The Sustainable Language Education and Media: Bridging the Gap Between EU-Ukraine (SLEMBG) project successfully concluded its third and final Summer School in October 2024, marking another significant step toward strengthening EU-Ukraine cooperation in education and media. The Summer School brought together students, media professionals, civil society representatives, and policymakers to foster a deeper understanding of European values, sustainable education, and digital literacy in an ever-evolving information landscape with Ukraine now as an EU candidate country.
Building upon the success of the previous editions, the 2024 Summer School focused on enhancing participants’ competencies in three core areas:
- EU Language and Media Policies – A deep dive into how EU regulations influence linguistic diversity, media sustainability, and digital transformation in education.
- Combating Disinformation and Strengthening Media Literacy – Equipping participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to recognize, counteract, and prevent disinformation, a crucial skill in modern media environments, especially taking into account the ongoing Russian aggression.
- Sustainable Education and Digital Tools for Professional Growth – Exploring best practices in European higher education, with an emphasis on digital resources, open-access educational platforms, and e-democracy tools.
Attendees had the chance to exchange ideas with representatives from civil society, policymakers, and educators, fostering partnerships for future cooperation. The school provided participants with skills to utilize EU-based digital platforms and communication strategies to advance democratic engagement and media transparency.
We believe that the 2024 Summer School made a lasting impact on its participants, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to apply European communication and education standards within their professional fields. As Ukraine, as an EU candidate country, continues its path toward European integration, initiatives like the SLEMBG Summer School play a crucial role in equipping professionals with the tools to navigate this transition effectively. The project’s final Summer School in 2024 stands as a testament to the power of education, media literacy, and cooperation in shaping a more resilient and informed Ukrainian society in times of unprovoked Russian aggression.