Romanian Universities Join Ukraine Studies Coalition

Three Romanian universities have joined the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies following the signing of memoranda during Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska’s visit to Romania on May 13, 2026. The institutions are the University of Bucharest, Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca and Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava.

The University of Bucharest offers programs covering Ukrainian language, literature, culture, history and civilizational studies. Babeș-Bolyai University has operated a Ukrainian language and literature program for more than 20 years, while Ștefan cel Mare University offers a bachelor’s degree in Ukrainian language and literature.

Zelenska said the coalition would create opportunities for expanded academic partnerships, research and educational initiatives. She described cooperation among universities as a way to counter disinformation and promote broader understanding of Ukraine’s history and identity.

During the visit, Zelenska also met Romanian First Lady Mirabela Grădinaru and thanked Romania for its support of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion. She invited Grădinaru to the sixth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, scheduled to take place in Kyiv this autumn.

Zelenska additionally visited the “Colors of the Mind” exhibition, featuring artwork by children and teenagers involved in the Madrigal for Hospitals art-therapy program. She highlighted the exhibition’s focus on children’s mental health and the importance of discussing emotional well-being openly.