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Events & News
To the President of Ukraine
Viktor Youshchenko

Dear Mr. President,


Your decision on “the termination of the functioning of the National Institute of International Security Problems (NIISP) by its joining to the Institute of National Security Problems (INSP) ”, formulated in your Decree of 4 November 2008 ¹ 997/2008 “On some arrangements as for reducing the expenditures of the state budget of Ukraine on the maintenance of administrative bodies” was a real shock not only for the personnel of the Institute, but also for our numerous intellectual labour colleagues both in Ukraine and abroad.

The above mentioned document on the pretext of fighting bureaucracy (which we absolutely agree as necessary) under the terms of “termination” and “joining” implies actual elimination of the National Institute of International Security Problems as a fundamental scientific research structure of supporting the state decisions on international relations, global, regional and national security issues.

For 11 years the Institute has been constantly forming as a state institution, combining fundamental research and applied elaborations with the operative information and analytical support to the President, the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as well as other highest government and administrative authorities. Moreover, the Institute is funded under the items of expenses on conducting fundamental and applied research in the sphere of national security, so it is not “maintained as the state apparatus”.

For many years the Institute has accumulated the best world practice and traditions of foreign policy analytical research. Within the system of international relations the Institute has successfully cooperated with a large number of scientific organizations and influential political circles of the leading world states, actively worked within the frameworks of international projects and programmes, effectively acted in the field of security sector reform.

The international activities of the Institute have made considerable contribution to the creation of the positive intellectual image of the state. Considering their high professional skills, our employees have always been able to become active guides of state foreign policy and even, when necessary, interpreters of the highest state officials in their confidential talks with foreign colleagues.

In this respect NIISP cardinally differs from INSP, which acts as a classic departmental scientific institution. Moreover, since the NIISP personnel has the status of state employees, the process of their “joining” IPNS is possible only after total discharge in established order. In reality it will lead to total collapse of scientific collective.

Dismissing the Institute will mean elimination of the preparation system of highly skilled personnel in the sphere of national security of Ukraine, since NIISP has the only one in the state postgraduate study on national security and two specialized scientific councils on defense of theses for obtaining scientific candidates’ and doctors’ degrees. Specialized periodical publication – quarterly scientific practical magazine of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine “Strategic Panorama” is going to disappear as well.

In the main, at the present stage and in medium-term prospect none of the state institutions is able to competently replace (not to substitute) NIISP in its work in the spheres of international security, Ukrainian-Russian relations, economic, information security and so on. So far, none of the highest instances has made any claims on inefficient and non-qualified work of the Institute. Moreover, the fact that the Institute personnel was not informed in advance about the forthcoming cardinal changes of its work is the violation of current legislation.

Indicated facts affirm that the Institute actually turned to the hostage of some political intrigues or even more, it became the object of solely material infringements (as NIISP owns the building of seven floors in Pechersk district, which was given to it in 1997 by the National Academy of Science of Ukraine).

To sum up, cutting of NIISP activity under the conditions of crisis development of the global world, financial and economic crisis and sharpening of international conflicts will lead to deintellectualization of foreign policy, losing state image, weakening of professional dialogue with the Euro-Atlantic intellectual elite, which will slow down Ukraine’s joining world, European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

Dear Viktor Andriyovych!

We sincerely expect you to understand that the elimination of NIISP will seriously damage the decision-making system under the condition of deepening of global world crisis. Under such circumstances, the world leading countries are just consolidating authorities and administration intellectual recourses, in addition they are creating “brain centers” on the state and public levels.

We call you to keep the National Institute of International Security Problems with its unique scientific collective, high intellectual potential, great experience and lasting traditions in the sphere of scientific and analytic providing of national security. We are open to constructive dialog and adequate changes according to real demands of the state and society.



Sincerely,

Collective of the National Institute of International Security Problems



Adopted on the general meeting on the 7th of November 2008. 		The appeal of the scientific and expert community representatives to the President of Ukraine as for actual elimination of the National institute of international security problems


We, independent representatives of scientific and expert community, appeal to you, Mr. President, in the connection of your Decree of November 4, 2008 ¹997/2008 “On some measures as for reducing the expenditures of the state budget of Ukraine on the maintenance of administrative bodies”, which envisages elimination of the National institute of international security problems.

This step has provoked grounded anxiety, since it is aimed at essential harming to the security segment of national fundamental science and applied researches. A direct result of such steps will be reduction of researches in the sphere of national and international security. Under the conditions, when the international situation is getting sharper, Ukrainian foreign policy tasks, which directly follow the practical realization of Euro-Atlantic strategy of Ukraine, are becoming more complicated and Ukrainian-Russian relations are achieving unprecedented complication, the decrease of national scientific potential in the security sphere is the direct threat to the national security in the whole.

