The international activities and research partnerships of Khmelnytskyi National University continue to yield significant achievements, strengthening our institution's reputation at the European level. We are pleased to share the excellent news that Professor Ilona Dumanska of the Department of International Economic Relations, Doctor of Economic Sciences, has received an honorary distinction — CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION.
The certificate is an official recognition of her significant contribution to the MBA programme in Customs Process Management, delivered by the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania.
From February to May 2026, Professor Ilona Dumanska served as an invited consultant for international master’s students, providing guidance, supervision, and expert insights during the preparation of their final master’s thesis projects. The research topics addressing trade barriers in the context of EU–Ukraine relations were particularly relevant and valuable. Lithuanian colleagues expressed their sincere gratitude to Professor Dumanska for her time, high level of expertise, and invaluable contribution, which provided substantial support for the academic development of future European professionals.
Where It All Began: A Strong Erasmus+ Foundation
This achievement is a natural continuation of long-term and productive cooperation that began in spring 2023 ( https://khmnu.edu.ua/teaching-week-erasmus-u-lytvi-dosvid-profesora-ilony-dumanskoyi/).
The foundation for expanding international horizons was laid through a cooperation agreement between Khmelnytskyi National University and Vytautas Magnus University, made possible through the dedicated work of KhNU’s International Relations Office. In 2023, among 90 participants from 18 countries, Professor Dumanska represented KhNU with distinction by delivering a series of open lectures for European students on current issues in commerce, logistics, and market research. Particular interest and lively discussion were generated by the topic of integrating Ukraine’s logistics system into European logistics corridors, especially in light of changes introduced by the European Commission to the indicative maps of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Another important focus was an analysis of the role of the ports of Gdańsk and Klaipėda in the export of Ukrainian grain.
It was during this mobility period that strong professional connections were established with Lithuanian colleagues, particularly Dr Gintarė Vaznonienė and Dr Erika Besusparienė, Head of the Customs Administration Programme. Joint discussions of course syllabi, mutual consultations on academic and professional matters, and the exchange of experience in implementing educational technologies developed into a long-term partnership.
Ilona Dumanska during her mobility with Dr Erika Besusparienė, Head of the Customs Administration Program
The recognition received by Professor Ilona Dumanska for consulting MBA master’s students in 2026 is clear evidence that the Erasmus+ mobility initiative launched three years ago has evolved into deep, systematic, and mutually beneficial academic cooperation.