Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies Frankfurt (Oder) – Berlin (KIU) • European University Viadrina

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About

The KIU competence network is a four-year DAAD-funded project to strengthen Ukraine-related research, teaching, networking and transfer activities. The competence network, initiated and led by the European University Viadrina, includes the ZOiS, the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, the Freie Universität Berlin, the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the Wissenschaftskolleg Berlin.

KIU – Competence Network for Interdisciplinary Ukraine Studies Frankfurt (Oder)-Berlin and the “Denkraum Ukraine” Regensburg, led by the European University Viadrina, are the two Ukraine Centers in Germany funded by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). Together, they are working on building Ukraine-related academic research and teaching, disseminating Ukraine expertise in politics, academia, media, and civil society, as well as promoting a Europe-wide dialogue with Ukraine.

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News

Upcoming Courses: Winter Semester 2025/26

New Ukraine-Related Courses at the Europa-Universität Viadrina, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, and the Freie-Universität Berlin. We are excited to announce a new series of lectures and specialized courses focusing on Ukraine at the EUV, HU, and FU. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including Ukrainian language, literature, political history, and media analysis, offering students a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of Ukraine's rich cultural and political landscape. Ukrainian Language Courses for various proficiency levels are also available, providing learners with the chance to build or strengthen their language skills alongside thematic academic studies.

Civil Sphere Theory Conference Explores Central and Eastern Europe’s Democratic Challenges

The international conference “The Civil Sphere in Central and Eastern Europe” took place on 30 June–1 July 2025 at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany. Co-organized by Nadya Jaworsky (Masaryk University Brno) and Susann Worschech (European University Viadrina), the event gathered scholars from across the world to examine civil, uncivil, and noncivil dynamics in post-socialist societies. The result will be an edited volume entitled Post-Transformation and the Civil Sphere in Central and Eastern Europe, to be published in 2026 by Palgrave MacMillan, with Jeffrey Alexander, Nadya Jaworsky and Susann Worschech as editors.

NEW - KIURIOUS Interview with Prof. Roman Petrov

A controversial law curbing the power of Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies sparked widespread protest. A second legislative amendment, passed by the Ukrainian parliament just days after the initial vote, ultimately prevented the curtailment of the agencies’ independence. Legal scholar Prof. Roman Petrov provides background on the legislative changes and explains what the controversy reveals about the country’s political system and its relationship with the European Union.

09. September 2025

The Future of EU Support for Ukraine: Ensuring Security, Justice, and Peace in a Shifting Transatlantic Landscape (Online)

In an era of transatlantic uncertainty—marked by shifting U.S. foreign policy and evolving global dynamics—the European Union faces mounting pressure to assume leadership in advancing justice and durable peace in Ukraine. This policy-oriented panel convenes leading legal scholars, diplomats, and regional experts to critically assess whether the EU can uphold its commitments: providing military and economic support, securing accountability for war crimes, and facilitating a just and lasting peace for Ukraine Moderated by IEP and hosted in collaboration with ZOiS and KIU, the Europe Talks forum offers a platform for in-depth policy dialogue. This event is a opportunity to engage with the EU’s evolving strategic role in supporting peace and justice in Ukraine. Register now below

29. July 2025

Our KIU YouTube Channel Is Live!

We are excited to announce the launch of our official YouTube channel. The channel features lectures, panel discussions, interviews, and event highlights.

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18. July 2025

New publication: Identity Speaks: How Language Ideologies Are Reshaping Ukraine from KIU Fellow Liudmyla Pidkuimukha

The latest ZOIS Spotlight explores how language ideologies are reshaping Ukraine’s cultural and political landscape. It examines the conscious “linguistic conversion” of many Russian-speaking Ukrainians to Ukrainian as an act of identity, as well as the complex role of decolonising language in everyday life, education, and culture.

Fellowships and Programmes

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Fellowships

The KIU Research Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies supports innovative and significant research on topics related to Ukraine.

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Programmes

The KIU Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies Frankfurt (Oder) – Berlin offers various programmes. Among them is its first Summer School on "War in Ukraine: Destruction of heritage – mastering legacy".