We would like to draw your attention to the fact, that at the present moment the National institute of international security problems is the only one institution that makes researches in the security sphere directly in Ukraine. Combining expert and analytical activity with fundamental sciences and applied researches, the Institute prepares high-skilled personnel by such professions: 21.01.01 – fundamentals of national state security, 21.01.03 – humanitarian and political state security, 21.03.02 – regional security of the state, 21.03.03 – geopolitics.

For the last five years, about 30 theses for candidates’ and doctors’ degrees were defended in the Institute. Specialized Council of the Institute is the only one in Ukraine for the indicated professions.

The most important is that the further development of applied and fundamental researches on the questions of security is regulated by the main statute of the Law of Ukraine “On the fundamentals of the national security of Ukraine” (2003) and by the European security and defense politics (2003). In particular, the latest envisages “…making scientific researches, which are aimed at elaboration and introduction of the new methodology of crisis security management”.

Taking into account all that was said above, we appeal to you, Mr. President, with the request to reconsider that part of the Decree, which directly concerns the fate of the National institute of international security problems. We are sure that the strategic policy which is aimed at enhancing of national security of Ukraine in its inner and foreign aspects and which was approved by you, envisages not the reduction of scientific researches in the security sphere, but constant deepening of such researches. We assure you that there are many reasons to consider scientific potential of the National institute of international security problems to be sufficient for productive work in the sphere of national security and for effective search of effective solutions for the global and regional challenges of the national interests of Ukraine.

