European approaches to animal welfare: perspectives for Ukrainian veterinary education

In today's context of Ukraine's integration into the European educational and legal space, the issue of animal welfare is of particular relevance. Animal welfare is recognized as one of the key aspects of sustainable development, food security, bioethics, and the ethical responsibility of society. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of European approaches to ensuring animal welfare based on internationally recognized principles, such as the Five Freedoms, the One Health concept, and an interdisciplinary approach to animal treatment. Particular attention is paid to the legal framework of the European Union regulating the treatment of animals in agriculture, research, veterinary practice, and everyday life. The article also reveals the leading role of education in the formation of competencies of future veterinary specialists in the ethical and professional treatment of animals. Examples of the introduction of animal welfare disciplines in the curricula of leading European universities, as well as modern pedagogical methods (interactive learning, simulation technologies, practice-oriented modules) used in the EU, are analyzed. The role of the European Association of Veterinary Education Institutions (EAEVE) in standardizing veterinary education and integrating animal welfare issues into professional standards and accreditation requirements is considered. In the context of Ukraine's European integration course and the desire to harmonize national veterinary legislation and education with European standards, the article identifies potential ways to adapt these approaches in Ukrainian veterinary educational institutions. In particular, it is proposed to update educational standards, introduce mandatory courses on ethics and animal welfare, improve the qualifications of teachers, and develop cooperation with European educational and professional structures. It is argued that the implementation of these measures will contribute to improving the quality of training of veterinary medicine specialists in Ukraine, strengthening their competitiveness in the international labor market, and ensuring a higher level of animal protection.