The Slovak expert team consisting of Oľga Gyárfášová (IVO), Ivo Samson (RC SFPA), and Robert Ondrejcsák (CENAA) traveled in early November at the route Odessa – Simferopol - Kiev. In these three Ukrainian cities seminars, workshops, and round table discussions  focused on topic Experiences of Slovakia on the road to Euro-Atlantic integration were held. Series of events were conducted within the project Assistance to Ukraine in increasing public awareness about NATO: Slovakia’s experience  funded by a grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs SR.

Slovak experts made presentations on topics Euro-Atlantic integration as key element of the transformation process – significance of the Slovak experience for Ukraine; Public debate about NATO and Security sector reform. Each presentation was followed by a commentary by Ukrainian speaker and vivid discussion. Participants’ questions, and often also critical inputs (above all about NATO) reflected the fact, that in the Ukrainian society integration is a very present, and often even controversial topic.

Mr. Attila Szép, representative of the Slovak Embassy to Ukraine was present at all organized events. Slovak Embassy is the NATO contact Embassy in 2007-2008. Project has been conducted in cooperation with Center for Peace, Conversion and Foreign Policy, as well as with local organizations in Odessa and Crimean Simferopol.




Conclusion of the seminar in Odessa. From left to right: Attila Szép (Slovak Embassy to Ukraine), Robert Ondrejcsák (CENAA), Oleg Capenko (Center of Black Sea studies, Odessa), Oľga Gyárfášová (IVO), Ivo Samson (RC SFPA), Oleksandr Sushko (Center for Peace, Conversion and Foreign Policy, Kiev), Lilija Novickaja, Odessa.