Tailored Onsite Training in Natolin
About
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.
Educational Programme delivered by professionals and academics
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.
Analytical Skills Development and 1:1 Mentoring
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.
Study visits and off-site trips
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:
- European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex)
- Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the OSCE
- European Commission Representation in Poland
- Polish Institute of International Affair
- Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW)
- Polish Economic Institute (PISM)
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.