Information on the thesis

The  thesis  highlights  important  issues  of  German-Ukrainian  cooperation  in  the
humanitarian  sphere  within  the  period  from  90s  of  the  20 th   –  early  21 st   century.  The
analysis  of  the  reliable  sources  contributes  to  understanding  of  the  nature  of  this
cooperation and allows to draw the conclusion that at the beginning of the 21 st  century
state  authorities,  cities  and  regions  and  diverse  non-governmental  organizations  have
been  recognized  as  the  institutional  agents  of  German-Ukrainian  cooperation.  In  the
early  1990s  activity  of  non-governmental  organizations,  some  public  figures
significantly intensified cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. The result
was the creation of the joint German-Ukrainian commissions and working groups which
performed important coordinating activities of narrow specialization.
The thesis offers insights into the content and cooperation peculiarities between
Germany  and  Ukraine  in  the  sphere  of  higher,  vocational  and  school  education.  The
emphasis  is  laid  on  the  new  interesting  forms  of  cooperation  such  as  internships,
exchange  of  experience  within  the  program  framework  of  educational,  scientific  and
artistic-cultural summer schools; joint  drafting and implementation of methodological
editions  and  training  courses  in  educational  institutions;  working  out  qualification
standards,  approbation  of  professions,  establishment  of  model  training  centers  and
training  firms  in  the  system  of  vocational  education;  establishment  of  Ukrainian-
German  departments  and  institutions,  educational  and  cultural  centers  at  Ukrainian
universities  and  organizing  other  German  informative  and  educational  events  in
Ukraine.
The  peculiarities  of  the  German-Ukrainian  scientific-technical  cooperation
provide further opportunities for the expansion of bilateral relations in various fields of
science.  Mutual  interest  to  this  area  has  led  to  launching  joint  projects,  creation  of
research centers with the involvement of experts from Germany and Ukraine into their
studies,  publishing  the  results  of  researches  in  the  books,  articles  in  the  scientific
journals and the like. Special attention is focused on the importance of certain scientific,
educational and cultural institutions in Germany and Ukraine regarding launching and
development of bilateral humanitarian relations.
The  study  reveals  the  features  of  modern  German-Ukrainian  literary,  musical,
theatrical  and  cinematographic  relations.  Exchange  of  experience,  setting  up  new
contacts  and  reporting  the  results  of  creative  cooperation  are  performed  through
international festivals and competitive events. Active cultural dialogues between both
countries  are  held  during  the  days  of  national  culture,  literature,  theatre,  cinema  and
national music. Key findings of the case study of German-Ukrainian cooperation within
the period under consideration demonstrate that the basic forms of cultural exchange are
tours of soloists and groups, joint concerts and theater performances, obtaining special
education with the involvement of teaching professionals from both countries.
The thesis reveals also importance of bilateral contacts in the field of fine  arts.
The  author  argues  the  provision  that  galleries  and  exhibitions  activity,  festival
movement,  experimental  creative  projects  determine  the  fundamentals  of  German-
Ukrainian artistic cooperation. It has been proved that cooperation in this area enables
local  and  foreign  artists  and  art  schools  to  present  their  achievements  to  the  world
community, to get international recognition, attract philanthropists to art projects. The
results  of  the  research  show  that  the  content,  achievements  and  problems  of  the
restitution process play a prominent role in establishing effective cooperation between
both countries. Throughout the 1990’s and at the beginning of 21 st  century Germany and
Ukraine returned to each other a number of cultural attractions, carried out restoration
works, and this process is still in the focus of bilateral relations today.
The  thesis  examines  the  essence  and  peculiarities  of  the  German-Ukrainian
cooperation  in  the  field  of  mass  media.  Cooperation  in  the  field  of  broadcasting  is
realized through the exchange of information materials, joint preparation of journalistic
reports, programs on exchange of experience. At the present stage, the importance of
media  festivals,  exhibitions,  scientific  and  educational  events,  international  programs
awards  has  increased  significantly.  In  this  respect  the  study  of  joint  educational  and
methodical  research  publications  in  the  field  of  journalism  is  extremely  important.
Enhancing interaction and cooperation between the media of both countries, their search
for new forms and expansion of Ukrainian media presence in Europe, and Germany in
particular,  is  of  special  importance  for  our  country  in  terms  of  confrontation  in  the
information war with Russia.
The  overall  analysis  of  the  humanitarian  aspects  of  German-Ukrainian
cooperation in the period of Ukrainian independence, based on the reliable sources and
data, contributes greatly to the understanding of the importance of this cooperation for
the  future  of  Ukraine  as  a  member  of  European  Union  and  provides  further
opportunities for the study of other aspects of bilateral relations between Ukraine and
Germany, or other countries of Europe and the world.
Key  words:  international  cooperation,  the  Federal  Republic  of  Germany,
Ukraine, humanitarian relations, cultural and artistic contacts, media sector, educational
cooperation, scientific and technical cooperation.