A solemn ceremony honoring Nataliia Hots, Professor at APP, Head of the University’s International Cooperation Service and Director of the French Alliance in Lviv, took place in Lviv on May 11, 2026. She was awarded the Order of Academic Palms, a distinguished state order of the French Republic. The award, presented by the Ambassador of France to Ukraine, Gaël Veyssière, recognizes her significant contribution to the development of education and the promotion of French culture in Ukraine.
The Order of Academic Palms is one of France’s oldest civilian distinctions. Established by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1808, the order is today conferred by decision of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron.
This prestigious French state award honors outstanding achievements in education, the promotion of the French language and culture, as well as significant contributions to strengthening international academic and scientific cooperation.
The ceremony took place at the Potocki Palace and brought together representatives of the Embassy of France in Ukraine, the leadership of the city and region of Lviv, Honorary Consul of France in Lviv Pavlo Yarema, members of the French community of the Lviv region, and guests from France.
Nataliia Hots has dedicated a substantial part of her professional life to the development of international education, the promotion of the French language and culture in Ukraine, and the strengthening of academic partnerships between APP, French higher education institutions, and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie. For her, this award is a testament to the high international recognition of many years of dedicated work.
This event once again highlights the strategic importance of cooperation between Ukraine and France in the fields of education, science, and culture within the framework of existing bilateral agreements.
The recognition of APP representative further confirms that the University’s international activity is an integral part of the global intellectual community. We sincerely congratulate Nataliia Hots on this distinguished honour and wish her success in advancing education, science, and international cooperation!