Sincerely and with the hope for understanding,

Scientific and expert community representatives.
SIGNATURES:
1. POPOVYCH Myroslav – academician of NAS of Ukraine, director of the Institute of philosophy of NAS of Ukraine
2. LYTVYN Volodymyr – Doctor of historical science, academician of NAS of Ukraine, vice-president of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine, people’s deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
3. LIBANOVA Ela - corresponding member of NAS of Ukraine, doctor of economic science, professor, director of the Institute of Democracy and Social Politics of NAS of Ukraine
4. KRUTOV Vasyl – general-lieutenant, doctor of juridical science, professor, former deputy secretary of the NSDCU (2005-2006), founder of the special subdivision “Alfa” of SSU
5. GEETS Valeriy – academician-secretary of NAS of Ukraine, academician of NAS of Ukraine, doctor of economic science, director of the Institute of Economy and Forecasting of NAS of Ukraine
6. KINAH Anatoliy – people’s deputy of Ukraine, the president of Ukrainian union of entrepreneurs and manufacturers, secretary of the NSDCU (2005-2006)
7. PAHOMOV Yuriy – academician of NAS of Ukraine, doctor of economic science, professor, director of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of NAS of Ukraine
8. LEVENETS Yuriy – doctor of political science, professor, corresponding member of NAS of Ukraine, director of the Kuras Institute of Political and Ethnonational Studies of NAS of Ukraine
9. YEVTUH Volodymyr – doctor of historical science, professor, corresponding member of NAS of Ukraine, head of department of the Dragomanov National Pedagogical University of Ukraine
10. NAULKO Vsevolod – doctor of historical science, professor, corresponding member of NAS of Ukraine, professor of Kyiv Slav University
11. LYSENKO Yuriy – corresponding member of NAS of Ukraine, doctor of economic science, professor, director of the Institute of Economic Dynamics Problems of Donetsk National University
12. CHUMACHENKO Mykola – adviser of the presidium of NAS of Ukraine, academician of NAS of Ukraine, doctor of economic science, professor
13. KOLESNIKOVA Nina – doctor of economic science, professor, pro-rector of the State Economic-Technical Transport University
14. SHULGA Mykola – doctor of sociological science, professor, deputy director of the Institute of Sociology of NAS of Ukraine
15. SOSKIN Oleg – doctor pf economic science, director of the Institute of Society Transformation, deputy head of the Coordinating Council of Public League of Ukraine – NATO
16. MANZHOLA Volodymyr – doctor of historical science, professor, head of international relations department of Kyiv Institute of International Relations
17. KAMINSKIY Yevgen – honoured scientist and technician, doctor of historical science, professor
18. HONCHARENKO Oleksandr – doctor of historical science, the president of the Center of International and Strategic Studies
19. POTEHIN Oleksandr – doctor of historical science, head of humanities department of the Kyiv Institute of Law of the NAS of Ukraine
20. SEMYVOLOS Ihor – director of the Center for Near Eastern Studies
21. DANYLOV Serhiy – the Center for Near Eastern Studies
22. KUBELIUS Oleksandr (father Oleksandr) – archpriest, doctor of theology
23. BAZYLYUK Antonina – doctor of economic science, professor, head of department of the National Transport University
24. LEVKOVETS Petro – doctor of technical science, professor, head of department of the National Transport University
25. ROMANENKO Larysa – doctor of economic science, professor, academician of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, honoured education worker of Ukraine, first vice-chancellor of the Open International University of Human Development
26. LAPKO Olena – doctor of economic science, professor, head of department of the Kyiv Banking Institute
27. AKULSHYN Oleksandr – doctor of technical science, deputy head of administration board of the Ukrainian Oil and Gas Institute
28. BONDAR Interna – doctor of economic science, professor, head of social policy section of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
29. ALEKSEEV Ihor - doctor of economic science, professor, head of chair of the National University Lviv Polytechnics
30. KUZMIN Oleh – doctor of economic science, professor, director of the Institute of Economics and Management of the National University Lviv Polytechnics
31. KRYKAVSKYY Yevhen – doctor of economic science, professor, head of chair of the National University Lviv Polytechnics
32. DANYLYUK Mykola – doctor of economic science, professor, head of chair of the National Technical University of Oil and Gas (Ivano-Frankivsk)
33. ZARUBIN Yuriy – doctor of technical science, professor, acting director of the Research Institute of Oil and Gas Industry of the National Stock-Company “Naftogaz Ukrainy”
34. OKARA Andriy – candidate of juridical science, director of the Centre for Eastern-European Studies, Moscow
35. YERMOLAYEV Andriy – director of the “Sofia” Social Studies Centre
36. FESENKO Volodymyr – candidate of philosophical science, head of administration board of the “Penta” Applied Political Research Centre
37. FINKO Anton – candidate of political science, expert of the Kyiv Centre for Political and Conflict Studies
38. ROMANENKO Yuriy – director of “Stratagema” Analytical Centre, chief of special projects of “Glavred” periodical
39. VOLOVYCH Oleksiy – candidate of historical science, director of the regional branch of the National Institute of Strategic Studies in Odesa
40. ZHANHOZHA Rustem – doctor of philosophical science, the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of NAS of Ukraine, member of the World Writers Association – International PEN-centr, member of the Writers’ Union of Ukraine
41. BABYCH Bohdana – director of the Institute of Practical Policy
42. MISHYN Andriy – candidate of political science, director of the State Institute of Family and Youth Development
43. HONCHAR Mykhaylo – director of energy programmes, “NOMOS” Centre, consultant of the Secretary of the NSDCU (1996-2000)
44. KRAPIVIN Oleksandr – doctor of historical science, professor, head of chair of international relations and foreign policy, director of the Scientific Informational Centre for International security of the Donetsk National University
45. FILIPENKO Anton – doctor of economic science, professor, President of the Ukrainian International Economists Association
46. BOHDANOVYCH Volodymyr – doctor of technical science, professor, professor of the chair of the national security of the National Academy of State Administration under the President of Ukraine
47.KONONCHUK Svitlana – head of the programs of Ukrainian Independent Center for Political Studies
48.VOZNYAK Taras – editor-in-chief of Independent cultural periodical “¯”, Lviv
49.MAGDYSH Iryna – editor of Independent cultural periodical “¯”, Lviv
50.MANACHYNSKYI Oleksandr – candidate of military science, senior scientific researcher, corresponding member of the International Personnel Academy, director of military strategic studies program of Ukrainian Association of Euro-Atlantic Integration
51.KULYK Vitaliy – director of the Research Center for Public Society Problems
52.BELASHKO Sergiy – director of Social Communications Agency
53.BILETSKIY Myhaylo – candidate of physic and mathematic science, politologist
54.TOLSTOV Sergiy – director of the Institute of Political Analysis and International Researches
55.YAKUSHYK Valentyn – doctor of political science, professor of the National University “Kyiv-Mohyla academy”
56.AMELCHENKO Natalia – head of politology department of the National University “Kyiv-Mohyla academy”
57.MAKSYMANKO Iryna – Center for International Studies of the Odesa National Mechnikov University
58. MOKIY Anatoliy – doctor of economic science, professor, pro-rector of international relations of Lviv Commercial Academy, chief scientific researcher of the Regional branch of the National Institute for Strategic Studies in Lviv
59. MALSKYI Markiyan – doctor of economic science, professor, head of international relations and diplomatic service department, dean of international relations department of the Lviv National Franko University
60.MYKIYEVYCH Myhaylo – doctor of juridical science, assistant professor, head of European law department, deputy dean of international relations department of the Lviv National Franko University
61.GRABYNSKYI Igor – doctor of economic science, professor, head of international economic relations department of the Lviv National Franko University
62.REPETSKYI Vasyl – candidate of juridical science, professor, head of international law department of the Lviv National Franko University
63.BILENKO Yuriy – candidate of economic science, assitant professor, head of international economic analysis and finance department of the Lviv National Franko University
64.ANTONYUK Natalia – doctor of historical science, professor, head of country studies and international tourism department of the Lviv National Franko University
65.ZELENKO Galyna – doctor of political science, Kuras Institute of Political and Ethnonational Studies of NAS of Ukraine, leading scientific researcher of the Lviv National Franko University
66.GORYN Mykola – political and public figure, deputy head of Lviv Regional Council
67.MEDVID Fedir – academician of the International Academy of Vital Activity Safety of NAS of Ukraine, leading scientific researcher of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of NAS of Ukraine
68.TOLKACHYOV Oleksiy – head of the National Security Public Committee of Ukraine
69.MARCHUK Valeriy – pro-rector of the Kyiv Humanitarian Institute
70.MATSELYK Myhaylo – head of economic-juridical disciplines department of the National State Taxation service university of Ukraine
71.SHTUKATURIN Sergiy – head of the Center for Political Studies
72.LEYVIKOV Sergiy – newspaper “A5”
73.UMLYAND Andreas – the Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany
74.YERMOLENKO Volodymyr – head of information and analytical web-site European educational portal
75.BORKOVSKYI Antin – deputy editor-in-chief of “Gazeta polvivsky” (Lviv newspaper)
76.BOGDANOVYCH Volodymyr – professor of national security department of the National Academy of State Administration under the President of Ukraine
77.GOLOBORODKO Iryna – member of International Human Rights Association, deputy head of Odesa regional Greek community, member of National Journalist Union, editor-in-chief of the “ODISSOS” newspaper
78.FLURI Phillip – deputy director of Geneva Center of the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF http://www.dcaf.ch\) (Switzerland)
79. KRUSHYNSKYI Vadym – doctor of political science, professor of the Kyiv National Shevchenko University, the Institute of international relations
80.GOLOBORODKO (LINARDATO) Iryna – human rights activist, member of International Human Rights Association, member of National Journalist Union, editor-in-chief of the “Odisos” newspaper, deputy head of Odesa Regional G.G. Marazli Creek Community
81.SHELEST Hanna – senior scientific researcher of the Regional branch of the National Institute of Strategic Studies in Odesa
82.LYAH Vitaliy – doctor of philosophic science, head of the history of foreign philosophy department of the Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NAS of Ukraine
83.POPOV Borys – candidate of philosophic science, leading scientific researcher of the Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NAS of Ukraine
84.BELYCHENKO Andriy – candidate of philosophic science, scientific researcher of the Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of NAS of Ukraine
85.DZUBA Ivan – adviser of the President of Ukraine, academician of NAS of Ukraine
86.KOSENKO Ivan – corresponding member of NAS of Ukraine, director of “Sofievka” dendro-park (Uman)
87.LOKTEV Vadym – academician-secretary of Physics and Astronomy Department of NAS of Ukraine
88.TARASCHENKO Dmytro – academic secretary of Physics and Astronomy Department of NAS of Ukraine, candidate of physic and mathematic study
89.BELYAEV Oleksandr – corresponding member of NAS of Ukraine, the Institute of Semi-Conductor Physics of NAS of Ukraine
90.SKLYARENKO Vitaliy – academic secretary of Literature, Language and Study of Art Department, director of Linguistic Institute of NAS of Ukraine, academician of NAS of Ukraine
91.BURBELA Viktor – academic secretary of Literature, Language and Study of Art Department of NAS of Ukraine, candidate of philological science
92.KNYAZEV Svyatoslav – academic secretary of Economic Department of NAS of Ukraine, candidate of economic science

