Erasmus+: EU announces measures to support Ukrainian students and youth

The European Union has announced measures to support Ukrainian students, young people, teachers and educators in the face of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement on 10 March, Mariya Gabriel, EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, highlighted Ukrainian participation in Erasmus+ student exchanges and in the European Solidarity Corps. “Young Ukrainians have continuously worked for a better future, which is now at risk,” she said, setting out a set of new measures to support them. These are: Maximum flexibility in the implementation of Erasmus+ projects towards Ukrainian students and higher education staff.

The Erasmus National Agencies may apply the force majeure clause for International Credit Mobility activities taking place in Ukraine and Russia. This will allow beneficiaries to cancel, postpone or move activities planned in the most flexible way. Erasmus National Agencies and participating organisations have been instructed to contact individual participants, currently in Ukraine or in Russia or planning to leave for these countries within the coming weeks to explore available options. Ukrainian students abroad will be offered support adjusted to their needs and their safety will be guaranteed. “I thank all young people in Ukraine for their commitment in these most difficult times and I encourage everyone who can support Ukraine in all possible ways,” said Gabriel.