Brussels: The European Commission has taken significant steps to bolster support for Ukraine in the realms of social welfare and education. The recent inclusion of Ukraine in the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) strand of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) marks a pivotal development in this effort.
According to Cyprus News Agency, this strategic move allows Ukrainian NGOs, public authorities, and companies to access ESF+ funding. This funding is aimed at advancing social projects, particularly those focusing on improving labor market participation and addressing poverty and homelessness. The formal agreement was signed in Rome by Executive Vice-President Roxana M®nzatu and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, underscoring a commitment to fostering social innovation in Ukraine.
In addition to this, the Commission announced its intention to associate Ukraine with the Erasmus+ programme. This association is expected to broaden educational and mobility opportunities for Ukrainian students and teachers. As part of this initiative, Erasmus+ will facilitate the distribution of 2 million new textbooks to Ukrainian pupils during the 2025-2026 school year, significantly enhancing educational resources in the country.
Furthermore, the Commission expressed its approval of a newly signed memorandum of understanding between the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy and Ukrainian social partners. This memorandum aims to fortify social dialogue, modernize labor laws, enhance social protection, and promote gender equality in the workplace within Ukraine. Executive Vice-President Roxana M®nzatu highlighted the importance of these initiatives, emphasizing that social rights and education are crucial for Ukraine’s future.