The Tailored Onsite Knowledge and Analytical Skills Programme at the College of Europe in Natolin is a core training initiative designed to equip Ukrainian public administration employees with the knowledge and analytical skills required for the European Union accession process. The programme supports participants in developing practical expertise that can be directly applied to Ukraine’s preparations for EU membership.
The training is delivered in small, closely connected groups of up to ensure an effective and comfortable learning environment. A total of 12 groups is formed, each comprising up to nine participants, with approximately 100 Ukrainian public administration employees taking part overall. The programme places particular emphasis on preparation for and participation in EU accession negotiations.
Each six-week session provides an intensive and immersive learning experience in Natolin (Warsaw). Participants examine the institutional, legal, and procedural aspects of the EU accession process while strengthening their research and policy analysis capacities. After successful completion of the training the participants become members of the N4CB alumni network.
The programme is delivered in the academic environment of the College of Europe in Natolin. Participants benefit from instruction provided by both academics and high-level officials from EU Member States and other European countries. The programme brings together experts from, among others, Poland, Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Romania, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
The faculty includes former and current officials of the European Commission, among them a former Commissioner, Directors-General, and senior policy officers, as well as diplomats with practical experience of the 2004, 2007, and 2013 EU enlargements.
The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical application. Training for each group is closely tailored to participants’ professional needs and aligned with their work within the relevant clusters and acquis chapters.
Throughout the programme, participant develop their analytical capacities, culminating in the preparation of an analytical paper. This analytical work is conducted as an educational simulation in which participants assess the feasibility of incorporating a selected EU provision into Ukraine’s legal system and identify the administrative measures required for its effective implementation. Where appropriate, participants may also formulate a draft negotiation position.
In the process, each participant is guided in a 1:1 mentorship by the Project Mentor who include former and current high-EU and Member State officials with direct experience of EU accession processes.
The programme is complemented by off-site visits that provide participants with direct insight into European and Polish institutions. In previous editions, participants visited, among others:
In addition, participants visited with more than 20 different ministries and central government agencies to deepen their understanding of sector-specific implementation practices.
Each cohort also undertakes a study visit outside Warsaw to examine EU integration processes from the perspective of local government.
Cluster 3 - Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth
Cluster 5 – Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion
Cluster 4 – Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity
This programme is offered to enhance the knowledge and skills of Ukrainian public administration officials so that they can professionally and successfully manage the EU accession process.
The College of Europe in Natolin organises the Tailored Onsite Knowledge and Analytical Skills Programme (training) as part of Natolin4Capacity Building Phase II – Strengthening Ukrainian Public Administration for EU Integration. The project is funded by the European Union.
The programme lasts 6 weeks.
The training will take place at the campus of College of Europe in Natolin (Warsaw, Poland).
The schedule of separate editions is available on the project website www.natolin4cb.eu.
English is the language of instruction for all training assignments.
The training is delivered fully onsite in Warsaw. Prior to their arrival to Warsaw participants will meet online their individual mentors.
The weekly workload amounts to c.a. 20-25 hours, excluding work on analytical papers.
In principle, there are no assignments planned for weekends.
Yes, participants will receive a certificate of successful completion of the training.
The participant receives a certificate upon completing all training assignments and delivering an analytical paper developed during the training stay.
The analytical paper is a written work developed by each participant during their training stay and delivered to the mentor at the end of training period. During a wrap-up session of the programme, each participant will present orally the summary of their analytical paper. The main goal of developing an analytical paper is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support, present, and defend potential derogation subjects in negotiations with the EU, as well as to implement the legislative changes required for successful integration.
Yes, each participant will benefit from regular assistance from experts who will mentor the process from its very beginning to successful completion. The support will be delivered during the whole period of training in the form of regular group and individual meetings with Mentors.
The training is open to Ukrainian public administration employees who are professionally engaged in the EU accession process.
The deadline for submission of applications for respective training editions are available on the website of the N4CB Project.
The cost of participating in this training is fully covered by the European Union.
The Organiser will cover the costs of:
Yes, each participant will receive a scholarship (cash), which will cover the following costs: international travel (back-to-back), local travel in Warsaw, catering (breakfasts, dinners, and lunches not provided at the College canteen, usually during weekends), and incidentals.
The training participants will be accommodated in apartments comprising separate bedrooms, conveniently located within a 30- 40-minute journey by public transport from the training venue.
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from Monday to Thursday available at the Natolin canteen will be provided by the Project. The meals on other week days will be organised by the participants themselves, using the scholarship provided by the Project.
The organiser provides insurance against accidents.
You can reach us by e-mail or phone (+48 602463806 WhatsApp). The details are available at www.natolin4cb.eu.
In principle, the training programme will include knowledge and skills components.
The knowledge component will include knowledge-related meetings and sessions with experts on topics related to European integration, such as the organization and stages of the accession process, current negotiation structure (clusters), management and coordination of the pre-accession process, EU policymaking, and select EU policies and/or acquis chapters. The module may also cover specific issues related to the EU's institutional and legal structure as needed to level participants’ preparation for more specialized topics.
The skills component will focus on learning and practicing the professional skills needed to become successful negotiators or skilled analysts. It will include workshops on negotiation techniques, internal management and coordination of pre-accession and accession negotiations, strengthening legal analysis capabilities, EU acquis compliance assessments, and regulatory impact assessments. Workshops will also support the preparation of analytical papers, covering research methodology, data collection and analysis, and the development of thematic analyses and position papers. Simulation games will be utilized as a supplementary tool in these workshops, enabling participants to acquire knowledge and practice procedures critical for EU accession negotiations and their preparation.
The courses will be led by recognised experts and outstanding practitioners, each possessing deep expertise and extensive experience in their respective fields.
Yes, the Organiser will offer a number of various cultural events to the participants in their leisure time.