Menu Close

It is our pleasure to announce the start of a new academic year of the Democracy Study Centre (DSC). The second academic year (2018-2019) recruited 25 scholars from four countries (Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine). Throughout the year, they will attend nine DSC working sessions devoted to four identified thematic areas: 1) Pluralism in media, 2) Strengthening the Mittelstand and social entrepreneurship, 3) Advancing dialogue and peace mediation, and 4) Women in focus. The scholars are expected to develop and implement their own group projects within these key areas.

The first working session was held on October 20-21. Iryna Chernysh, DSC Project Manager, welcomed the selected scholars and told them about the DSC concept. Andreas Umland, new DSC Senior Fellow, greeted the scholars and talked about his expectations regarding their research as well as his assistance to them. DSC alumni came to the Centre to share their experience of the first DSC year and their projects and wished the new generation a wonderful and productive year.

Ms Barbara-Maria Monheim, Founder and Chairwoman of German-Polish-Ukrainian Society, greeting the new scholars
Mr Wolfgang Bindseil, Deputy Head of the German Embassy, delivering a speech
Ms Monheim and Mr Bindseil congratulating scholars
Panel Discussion “Developments, opportunities and obstacles on Ukraine’s European Path: What Next?”

The high-level Panel Discussion “Developments, opportunities and obstacles on Ukraine’s European Path: What Next?” took place at our Centre following the opening ceremony. Mr Wolfgang Bindseil, from the German Embassy, H.E. Roman Waschuk, from the Canadian Embassy, Ms Annika Weidemann, from the EU Delegation, Mr Mykhailo Zhernakov, from the Reanimation Package of Reforms, and Mr Andreas Umland, as moderator, talked about Ukraine’s achievements as well as their sustainability and efficiency. The panel’s themes included Ukraine’s ongoing reforms, relations with the West, confrontation with Russia, Association Agreement with the EU, presidential as well as parliamentary elections in 2019, national security matters, fight against corruption, and challenges for the future.

Materials for the first session: