International roundtable of experts "Role of Visegrad countries in the context of EU transformation and global challenges of the modern world" took place at UzhNU
The event was organized by the Educational and Research Institute for European Integration Studies in cooperation with the Research Institute of Central Europe and the department for international relations of UzhNU.
The Vice-Rector for Academic Policy and Research of UzhNU Myroslava Lendel emphasized: "This roundtable is very timely indeed. It brought together the best experts in political science, international relations and media. Why is it held with us? We position our university, first of all, as a Ukrainian one, but at the same time it is Central European. We develop Slovakian, Bohemian and Hungarian studies, are taking the first steps in the study of Polish language and culture. Therefore, we must be the first to tell Ukraine how to respond to the challenges we face in Central Europe. "
The director of the Institute for European Integration Studies Ivan Artomov said that the aim of the roundtable was to discuss transformation processes in the EU, which had begun after the UK European Union membership referendum, when UK citizens voted for leaving the EU, after elections in the Netherlands, France, Germany and current problems with migrants in Europe.
Bearing in mind, that Transcarpathia is a connecting link between Ukraine and the EU on the borders with the Visegrad countries, an ongoing dialogue with the neighboring countries is extremely important, especially after Ukraine is granted visa-free regime that will come into effect on June 11, 2017
Therefore, the round table was joined by some distinguished guests, including the representatives of the diplomatic missions of Visegrad countries.
Consul General of Slovakia in Uzhhorod Miroslav Moizhita stressed the importance of the roundtable, "When I saw the topics to be discussed at the roundtable, I thought, if there was a university in Slovakia, which would have the courage to discuss these issues openly. I appreciate it"
A consul of the Consulate of Hungary in Uzhhorod Trieb Gergel said: "The European Union is in crisis. Large, strong countries such as Britain, France and Germany, turned out to be weak in the modern world. Under these conditions, the importance of the Visegrad countries is getting higher. They have to take up the challenges such as migration or integration, and be a new impetus for the EU."
Doctor of History, Professor Ivan Mandryk dwelt on the historical background of the Visegrad cooperation, particularly a long tradition of mutual relations between the countries of Central Europe.
Advisor to the Directorate of the National Institute for Strategic Studies Svitlana Mitryayeva drew attention to the issue of visa-free travel between the EU and Ukraine.
Doctor of Economics, Professor Volodymyr Prykhodko analyzed the causes of political and economic challenges faced by contemporary Europe.
Experts also examined the EU integration potentioal of Ukraine in the context of V-4 countries experience, and the support of common cultural, scientific and educational projects in cooperation with the International Visegrad Fund. A collection of scientific papers will be published as a result of the round table.
