The Role of Higher Education in the Development of United European Values During the Post-War Reconstruction of Ukraine

Abstract

The article actualizes the role of university education in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. It is emphasized that in the context of Ukraine’s European integration progress and the need to unite Ukrainian society, it is increasingly important to promote, support and develop European values among young Ukrainians – higher education students who will participate in the restoration and development of Ukraine after the end of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Based on sociological research, the authors trace the dynamics of changing value orientations in Ukrainian society from a moderate and sceptical attitude to European integration and a fragmented and contradictory view of European values to unconditional support for the benefits of a democratic European model of social development. Sociological studies show the leading role of young people in perceiving and supporting the values of the United Europe, democratic transformations in Ukraine, respect for rights and freedoms, and the rule of law. The authors focus on the experience of Ukrainian universities in informing, teaching and promoting European values among higher education students from different regions of Ukraine. The authors propose tools for further development of European values during the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine through the introduction of educational programs, disciplines and modules of the Erasmus+ program: Jean Monnet. An important task of higher education is the introduction of educational programs for training specialists for the de-occupied territories, which will ensure effective governance, restoration of democratic mechanisms, social cohesion of Ukrainian society, and removal of possible contradictions and tensions in the de-occupied communities. The key role of higher education in peacekeeping is emphasized.