Good morning,
I am writing this newsletter in historic times. We, the European Union, stand by Ukraine and its people after the Russian military aggression, which is an act of war and constitutes a violation of international law, undermining European and global security and stability.
In solidarity with our Ukrainian partners, we have decided, on 3 March, not to engage in further cooperation projects with Russian entities and took the relevant measures. I have decided to suspend the preparations of grant agreements under the Horizon Europe programme that involve Russian research organisations. The signing of any new contracts was put on hold. I have asked my services to suspend any payment to Russian entities under existing contracts. We are strongly committed to ensuring the continued successful participation of Ukraine in Horizon Europe and Euratom Research and Training programmes.
On 8 March in Marseille, European research ministers unequivocally condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I announced the suspension of our scientific cooperation with Russia and with Belarus, after the assessment of the situation.
We launched the ERA4Ukraine platform - a one-stop-shop for information and support services to Ukraine-based researchers and researchers fleeing Ukraine. Among our initiatives on the portal are the new ‘European Research Council for Ukraine’ initiative, access to Science4Refugees, an existing EURAXESS initiative that provides internships, part-time and full-time jobs to refugees, EU solidarity with Ukraine and MSCA – Researchers at risk. Read more here.
In support of Ukrainian pupils, students and educational staff I issued two statements on the measures undertaken. Ukrainian pupils, students and education staff will receive the highest level of flexibility in the implementation of Erasmus+ projects, allowing them to cancel, postpone or move activities.
We also provide support for Ukrainian children and teachers through European platforms. The School Education Gateway will facilitate the exchange of experiences and information on supporting the integration of young Ukrainian refugees into the education systems of the Member States. Our largest school community in Europe – eTwinning – will also offer its support to the teaching staff of the young Ukrainian refugees.
The French Presidency called an extraordinary informal Education Ministers’ meeting on 16 March, to address the high number of arriving school-age Ukrainians. I was able to share practical solutions with Member States on how to help the teaching community with easy access to education resources on both platforms.
I also participated in the Informal Council Meeting of Culture Ministers, organised by the French Presidency in Angers, on 7 and 8 March. The ministers issued a declaration in support of Ukrainian artists, journalists and all professionals in the cultural sector, which I wholeheartedly endorsed.
I am glad that we have been able to respond so quickly. The above measures were included in the Commission Communication “Welcoming those fleeing war in Ukraine: Readying Europe to meet the needs“, adopted on 23 March.
Young people have been vocal in their support for peace, equality, and opportunity. We can help strengthen their voices and put their vision of a united and peaceful Europe to practice. At the "Conference on the Future of Europe and young Europeans" on 2 March, I held a keynote speech stressing the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes.
I kicked off the joint meeting of the EIT and EIC Working Group, which will oversee joint activities, identify new and existing opportunities for collaboration and ultimately strengthen the European Innovation Area. The meeting highlighted core focus areas such as raising support for women entrepreneurs and fast track access to relevant advisory services.
On International Women’s Day I hosted a roundtable with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and prominent women featured in our initiatives. I announced a brand-new social media campaign #SHEULeads as part of the European Year of Youth. The initiative will highlight the achievements of determined young women to inspire others.
I was delighted to host the first Digital Education Stakeholder Forum on 22 March. It was an excellent and inspiring opportunity to jointly reflect – policy makers, stakeholders and representatives of the civil society – on what we have achieved so far and what next steps we want to undertake to reach high quality, effective and inclusive digital education in the EU.
I attended the high-level event on civic engagement in EU Missions in research and innovation taking place on 21 March. I underlined that our EU missions can only reach their potential if citizens are actively involved. More info on EU Missions and citizen engagement activities, here.
On 29 March, the Commission and Tunisia signed the agreement granting the Republic of Tunisia the association status to Horizon Europe (2021-2027). More information here.
With best wishes for the month ahead,
Mariya Gabriel