Annual Meeting of the Regional Stability in Wider Black Sea Area Working Group, Partnership for Peace Consortium

12-13 November 2008, Kyiv

The event was organised by the Regional Stability in Wider Black Sea Area Working Group of PfP Consortium, the National Institute of International Security Problems at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine and the Ukrainian National Defence Academy.

The key issues on its agenda included discussion of security and stability issues in the Black Sea region after Georgia war (August 08), analysis of WG activities during 2007/08, endorsement of the programme of the Second Seminar of the Mobile Contact Groups Project and prospects for its Third Seminar.

The event included debrief on the First Seminar of the Mobile Contact Groups Project held in Bras,ov, Romania; it also identified prospects for its Second and Third Seminars. The next one will be held in spring 2009 in Sofia, Bulgaria, after NATO Summit.

Summing up the event its participants endorsed the seminar programme for 2009/10 and agreed to proposals of NATO International Staff for these seminars to be included in Individual Partnership Plans.

One of the seminars dedicated to crisis management has been initially planned to be hosted in Ukraine in 2009 with the National Institute of International Security Problems (NIISP) at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine being among its Ukrainian co-organisers. However, an authorised NIISP representative had not just to refuse organising this event in Ukraine in view of terminating NIISP activities in fulfilment of renowned Presidential Decree but also inform the audience on its withdrawal from the Consortium, which would not help the full-scale implementation of the Target Plan (goals 1.3.5. 'Scientific, technological and innovation development priorities' and 1.1.5.7. 'Strengthen Black Sea Regional Security').


