Third-year student Yuliia Tronchuk and fourth-year student Yurii Makoyda, both studying at the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, took part in the 11th European Congress of Local Governments, held on March 1–4, 2026, in Mikołajki, Poland.
The European Congress of Local Governments is one of the leading international platforms dedicated to discussing issues of regional development and local governance. Each year it brings together more than 3,000 participants, including representatives of national and local authorities, educational and research institutions, business communities, and policy experts from across Europe.
The students’ participation in the event became possible thanks to a scholarship from the Foundation of the Institute for Eastern Studies. The congress featured numerous thematic panels and discussions devoted to topics such as public policy and governance, economic development, environmental management, tourism, and international cooperation.
During the congress, the scholarship holders attended lectures and debates and actively engaged in discussions on the limits of governance and the role of young people in shaping public policy and local government. One of the most notable events for the students was a discussion on the role of young politicians in the modern world led by Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw and candidate for President of Poland. During the discussion, the students raised a question about the most important reforms that young politicians could initiate in Ukraine, which sparked a meaningful and motivating dialogue.
Within the framework of the congress, the students also met with Valentyna Yakubiv, Rector of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ihor Tsependa, Chairman of the Academic Council, and Zygmunt Berdychowski, Chairman of the Program Council of the Economic Forum and founder of the Foundation of the Institute for Eastern Studies. The meeting provided an opportunity for the students to share their experiences from the congress and discuss perspectives for further academic and professional development with the university delegation.
Participation in the European Congress of Local Governments became an important milestone for the students, providing valuable experience in international communication, academic networking, and engagement with contemporary approaches to regional and community development. Such events contribute to broadening students’ perspectives, fostering active civic engagement, and strengthening the international visibility of the university.
