June–July 2026
University of Zagreb (Republic of Croatia)

Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University continues to steadily expand its network of academic partners abroad.

Cooperation with the University of Zagreb (Republic of Croatia) originated in 2021 through joint initiatives between the Faculty of Law and International Relations of Grinchenko University and the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb, initially focusing on guest lecture exchanges. In March 2023, during an academic fellowship undertaken by Maryna Bessonova, Associate Professor at the Department of International Relations at the Faculty of Political Science, further institutional collaboration was initiated. This effort led to the conclusion of an inter-institutional agreement on academic mobility under the Erasmus+ framework. Student exchange programs launched in 2023, offering semester-long study opportunities across Bachelor's programs ("Social Communications" and "Regional Studies") and Master's programs ("International Relations and Diplomacy" and "Social Communications").

An essential dimension of this academic partnership involved the active participation of Croatian colleagues in educational quality assurance procedures. Feedback and recommendations provided by our Croatian partners were integrated into the updated curriculum for the "Regional Studies" and "Social Communications" Bachelor's programs during the second semester of the 2023–2024 academic year. Notably, Professor Lidija Kos-Stanišić delivered formal academic reviews for these educational programs.

During an official working visit in June and July 2026 to the University of Zagreb, Iryna Sliusarenko, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law and International Relations, alongside with Associate Professor Maryna Bessonova, achieved a significant milestone in advancing institutional relations. Negotiations on formalizing the partnership were conducted in alignment with the Development Strategy of Grinchenko University for 2023–2027 and key UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on ensuring quality education, promoting peace, and building effective partnerships. These meetings culminated in the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Grinchenko University and the University of Zagreb.