In November 2024, the course “European integration and cooperation in energetics” was successfully completed at the Oleg Balatsky Department of Management of Sumy State University. The course has been implemented since 2022 within the Jean Monnet module “Smart energy cooperation in Europe: educational project for youth leaders” (101048079 – ERASMUS-JMO-2021-HEI-TCH-RSCH), with the support of the European Union.
A total of 98 students from various academic disciplines took part in the course. Its aim was to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of European approaches to energy policy, energy market governance, and the implementation of innovations in the energy sector. The program covered key topics, including:
- evolution of energy markets.
- conflicts in energy management and resource distribution.
- European Union energy policy and the role of ACER.
- alternative and renewable energy sources.
- regional energy efficiency policies.
- forms of European cooperation in energy.
- innovation as a driver of national energy security.
- new energy market design and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The course combined theoretical and practical components – interactive lectures, discussions, case study analysis, and group work. This approach enabled students to gain deeper insights into current energy challenges, familiarize themselves with European models of energy governance, and develop critical policy analysis skills.
The course not only enhanced the academic awareness of participants, but also contributed to shaping active civic engagement, a better understanding of the EU’s role in climate policy, and greater readiness among youth to participate in sustainable development and energy transformation processes in Ukraine.