International Round Table on Intelligence Ethic Code

28 October 2008, Kyiv

Organised by: National Institute of International Security Problems: Centre for Democratic control over Armed Forces (DCAF), Geneva; NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine.

The Round Table was attended by intelligence experts from the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Latvia, Ukrainian Members of Parliament, officials from the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) of Ukraine, special intelligence services, in particular, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine as well as the Ukrainian Association of Intelligence Veterans international public organisation.

The event was held in the atmosphere of free informal exchange of opinions on the level of real intelligence professionals and gave an opportunity to professionally test the Ukrainian draft Intelligence Ethic Code.

The discussion was focused on the rationality of developing the Intelligence Ethic Code and its implementation. Some aspects of morale and behaviour of an intelligence officer were discussed in detail. The participants endeavoured to analyse the international legal framework in this area as well as challenges in implementing ethic standards in intelligence practice. The attention was also drawn to various models of intelligence morale and lessons learnt while putting them in practice.

Representatives of NATO member nations positively assessed Ukraine's initiative in drafting the National Intelligence Ethic Code, which, in their opinion, is an essential component of ensuring the democratic civil control over activities of special services.

The draft National Intelligence Ethic Code was discussed in its essence, and proposals concerning its further development were carefully noted.

International Conference on the Theme: "Black Sea Space: from Interaction Strategy to Forming Regional Co-operation and Security System".

26 September 2008, Kyiv

The event was attended by state officials, academics, members of the diplomatic community and foreign experts from Romania, France, Azerbaijan and Belorussia.

The following topics were discussed during the conference:
- Looking for unifying factors for various interests in the Black Sea region;
- Co-operation in energy and transportation/communication lines projects in the Black Sea region;
- Economic co-operation of the Black Sea countries. Transfrontier co-operation;
- Black Sea regional security: challenges, threats and solutions.


Significant attention at the First Session was paid to discussing the dynamism of changes in the policy pursued by international organisations towards development of the Black Sea region and regional dimension of the Black Sea countries' foreign policy.
The Second Session was dedicated to possible directions for co-operation in the area of development of renewable energy sources. Its participants also touched upon the regional issues of environmental safety and development of transport infrastructure of the Black Sea region. The discussion was focused on forming the Black Sea regional transportation system and future exploring of energy transit potential of the region.
The Third Session considered trade and economic co-operation between the Black Sea countries and the economic dimension of co-operation with EU and NATO. Its participants also paid their interest to development of co-operation between regions immediately adjacent to state borders, combating on illegal migration in the region and looking for ways of better managing the visa issues.
The Fourth Session concentrated on discussing issues of managing the regional conflicts, counteracting asymmetric threats in the Black Sea region as well as disputable issues in relations between the neighbouring states.

Round Table on the theme: "Problems and Mechanisms of Implementation of Transit Potential of Ukraine".

27 June 2008, Kyiv

On 27 June 2008 the National Institute of International Security Problems at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine held a Round Table on the theme: "Problems and Mechanisms of Implementation of Transit Potential of Ukraine".

The event was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian NSDC Office, Ministries, NGOs as well as experts and academics.

The Round Table considered energy and transportation aspects of Ukraine's international security.

The event was aimed at looking for prospective directions for Ukraine's co-operation with EU and CIS member nations, in particular, in the area of energy transporting security area.

Its First Session concentrated on Ukraine's potential as energy transporting state accounting for the world trends in development of the fuel and energy sector.

The Second Session was dedicated to discussing topical issues of transport and communications branch as well as options for using Ukraine's transit potential including railway and pipeline transportation as well as sea and motor transport.

Main attention was paid to proposals and necessary justifications of specific economic projects implementation of which is of interest to Ukraine, ODED-GUAM nations, Central and Eastern Europe, Balkans and Central Asia.

Round Table on the theme: "Information Sovereignty and transparency of State Power in Ukraine".

17 June 2008, Kyiv

On 17 June 2008 the National Institute for International Security Problems at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine jointly with the Regional Representative Office of Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine and Belorussia held a Round Table on the theme: "Information Sovereignty and transparency of State Power in Ukraine".

The Round Table was attended by representatives of mass media, state authorities, non-governmental and government academic organisations.

The experts' work was organised in a form of 4-hours brainstorm split into three sessions: "State Sovereignty of Ukraine in Media and Information Sphere: Achievements and Drawbacks"; "Forming of National Identity in Ukrainian and European Dimensions"; "State Information Sovereignty in Relations of State with Mass Media and Public".

The discussions covered issues of information sovereignty and transparency of the state power as prerequisites of essential information support to democratic development of both society and the state.

