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Ukraine rectors group joins European University Association

                       

Move is “step forward” in integrating Ukrainian education system into European structures, says group head

The main representative body for universities in Ukraine has joined the European University Association, a group of 850 European universities and national rectors’ conferences that works to influence EU policy in the sector.

As a new member, the Union of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine will be represented on the EUA Council, which decides on the EUA’s priorities and policies.

Petro Kulikov, chair of the rectors union, said his country’s integration into the European community is “of great strategic importance to us”, due to the ongoing war following Russia’s invasion.

He said joining the EUA was “a step forward” in a process to “radically transform Ukrainian higher education”.

“The Union of Rectors of Ukraine’s accession into the European University Association means being among the changers, implementing ideas and making them a reality,” Kulikov said.

“We will become the driving force that will make significant efforts to integrate the Ukrainian system of education into the European structures.”

In June, the EU granted Ukraine candidate status, which is a first step in joining the bloc. It has also allowed Ukraine to join its Horizon Europe research and innovation programme without making a budget contribution for two years.

A call for applications to a new funding scheme to support displaced researchers from Ukraine is due to open in September. MSCA4Ukraine, funded by the bloc’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions fellowships scheme, will enable Ukrainian researchers to continue their work in EU member states and counties associated to Horizon Europe.