Country’s science and education ministry also invited to join working groups of European Research Area
The EU is encouraging Ukraine to increase its participation in the bloc’s academic exchange and mobility programme, Erasmus+, in the context of the ongoing Russian invasion of the country.
On 15 June, representatives of the European Commission and the Ukrainian government signed agreements for increased cooperation, one of which included a joint intention to promote greater involvement of Ukrainian organisations in the international actions of the EU programme.
“Ukraine is encouraged to enhance its participation in the Erasmus+ General Call for 2024 to be published in autumn 2023,” the agreement said.
This should include partnerships for cooperation in education, it said, as well as mobility projects to support travel from Ukraine into the EU.
It said an upcoming Erasmus+ project will allocate €5 million to support the creation of a digital higher education environment in Ukraine so that students affected by the Russian invasion can continue their studies.
‘Devastating consequences’
The European Commission said the invasion that began in February 2022 has had “devastating consequences for the lives and education opportunities of millions of young people” and “continues to inflict severe damages in the sector of education”.
The Commission and the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science also agreed they should work together on recognition by the bloc of qualifications obtained in the country.
In addition, the Commission reiterated an invitation for the ministry to join working groups in the EU-led European Research Area policy package for raising R&I standards across Europe, as well as the Eurydice Network for sharing information on higher education.
A separate agreement covered increased cooperation on health, including work on rare diseases.
“We are driven by an unwavering dedication to our shared goal: to help affected Ukrainians recover as soon as possible, and to continue to bring hope to the valiant people of Ukraine,” said Commission vice-president Margaritis Schinas, who signed the agreements for the EU.