First Group of Ukrainian Public Officials Completes EU- Funded Training on European Integration at College of Europe in Natolin

The first group of Ukrainian public administration employees has successfully completed the first session of the six-week Tailored Onsite Knowledge and Analytical Skills Programme, organised by the College of Europe in Natolin with the support of the European Union. As part of the Natolin4Capacity Building Phase II (N4CB-II) project, the program aims to support Ukraine’s European integration process by providing practical skills and knowledge in EU policies, the competencies of European institutions, and the dynamics of EU accession negotiations.

As part of the programme, participants studied the fundamentals of European integration, the principles of social policy, and external relations — key topics related to the opening and closing of negotiation chapters for EU accession. The training combined academic lectures with practical components: learning research methodology, preparing analytical papers with expert support, as well as individual and group visits to European institutions for a deeper understanding of the broader context.

“I applied twice for the N4CB project and am very happy to be part of its second phase. European integration is not only a professional responsibility but a personal mission. I am fully committed to this process,” said Serhii Shkabko, from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

“This programme is a good combination of theoretical and practical knowledge. It helps us understand how systems should function—laws, institutions—and also connects us with practitioners who share real-world insights,”  explained Tetiana Topolianska from The Secretariat of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

“The composition of the teaching team was truly outstanding. These are not only highly knowledgeable individuals but also deeply inspiring professionals. Their ability to combine theoretical expertise with practical experience added exceptional value to the programme. It’s one thing to present theory — but when experts share their personal insights, real-world practices, and proven tools, it becomes genuinely empowering,”   noted Olena Nekrasova, National Police of Ukraine.

 “Engaging with professionals from the European Commission, the European Parliament, and research institutions was a truly valuable experience. It gave me new motivation to grow professionally,” shared Olga Kakaulina from National Agency on Corruption Prevention .

Participants emphasized not only the knowledge gained but also the broader perspectives and tools they can now bring back to their respective institutions.

“I discovered a lot of useful resources for my analytical work with legislation and data, which will be very helpful in my current role. I’m excited to share these tools with colleagues in Ukraine,” said Nataliia Pokynchereda from Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. 

“The training helped me better understand the complexities of EU negotiations – especially the fact that we’re essentially negotiating with all 27 member states. Now I see the real machinery behind it – tough negotiations, legal alignment, political will, and yes, lots of paperwork. But it’s doable. And we’re not alone in the process.”  – noted Vitaliy Nosok, from Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine 

Participants emphasized not only the knowledge they had gained, but also the broader perspective and practical tools they can now apply within their respective institutions.

“Collaborating with colleagues from different institutions has been one of the most valuable aspects of this Programme,” noted Anatolii Matsiuk from Secretariat of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. 

“My colleagues in the group brought a remarkable level of expertise in European integration. This diversity of experience allowed me to explore the subject from multiple perspectives, far beyond my own. Such an exchange enriched our collective understanding and offered a more holistic view of the integration processes. The thoughtful contributions of each participant played a key role in shaping this comprehensive picture,” shared Yuliia Zarudska, The State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control.

” It has been a unique experience. On the one hand, we have different fields of activity, different professional experiences but on the other hand we have a common goal to make our country part of the European Union. This gave me the opportunity to create a network of friends. Natolin is shaping a new generation of EU integration leaders,” added  Hanna Mazarska from Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Recruitment for the 4th and 5th editions of the Tailored Onsite Knowledge and Analytical Skills Programme is coming up.

Application Period: 

• Start: August 11, 2025, at 12:00 (Kyiv Time)
• End: September 8, 2025, at 17:00 (Kyiv Time)

Information Session: 

• Date: August 19, 2025, at 11:00 (Kyiv Time) / 10:00 (CET)
• Link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/akQkWVXoRMad1ZKDZHDAMw

During the information session, participants will have the opportunity to meet the project team, learn more about the project and the programme, the conditions for participation and the selection process, and ask any questions they may have.

Edition Dates and Themes: 

• 4th Edition: November 2 – December 12, 2025
  Focus: Cluster 3 – Competitiveness & Inclusive Growth
• 5th Edition: January 11 – February 20, 2026
  Focus: Cluster 5 – Resources, Agriculture & Cohesion

Additional Information:

The Natolin4Capacity Building Phase II – Strengthening Ukrainian Public Administration for EU Integration (N4CB-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 Governmental Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service.

The project will run until January 2027 and will provide training for 100 selected Ukrainian public administration employees through six-week tailored programmes delivered with the participation of EU experts, including practitioners with hands-on experience in EU accession negotiations.

This project builds on the previous EU-funded initiative — Natolin4Capacity Building (N4CB), which was implemented between 2020 and 2024.

Key Highlights of the Project:

• Tailored Onsite Knowledge and Analytical Skills Programme for 100 selected Ukrainian public administration employees at the College of Europe in Natolin;
• Training of Trainers module for 36 public administration employees, who are interested in sharing their experience and knowledge as course developers and trainers in European integration topics;
• 22 customized e-learning courses on European integration, including 5 newly developed ones, some of which will be made publicly accessible;
• Onsite intensive training sessions in Kyiv, reaching 90 participants;
• Expert-led webinars on key EU integration topics