It was stated that implementing of transparent home and foreign policy underpins respected international stand of Ukraine on the international arena. Open information policy is required by the Ukrainian nationals as well, as it is the only guarantor of their freedom of speech and the true civil control over actions and intentions of the authorities, and effective communication with central and local authorities.

The Training Seminar Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)

21 - 22 May 2008, Kyiv

The Training Seminar Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) jointly organised by Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich), and the National Institute of International Security Problems (NIISP) (www.niisp.gov.ua) was held in Kyiv during 21 - 22 May 2008 within the framework of NATO EAPC/PfP Partnership Action Plan Against Terrorism.

The Program of Training Seminar included formal instruction, case studies, policy projects and applications of OSINT techniques. The seminar focused on OSINT cycle management, requirements definitions, OSINT sources, software, services and application, OSINT infrastructure and tools, security, OSINT Planning and collection, collection typologies and processes, OSINT processing and production, application of information technology in open source intelligence as part of all-source intelligence.

The participants of the seminar highly praised the professional level and relevance of the event.

The ISN Information The International Relations and Security Network (ISN) conducts OSINT training in co-operation with security sector-related government institutions and agencies in Eurasia and the wider Middle East, in order to provide hands-on expertise on open source intelligence operations at both strategic and tactical levels for junior and senior-level analysts working in both civilian and military structures

The ISN works to promote a better understanding of the strategic challenges we face in today’s changed security environment.

Based in Zurich, Switzerland, at the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich), the ISN’s dedicated team – drawn from various disciplines, including the humanities, the social sciences, and information and communication technology – engage in research projects and education activities, provide news stories and in-depth analyses, and develop technologies for information sharing and for creating and supporting e-learning.

The ISN has close relationships with leading international partner institutes – research institutes, think tanks, and government and non-governmental organizations. The ISN supports its ever-increasing partner network by organizing conferences and seminars, bringing together experts and policy-makers, and fostering the electronic exchange of information.

Ukraine's National Interests in Integration Processes within CIS. Round Table

14 May 2008, Kyiv

Two sessions of the Round Table considered the issue in its two aspects: 'narrow' through prism of Ukraine-Russia bilateral relations, and 'wider' through prism of gereric problems of political nature specific for post-Soviet space. This enabled the participants to look at the issue of securing our national interests under opposite angles thus making it more vivid.

The Round Table has confirmed that issues of predominantly internal character prevail during our joint development, including complex social and economic situation, multifaceted social and political processes and, in some cases, high level of conflict potential in certain regions.

However, it would be difficult to achieve a strategic aim of finding and occupying a deserving place in European and Euro-Asian mega-region without establishing mutually beneficial and partner relations with Russia and other CIS nations, which are distant in their mindset. Therefore, the speakers were naturally tuned into seeking ways for engaging in active political dialogue.

In expert community's dimension the search for a new algorithm of evaluating relations at the post-Soviet space and prospects for their improvement started not from developing a 'grand strategy' but discussing of real issues appearing every now and then in geopolitical and geoeconomic atmosphere and looking for ways of managing these issues.

Interlocutors came to the conclusion that this format of discussion was useful, and ideas expressed at the conference should be translated into practical programmes developing Ukraine-Russia co-operation.

Ukraine-EU: on the Way to New Format of Relations International Round Table

24 April 2008, Kyiv

This event was jointly conducted by the National Institute of International Security Problems at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine and the Regional Office of Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine and Belorussia.

The first session entitled 'Will the New Agreement with EU Open the European Prospect to Ukraine' was concentrated on discussing issues of Ukraine-EU enhanced agreement, Ukraine's European aspirations and prospects for their implementation within the context of modern foreign policy priorities of our country, Ukraine's place in the European Union policy as well as external factors influencing the format of the future Ukraine-EU relations.

The second session entitled 'Ukraine-EU: Joint Security Challenges' was dedicated to the modern threats and challenges to the European Securoty Strategy, which is currently being amended. Significant attention was paid to NATO role in the European security system, new trends in the Alliance's development as well as Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration as a constituent of joining the common Europe.

At the conference the Round Table participants discussed similarities and differences in European and Euro-Atlantic security systems along with integration ways bringing Ukraine closer to EU.


Ukrainian Migration to Europe and Managing Related Regional Problems Conference

24 - 25 March 2008, Ternopil

The conference on the theme 'Ukrainian Migration to Europe and Managing Related Regional Problem' was held during 24 - 25 March 2008 in Ternopil by the National Institute of International Security Problems jointly with the Regional Representative Office of Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine and Belorussia and Ternopil Regional State Administration. Another event linked to the above held during the same period was a round table discussion on the theme 'Migration and Economic and Social Issues of Regional Development: Role of Local Government' held in Berezhany, Ternopil region.

