On August 30, 2025, the Kyiv School of Economics launched the course “European Integration for Civil Servants,” developed by KSE Institute with the support of KSE University and funded by the European Union.

The course attracted representatives from over 30 state authorities, including the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the State Tax and Customs Services, the Antimonopoly Committee, the State Statistics Service, and other central and regional bodies. 

The opening featured remarks by Nataliia Shapoval, Head of KSE Institute, and Kostiantyn Kyrychenko, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at KSE.

A highlight of the first day was the keynote lecture by Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, who outlined the political and practical context of integration and emphasized the critical role of well-prepared civil servants in future negotiations with the EU. 

“For a long time, European integration was an aspiration, and today it has become a concrete process with specific dates and tasks. It is not documents but people who make it happen. The pace of integration depends on their preparedness. The course provides additional knowledge and tools, covers the key negotiation clusters, and helps participants see the overall logic of the talks and understand the interdependence of all areas,” said Natalia Shapoval, Head of KSE Institute. 

The five-day program is designed as a comprehensive guide to European integration, covering the strategic context, EU institutional architecture, the negotiation process, and key areas of the EU acquis — from the rule of law and the internal market to green transformation and digitalization. 

“Ukraine’s choice to belong to the European community is indisputable. Yet, the path to EU integration demands daily efforts from state institutions, businesses, civil society, and academia. This course creates a space for civil servants to share experiences, strategize, and build a community driving Ukraine toward the EU,” emphasized Kyrychenko, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at KSE.

Special focus is placed on negotiation practices, forming national positions, integration funding tools, and opportunities for gradual access to EU policies and markets. The course faculty includes representatives from the European Commission and the EU Delegation to Ukraine, the Government of Ukraine, diplomats with experience in their countries’ EU accession, international experts, and KSE specialists. 

Upon completion, participants are expected to gain a comprehensive understanding of the negotiation process, enhance their strategic communication skills with EU institutions, and apply European practices in their daily work.