Integration of Education and Culture into the European Space: Europe Day Celebrated at Kherson State University
For the fourth year in a row, Europe Day is celebrated under extraordinary conditions — at a time when Ukraine is heroically defending not only its own freedom but also European values. The event began with a moment of silence in honor of all those who have lost their lives — both defenders and civilians.
Greeting the participants, Rector of Kherson State University, Oleksandr Spivakovskiy, stated:
“Every person must have a choice, a vision, and the opportunity to follow their own life path. The same applies to our country, which has made its European choice. Since the times of Kyivan Rus, we have had this orientation and shared values. What is happening today — the terrible losses of human life, territory, infrastructure, and the environment — is the enormous price Ukraine is paying for its freedom. People of Kherson know firsthand what occupation means, what it means to live under the system of coordinates offered by russia... No propaganda can convince our people that we should be together with the russians. To me, russia is a country of like-minded individuals, where everyone thinks the same way. I am convinced that for our children and grandchildren, this is not the future they should strive toward.”
Oleksandr Spivakovskiy emphasized that Kherson State University has been working systematically on integrating educational and socio-cultural components into the European space. He also reflected on the importance of history and its connection to the present, highlighting the university’s openness and readiness for cooperation — a message especially relevant for today’s students.
“I believe events like this help not only to learn more about EU countries but also to make personal value-based choices rooted in one’s own perspective. After all, making one's own choices is the prerogative of free people,” he concluded.
The event was moderated by Veronika Denysenko, Vice-Rector for International, Socio-Humanitarian, and Academic Affairs.
The hosts were Yevheniia Revenko, Head of International Initiatives and Project Management Department, and Dariia Kuznietsova, a specialist from the same department.
Europe Day is a symbol of unity, peace, and the common future of the countries of the European Union. Each year, on May 9, European countries commemorate the Schuman Declaration of 1950, which laid the foundation for the creation of the EU. Since 1985, Europe Day has been officially celebrated on May 9 in all EU countries. It is not merely a commemorative date, but a symbol of a united Europe — a future without war, with social justice and freedom for all its citizens.
“Since 2003, Europe Day has been officially celebrated in Ukraine. Over time, its significance for us has grown — especially after the events of 2014, when we firmly confirmed our civilizational choice.
And since 2022, with the start of the full-scale war, this day has taken on an even deeper meaning.
It is the day we once again proclaim: Ukraine is Europe. We are an inseparable part of it — not only geographically, but also in our beliefs, aspirations, and efforts,” noted the event host.
One of the key areas where European values shine particularly brightly is education. The European system of higher education is built on academic freedom, accessibility, quality, and innovation. It is a system that respects students’ choices, where teachers enjoy the freedom of creativity and scholarly growth, and where knowledge is not just information, but a tool for shaping responsible citizens.
“Ukraine has long been part of this process. Kherson State University, in particular, is actively integrating into the European educational space. We participate in the Erasmus+ program, implement international projects, and promote academic mobility for both students and staff. These are not just partnerships — they are investments in our future. A future in which education is the key to prosperity,” emphasized the host.
During the event, participants learned about the key milestones in the internationalization of Kherson State University:
1999 — The Department of International Relations was established at KSU, laying the groundwork for focused partnership and project development.
1998–2000 — Implementation of the Tempus TACIS CP No. 20069-1998 project “Information Infrastructure for Higher Education Institutions,” one of the university’s first steps toward international cooperation.
2002 — The Polish Language and Culture Center was opened, strengthening Ukrainian-Polish relations.
October 19, 2009 — The Friedrich Fröbel Educational Center was established to enhance teacher education.
May 22, 2010 — The EU Information Center was launched as an important platform for spreading knowledge about the EU, European values, and educational opportunities. The center was founded by Professor Yevheniia Spivakovska, who now serves as its coordinator.
February 13, 2014 — a dual degree program agreement was signed with the Pomeranian Academy in Słupsk, Poland, opening new academic opportunities for students.
The first students of Kherson State University embarked on international mobility programs as early as 2013–2014.
“Each of these milestones is more than a date in history. It is a tangible contribution to the university’s international integration, its modernity, and competitiveness in the global academic space,” the host noted.
Europe Day is not only about declarations, political documents, or flags — it is about shared values and solidarity, which take on real meaning especially in difficult times.
Europe Day is not only about declarations, political documents, or flags — it is about shared values and solidarity, which take on real meaning especially in difficult times.
One of the most vivid examples of support for Ukrainian education is the Erasmus+ program. Even during extremely difficult times for Ukraine, this program did not stop. On the contrary — it expanded its activities and launched new projects focused specifically on supporting Ukrainian educators, students, and institutions. One of these is “Academies4Ukraine – Strengthening the Resilience of Higher Education in Ukraine and the European Union.”
The goal of this initiative is to exchange best practices on maintaining the resilience of higher education during wartime, support students’ mental health, and promote the values of the European Union and democracy to strengthen solidarity with Ukraine.
As part of the “Academies4Ukraine” project, a kick-off meeting was held in November 2023 in Offida, Italy, bringing together project coordinators and European partners. This event marked the beginning of fruitful collaboration, knowledge exchange, and genuine support from our European colleagues. During this meeting, our team—comprising Rector Oleksandr Spivakovskiy, First Vice-Rector Serhii Omelchuk, Acting Dean of the Pedagogical Faculty Liubov Petukhova, and Head of the International Initiatives and Project Management Department Yevheniia Revenko—had the opportunity to participate in the filming of interviews that were later included in a documentary film.
Attendees of the event at KSU watched a fragment of the documentary “Academic Resilience Stories from Ukraine.” These are stories of strength and perseverance. Of education that endures. Of European unity felt through concrete actions.
Participants also joined the quiz “How much do you know about Europe?” After all, Europe Day is not only about support — it is also about learning, understanding the values, history, and cultural achievements of Europe. Only through knowledge can we truly become part of the European family.
The event concluded with a group photo to commemorate the importance of the day.
“Today, once again, we affirm: Ukraine is Europe. We thank everyone for their participation and for the spirit of unity that makes our future brighter,” summarized the event host.
Press Center of Kherson State University