22 May 2006

NATO Academy in Odessa Background NATO-Ukraine relations Multimedia Programme of the academy The Center for International Studies at the National Mechnikov University organized its first NATO Academy for junior faculty members and PhD students from 22 to 24 May 2006 in the port city of Odessa, with the support of the NATO Information and Documentation Centre in Ukraine. The event focused on the theme of " Security Challenges and Opportunities in the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas”. Participants included faculty members and PhD students of political studies, international relations and security studies from all regions of Ukraine. Participants from neighbouring counties were also invited to take part in the three-day event. The Academy gave the participants the opportunity to exchange views with NATO officials, academics and experts on security issues in person and by videoconference between Odessa and Brussels. Topics of discussion included “The European Component of Euro-Atlantic Security”, “Democracy, Stability and Security”, “NATO Cooperation with Partners: Aims and Benefits”, “The Transatlantic Component of Euro-Atlantic Security”, “Security in the Black and Caspian Seas: Role of NATO and Regional Initiatives” and “Upcoming Challenges and Regional Security”. Two more regional Academies are planned in 2006, with the support of the NATO Information and Documentation Centre.