The round table discussions in Berezhany concentrated on issues related to labour migration of the population from the district to foreign countries as well as other regions of Ukraine. It highlighted key social and economic factors leading to labour migration, analysed consequences of migration for the current situation and future development of the region. The discussion was aimed at identifying strategic activities to be undertaken by the local bodies to prevent further spread of migration processes and levelling their social, labour resources and other consequences.

The Conference in Ternopil focused on the regional features of the dynamics and results of labour migration of the Ukrainians, its influence on development on Ternopil region in particular. Attention was paid to such grave problems as loss of workforce of high quality by the regions and 'social orphanage' caused by migration (problems of children growing up without parents' supervision due to their labour migration).
Summing up the findings the conference participants came to the requirement of formulating recommendations for the national and local government on managing the migration related problems both regionally and nationally taking into account the results of the discussions.


Round Table on the Theme: "Theory and Practice of Forming the Ukrainian National Idea"

21 December 2007 , Kyiv

The event was attended by experts, academics and representatives of non-governmental organisations.
The Round Table was concentrated on discussing the priorities for the national state unity/ considering conceptual, scientific and methodological approaches to formulating the Ukrainian national identity and identifying ideological basis for consolidating the West and the South-East of Ukraine.
The discussion was focused on fundamental and applied grounds for further development of the Ukrainian statehood as the key factor of the modern nation building.

The Round Table on the Theme: "Openness and Transparency of the Ukrainian Government under its Reform"

30 November 2007, Kyiv

The experts' work was arranged as a 4-hour brainstorming session in two syndicates: "current Problems of Information Openness in relations of the Ukrainian Government with Mass Media" and "International Standards for Informational Transparency: Problems and Prospects for their Implementation in Ukraine".


The syndicates discussed issues of transparency and informational openness of governance structures as necessary prerequisites for sustainable democratic development of society and government as well as the key facilitator for implementing the effective policy able to enforce a real civil control.


International Conference: "Ukraine and Russia in Political Space of the Joint Europe "

22 October 2007, Kyiv

The Conference was conducted by this Institute together with the Regional Office of Fridrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine and Byelorussia.
The conference considered issues of Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic integration, new directions for development of the political dialogue in Ukraine-Russia-EU triangle, in particular, future of Ukraine-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, conceptual shift in interpreting Ukraine-Russia bilateral relations and the new Ukraine-Russia relations Strategy; European integration strategies of Ukraine and Russia and their public monitoring; Ukraine-Russia relations in the contecxt of the European energy security.
Moreover, the conference dwelt upon military-political, socio-political and humanitarian aspects of Ukraine-Russia co-operation in the context of interface with EU as well as on information security issues.

International Conference: "International Migration And Ukraine's Defelopment in European Integration Context"

16 October 2007, Kyiv

The conference was attended by the leading specialists from countries which had developed strong migration ties with Ukraine, in particular, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, the Russian Federation and the Czech Republic.
It considered topical issues of demographic situation like influence of international migration on various aspects of life of the Ukrainian society; ethnic and cultural interface as a result of international migration of population; interrelation between migrations and demographic development; economic consequences of international migrations; ways of state regulation of migration processes.
The conference came up with ideas, which can be of use in developing and implementing the state migration policy as well as co-operation between Ukraine and EU in the area of human migration.

Round Table: "Eastern Dimension of EU Policy"

27 September 2007, Kyiv

The Round Table on the theme: "Eastern Dimension of EU Policy" was held by the National Institute of International Security Problems at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine.

It concentrated on political aspects of EU co-operation with East and South-East Europe, and South Caucasus. Issues of energy and economy security were also discussed there.

Its first session was spent in discussing co-operation between EU and East, South-East Europe and South Caucasus, in particular, shifts in foreign policy strategies in the region after the European Union had identified new approaches to relationship with its eastern neighbours. Prospects and possible options for co-operation between the European Union and regional institutions in the area of managing threats and challenges to security were also considered.

The second session was devoted to topical issues of energy, transport and communication as well as economic security of the Southern Ukraine, and the Danube region of the Black Sea area. The key issues there were proposals and relevant justification of specific economic projects, which are in the interests of both Ukraine and GUAM, Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans and the Central Asia.


Round Table: Disposal of Liquid Components of Missile Fuel in FSU Countries: Problems and Ways of Managing Them

19 September 2007, Kyiv

On 19 September 2007 q round table on the theme: "Disposal of Liquid components of Missile Fuel in the Former Soviet Union Countries: Problems and Ways of Managing Them" was held by the National Institute of International Security Problems at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine jointly with Ukroboronleasing (Ukrainian Defence Leasing) state enterprise of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Embassy of Poland in Ukraine. Government officials, representatives of state authorities, academics, experts from non-government and international organisations and members of diplomatic missions were invited to attend the event.



