Statement by Commissioner Mariya Gabriel on measures in support of pupils and educational staff fleeing Ukraine following the Russian invasion

The European Commission is determined to support Ukrainian pupils and teachers in these extremely challenging times with the following measures organised in two complementary strands.

"Thank you, Ms. Gabriel, personally and to all members of the European Commission for their solidarity and unquestioning support for Ukraine!" reported Minister of Education and Science Serhiy Shkarlet.

First, the support will be granted for the education systems and schools in Member States.

In addition, the Erasmus+ programme will also play a key role. The funding opportunities will be mobilised through the Erasmus+ as well.

Second, support for Ukrainian children and teachers will be provided through European platforms.  

The School Education Gateway:

• will facilitate the exchange of experiences and information on supporting the integration of young Ukrainian refugees into the education systems of the Member States.
• will organise a professional development course for teachers on the integration of newly arrived refugees in schools.
• will become the place informing about educational resources, which will allow children to continue learning also in their mother tongue, based on the Ukrainian curriculum. The Gateway can establish a link with national learning platforms made available to young people and teachers in Ukrainian language.

The largest school community in Europe – eTwinning – will offer its support to the teaching staff of the young Ukrainian refugees. eTwinning can support teachers, school staff and pupils in exchanging and coordinating their grass-roots solidarity activities by creating a dedicated group in the secure space of the platform.

“We will continue engaging with Member States to seek solutions together. We will set up a Task Force to pool the expertise of every Member State on the continuing training of young Ukrainian refugees. Together we will prevail”, reported Mariya Gabriel.

It recalled that the EU Council will redistribute funds to support education and science in Ukraine.