Uzhhorod National University Held the Third Expert Seminar on Best Practices in Cross-Border Cooperation
On June 19–20, Uzhhorod National University hosted the third seminar within the framework of international project No. 22410100 “CBC in Ukraine and V4: In the Search for Examples of Best Practice”, implemented with the support of the Visegrad Fund. UzhNU’s project partners include the University of Presov (Slovak Republic), WSB University (Poland), Technical University of Liberec (Czech Republic), and the Central European Service for Cross Border Initiatives (Hungary). The main implementing body at UzhNU is the Research Institute of Central Europe, led by Dr. Myroslava Lendel, Doctor of Political Science. Other UzhNU experts involved in the project are Associate Professors Nadiia Kichera, Yuliia Fetko, and Oksana Sviezhentseva.
The seminar, held at the UzhNU Rectorate, was dedicated to analyzing the results of a survey of cross-border cooperation practitioners from the V4 countries and Ukraine, conducted in March–April 2025. Presentations and discussions highlighted the major challenges facing CBC initiatives, including lack of funding, shortage of qualified personnel, and complex administrative procedures. Respondents from both the Visegrad countries and Ukraine identified culture, tourism, and environmental protection as the most prominent areas for cross-border cooperation.
Participants also focused on institutional and legal barriers to effective cooperation, such as co-financing issues, the absence of clear strategic frameworks, and regulatory uncertainty.
During the field visit, the Visegrad country delegations were introduced to the outcomes of CBC projects in Uzhhorod, including visits to the Biological and Geographical Faculties of UzhNU and the Transcarpathian Museum of Folk Architecture and Life. At both institutions, modern equipment acquired through European programs is actively used for educational and scientific purposes.
The second day of the seminar was dedicated to discussing the next steps in preparing the study on best CBC practices in the Visegrad countries and the upcoming final project conference. Experts agreed to jointly develop recommendations for various stakeholders aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of future cross-border cooperation.
The seminar built on the groundwork laid by previous project events and once again affirmed UzhNU’s leading role in advancing academic and expert cooperation in Central Europe.
Further details on the project and previous events are available at the following links:
https://www.uzhnu.edu.ua/en/cat/projects-cbc_in_ukr
Anastasiya Lendel,
Information-publishing centre
