Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies, our certificate programme in Ukrainian Studies, a summer school, language courses and numerous partnerships in teaching and research across all Faculties, Viadrina is a pioneer in academic engagement and cooperation with Ukraine in Germany,” said Viadrina President Prof. Dr Eduard Mühle on the occasion of the signing.
Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine as a whole, and on its scientific institutions – most recently the National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv – are a painful reminder of how important cooperation is in promoting and disseminating knowledge for a peaceful future.
Prof. Dr Eduard Mühle, President of the European University Viadrina
Ukraine’s place in Europe is shaped not only by political decisions, but also by how Ukraine is studied, taught and understood at European universities. Viadrina has been contributing to this work for many years, developing the KIU Competence Network, supporting research and teaching, and creating opportunities for German-Ukrainian academic exchange. We are privileged to welcome Viadrina in the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies.
Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of Ukrainian Institute
As well as the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation, the opening of Ukrainian Week at Viadrina will feature a lecture on the work of the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, a panel discussion on Ukraine’s future in Europe, and a presentation of Viadrina’s current projects with Ukrainian partners. Olena Selenska, First Lady of Ukraine and founder of the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, contributed a video message. The programme concludes in the evening with a keynote address by the philosopher and essayist Prof. Dr Volodymyr Yermolenko on the topic ‘Freedom despite: why Ukraine matters for Europe’.
The exhibition “Crimea: Over a Decade under Russian Occupation”, which opened as part of the event, can be viewed until Sunday, 1 November, in the Main Building of Viadrina University, in front of the University Library. The exhibition explores the impact of the Russian occupation of Crimea since 2014. It highlights systematic human rights violations as well as forms of resistance by the Ukrainian population.
translated by DeepL and edited
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