Professor Yevgen Sokol, Rector of the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute,» participated in the 2026 EUA Annual Conference, organized by the European University Association (EUA). One of the leading annual forums for leaders of European higher education institutions took place at Yeditepe University in Istanbul. The theme of this year’s event was «University cooperation in changing contexts.» The EUA Annual Conference brought together university administrators, experts, and partners from various European countries. The event’s goal was to discuss the strategic development of higher education, international cooperation, research, and innovation. The Association represents universities and rectors’ conferences from 48 countries and plays a key role in shaping European education policy and the development of the Bologna Process.
This year’s European University Association conference focused on the transformation of university collaboration in the context of geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, sustainable development, and economic challenges. Participants discussed how universities can build effective partnerships with one another, with the public sector, industry, and international organizations—at the local, national, and international levels. For NTU «KhPI,» participation in such an event holds special significance. Amid the war, the massive challenges facing Ukrainian education, and the need for further integration into the European educational and scientific space, the university continues to develop international partnerships, academic mobility programs, dual degree programs, and joint educational and scientific initiatives. «For Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, participation in the European University Association conference is not only an opportunity to be part of a pan-European dialogue but also an important step toward strengthening the position of Ukrainian technical education in Europe. Today, universities must do more than just cooperate—they must jointly respond to the challenges of our time,» noted Professor Yevgen Sokol, Rector of NTU «KhPI.»
During the conference, particular attention was paid to the role of universities in maintaining academic resilience, fostering innovation, and developing new models of international partnership. These issues are extremely relevant for Ukrainian universities, as they concern not only educational integration but also the support of scientific potential, student mobility, and the country’s long-term recovery. «Ukrainian universities are currently operating under extraordinary conditions, yet they demonstrate a strong capacity for development, adaptation, and international collaboration. NTU «KhPI» is consistently moving toward deepening cooperation with European partners, and it is precisely platforms such as the EUA Annual Conference that open up new opportunities for dialogue and joint projects,» emphasized Yevgen Sokol.
Participation in the 2026 EUA Annual Conference was the confirmation of the active international role of the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» (NTU «KhPI») and its commitment to being a full-fledged participant in the European higher education area. The university will continue to work on expanding partnerships, developing modern educational programs, and enhancing academic mobility. «The future of universities lies in openness, trust, and cooperation. It is through partnership that we can create new opportunities for students, faculty, researchers, and the entire Ukrainian higher education system,» emphasized the rector of NTU «KhPI.»
The involvement of representatives from NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» in events of this caliber helps strengthen the university’s international standing, expand its presence in European educational networks, and create new prospects for the development of engineering education in Ukraine.
Participation in the 2026 EUA Annual Conference reaffirmed the active international role of the NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» (NTU «KhPI») and its commitment to being a full-fledged participant in the European higher education area. The university will continue to work on expanding partnerships, developing modern educational programs, and enhancing academic mobility. «The future of universities lies in openness, trust, and cooperation. It is through partnership that we can create new opportunities for students, faculty, researchers, and the entire Ukrainian higher education system,» emphasized the rector of NTU «KhPI.»
The involvement of representatives from Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute in events of this caliber helps strengthen the university’s international standing, expand its presence in European educational networks, and create new prospects for the development of engineering education in Ukraine.
Note:
Yeditepe University is a private institution of higher education located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a modern university offering programs taught in English, founded in 1996. Yeditepe University is a member of the European University Association (EUA). The independent THE university ranking places this institution of higher education at 1.501st in the world.
The National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» is one of Ukraine’s leading and largest technical universities, founded in 1885. Today, NTU «KhPI» comprises 11 academic and research institutes and 103 departments, with over 15,000 students enrolled. Kharkiv Polytechnic is among the top 5 universities in Ukraine and ranks highly among domestic higher education institutions in prestigious international rankings. In 2010, NTU «KhPI» acquired the status of a national research university. In 2022, the unique IT specialist training program Innovation Campus at NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» was awarded a global «silver» in the field of education. According to the results of the state accreditation by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine in 2025, NTU «KhPI» ranked first among 78 domestic higher education institutions in the engineering and technology field, receiving an «A» rating, and entered the top 5 Ukrainian universities in the natural sciences and mathematics category.
The European University Association – 2026 EUA Annual Conference took place in Istanbul on April 16–17, 2026.