The first three-day training session, titled “From Partnership to Project: Participating in EU and Erasmus+ Programs,” took place in Mykolaiv. It was organized as part of a project to establish the Office of European Integration. Participants included representatives from educational institutions and community activists.
Over the course of three days, participants didn’t just listen to theory—they worked on their own ideas. The main goal was to learn how to prepare applications for European Union grants and find partners for joint projects.
The first two days were devoted to the basics of project work. Project management specialists Viktor Sikalenko and Oksana Petrenko explained how to properly manage a project from concept to final report. They outlined how to build a logical framework matrix, set clear objectives, calculate budgets and risks, and effectively manage teams and partners at every stage.
“Over these two days, we took the participants’ ideas and together turned them into grant applications. Of course, this isn’t enough to bring every project to its final form. But we supported them every step of the way, even with questionable phrasing. I saw that they believe in their ideas, and that’s what matters most; everything else—documents, budgets—becomes merely a tool. It is precisely this belief that gives us, as the team at the Office of European Integration, the strength to continue supporting participants at every stage,” said Viktor Sikalenko.
The third day was dedicated to participation in the Erasmus+ program. Trainer Olena Filimonova—a leading specialist in the International Relations Department at Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University and coordinator of several successful Erasmus+ projects—explained what is required to join an international consortium (a consortium is a temporary alliance of independent organizations, where each retains its autonomy, but together they sign a grant agreement and share joint responsibility) and for the application to pass validation. Olena explained in detail which documents must be prepared in advance: articles of association, extracts from registries, a certificate of non-profit status, financial statements, and orders appointing the director and team. She demonstrated how to properly register in the FTOP system, obtain a PIC code, designate responsible persons, and complete the EU Financial Identification Form. Without this step, no grant process can begin.
Special attention was given to current areas supported by the European Union. These include education, inclusion, digitalization, the environment, and support for communities in challenging circumstances. There are additional opportunities for Ukraine; for example, universities can focus on quality education, innovative methods, and joint degrees.
У результаті учасники отримали не лише нові знання, а й конкретні напрацювання: власні проєктні ідеї та розуміння, як рухатися далі.
For reference. The “U-LEAD with Europe” program for Ukraine, which focuses on local empowerment, accountability, and development, is jointly funded by the EU and its member states—Germany, Denmark, France, Austria, Poland, and Slovenia—to support Ukraine on its path toward strengthening local self-government. U-LEAD promotes transparent, sustainable, and accountable multi-level governance in Ukraine that responds to citizens’ needs and empowers communities.
The training was organized as part of the project “Establishment of a European Integration Office in the Mykolaiv Community,” implemented by the NGO “Adult Training and Education Center “Pivden” in partnership with the Mykolaiv City Council’s “Mykolaiv Development Agency” with the support of “U-LEAD with Europe.”
Photo: Mykolaiv Development Agency
