Ukraine and the EU deepen cooperation in education: Results of the Ministry of Education and Science delegation’s visit to Brussels
A delegation from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine is on a working visit to Brussels to participate in a meeting of the Education, Youth, Culture, and Sport Council of Europe, as well as to hold a series of bilateral meetings with European partners. The delegation is led by Oksen Lisovyi, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.
The team's work in Brussels is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the European Commission, expanding support for education reforms, and accelerating Ukraine’s European integration process.
On May 11, the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine participated in a meeting of the Education, Youth, Culture, and Sport Council—the event bringing together the EU education ministers. During his speech, Oksen Lisovyi called on European partners to continue supporting Ukrainian education and emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to share its experience in ensuring the sustainability of education amid wartime conditions.
In addition, the Ministry of Education and Science delegation held a meeting with Nela Riehl Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Education and Culture. The parties discussed potential instruments for supporting education and science in Ukraine within the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. During the meeting, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science also presented the results of Ukraine’s implementation of its commitments under the Ukraine Facility—an important EU financial support instrument that promotes systemic transformations in the education sector in line with European approaches. Among the key results is the adoption of Ukraine’s European integration laws “On Preschool Education” and “On Vocational Education.”
“Even amid a full-scale war, Ukraine has not halted its progress toward European Union membership and systematically meets its European integration commitments. This path is extremely important for the education system. That is why today we have a fairly high indicator: progress in implementing the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement in the fields of education, training, and youth stands at 99%, and in the fields of science, technology, and innovation, slightly less—74%. In just the last few years, we have made 13% and 14% progress. “This is a good result, which demonstrates our focus and the systematic work of the entire team,” emphasized Oksen Lisovyi, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Separately, the parties discussed support for Ukrainian children residing in EU countries, particularly the importance of extending temporary protection and ensuring that Ukrainian schoolchildren remain connected to the Ukrainian education system. Currently, over 21,000 children are enrolled in the Ukrainian studies program at 85 Saturday and Sunday schools in 29 countries. The Ministry of Education and Science also expressed its gratitude for the support of efforts to expand Ukraine’s participation in the Erasmus+ program. Ukraine is already working on the necessary legislative and institutional changes to obtain the status of an associated country in the new 2028–2034 program cycle, as well as to expand opportunities for Ukrainian pupils, students, teachers, and youth to participate in European educational and youth initiatives.
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine is grateful to European institutions, EU member states, and all partners for their consistent support of Ukraine amid a full-scale war. It is important for Ukraine to feel political solidarity and support for reforms on the path to EU membership.