The round table considered problems of disposal of liquid components of missile fuel and recuperation of territories contaminated by them. A Ukrainian-Polish project of 'melange' disposal was presented at the round table. It also covered issues of attracting international technical and financial aid for implementation of this project, in particular, via OCSE.

Implementation of the proposed project is of great importance in the process of disposal of fuel elements of missiles decommissioned in Ukraine in accordance with international agreements.


ÕV²² Economic Forum

5-8 September 2007, Krinica, Poland

The Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies (Warsaw), which is a partner of the National Institute of International Security Problems, has been running an annual Economic Forum for the last 16 years. The aim of this forum is to promote dialogue and co-operation among EU and its partner and neighbour countries. The forum is attended by heads of state, government officials, experts, representatives of business circles as well as NGO activists.
A seminar - discussion on the theme: "Black Sea Synergy.; New Platform for co-operation in the Region" was held on 7 September 2007 within the framework of the Forum. It was organised and conducted by the National Institute of the International Security Problems.
The topical issues of co-operation between EU and the Black Sea countries were considered at the seminar. They included, in particular, shifts in foreign policy strategies of the Black Sea countries concerning their relationship with EU after adoption of the Black Sea Synergy, prospects and possible options of co-operation between EU and regional organisations in the area of tackling challenges and threats to security; possible intensification of EU involvement in implementing regional economic and energy projects.
The participants of the discussion shared a view that it is vital to identify new models of co-operation between EU and countries / international organisations of the Black Sea region aiming to increase effectiveness of joint political, economic and energy projects. It is worth noting a remark of Julian Chifu, Director of the Conflict Prevention Centre (Romania), whose presentation covered regional security issues after Romania and Bulgaria accession to EU on 1 January 2007, that the Black Sea counties should be more active themselves and stimulate co-operation within the framework of already existing EU programmes as well as increase Europe's interest in them.
Another important issue, according to Manoli Panagiota, Director of Programs, International Centre for Black Sea Studies (Greece), is further development of mechanisms for rendering financial assistance by the European Union for implementing interregional projects initiated by the member countries and regional organisations of the Black Sea area (OBSEC, GUAM-ODDD, CDC, etc.), and an active dialogue of the member states with the European Commission on these issues.

"Round Table" On Economic Co-operation within GUAM Framework.

14 June 2007

The event was attended by representatives of state authorities, experts, members of non-governmental organisations, academics and diplomats. The Round Table was opened by GUAM Secretary General, Mr Valerii Chechelashvili.
The Interstate Programme of Danube Energy Transport Bridge project was presented during the round table. It also dealt with issues of energy, transport and communication as well as trade and economic co-operation within GUAM framework.
Issues of energy security and efficient use of transport corridors were also considered during the event. The forum looked into trade turnover of GUAM member nations and identified prospect ways of intensifying their trade and economic relations.
The discussions concentrated on search for potential directions for implementation of economic co-operation between GUAM member nations, expert assessment of economic constituent of the regional partnership as well as ways and opportunities for its further development. The joint work led to the shared view on requirement to co-ordinate economic policy of GUAM member nations, arrangements for multifaceted structure for international co-operation, implementation of joint economic programmes of regional co-operation, first and foremost in energy and transport areas. In order to increase efficiency of interaction within GUAM it is necessary to transit from declarations to focusing on specific joint tasks. Danube Energy Transport Bridge, for example, was mentioned among such projects, which could put the member nations together.

International Conference On Prospects for Co-operation between EU and Black Sea Regional Organisations

27 April 2007

The conference concentrated on key issues of existing regional bodies assisting regional co-operation within the wider Black Sea region looking at scope of their activities, tasks, areas covered and role they play in bringing non-EU member nations closer to acquiring full membership in the European Union as well as formulating new networks for co-operating with EU and identifying potential for re-designing the EU good-neighbouring policy towards the Black Sea nations.
The conference gave its attention to assessing efficiency of regional structures in the Black Sea region, identifying EU priorities there, correlating EU interests and those of other influential geopolitical players as well as analysing foreign policy strategies of the Black Sea states regarding prospects of the regional co-operation.
The international conference participants discussed integration of the Black Sea states into the European economic space, looked into their place in EU economic and transport policy, examined problems of security and stability in the Black Sea region and their influence on the architecture of European security as a whole.


Ukraine-NATO Round Table: Role of Parliament in the National Security and Defence Area

28 March 2007

The Round Table continued series of activities looking into Ukraine's national security and defence reform, role and place of the Parliament in managing this vital issue, identifying strategic directions and priorities in this area taking into account other countries' experience.
In their speeches and discussions the participants paid attention to reform in Ukraine's security and defence sector, civil-military relations and international co-operation of the Supreme Council (Rada) of Ukraine with other European parliaments.
The discussion enabled the participants to realise the current state of parliamentary control over the national security and defence sector and familiarise themselves with the experience of developed democratic countries in this area.




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