On September 26, the European Union celebrates the European Day of Languages. The holiday was established on 6 December 2001 by the Council of Europe to inspire people in Europe to learn languages and is dedicated to the rich diversity of languages that coexist in Europe and beyond. This day once again reminds us of the importance of learning foreign languages and preserving linguistic identity.

In connection with the granting of Ukraine’s EU candidate status and the official recognition of English as one of the languages of international communication in Ukraine, the ability of public servants to communicate in foreign languages in the course of their official activities is of particular importance. The High School is the only institution that provides civil servants with the opportunity to improve their knowledge of English and French for their professional purposes, taking into account the specifics of public service.

To this end, a team of professional teachers of the High School developed teaching materials and programmes on professional topics: the textbooks Foreign Language in Public Administration (English), Professional French in Public Administration, and the mini-dictionary of English for public servants Glossary for Public servants.

The Speaking club was launched, and a training and methodological complex was developed for the proper operation of the Everyday communication and Business correspondence programmes. As many as 67 civil servants have already been trained under this initiative.

Today, for Ukrainian citizens, restoring the full status of the Ukrainian language is one of the determining factors in winning the war and establishing peace. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, it has become clear that the Ukrainian language is one of the main targets of the occupiers.

Fluency in the state language is one of the mandatory requirements for the professional competence of public servants.

In order to meet the educational needs of civil servants and local government officials to improve their proficiency in the state language, 22 advanced training programmes have been developed and approved by the High School of Public Governance. In 2024, 4,088 civil servants and local self-government officials improved their Ukrainian language skills under 15 general short-term programmes.