On September 2, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna held a meeting with Martin Harris, British Ambassador to Ukraine, to discuss urgent issues and priority areas of partner assistance.

During the meeting, Ambassador Martin Harris informed the Deputy Prime Minister about the launch of a new programme, the British Euro-Atlantic Language Training programme, designed in response to Ukraine’s Future Perfect Initiative.

Building on the UK Government’s commitment to funding English language training for Ukrainians, the programme will support Ukrainian civil servants to improve their English language skills.

“I’m delighted that UK training and expertise will help Ukrainian civil servants develop their English language skills, which will be so vital to Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Our work together is another example of the flourishing links between the UK and Ukraine, as we build a partnership that will benefit the people of both our countries for years to come,” said Ambassador Harris.

The programme, delivered by the British Council, will last for 3 years and is supported by GBP 3 million of UK Government funding. It will focus on training Civil Servants engaged in areas related to Euro-Atlantic integration and will train 1,400 Ukrainian civil servants per year through a combination of one-to-one teaching, small group sessions, workshops, and online courses.

“We are delighted to support the Government of Ukraine in its ambitions for English Language development. Our team is ready to deliver top class training and tuition, and we look forward to a strong response from new learners in the Civil Service,” said Colm McGivern, British Council Director Ukraine.

All government ministries will have the opportunity to nominate candidates for English language training. Final student selection will be made based on their involvement in the Euro-Atlantic integration track. The final cohort of students will be approved by the Programme Board, which will include representatives of the British Embassy in Kyiv, the British Council, and Government of Ukraine. Additionally, part of the program will focus on the sustainability of English language training within the Ukrainian civil service, and assess how the English language offer can be strengthened beyond the UK program.

The Deputy Prime Minister declared the request to launch a special English language program to facilitate European and Euro-Atlantic integration at the beginning of 2024.

“Ukraine has a strong team of specialists involved in the processes of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. It is very important for us that these professionals can clearly communicate our position to our partners. I am grateful to the United Kingdom for supporting Ukraine on this path and for responding quickly to my call,” said Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna.