In these dramatic hours the news about the military aggression in Ukraine are overwhelming.
The European exchange and mobility programmes have helped to create a feeling of unity, solidarity and cohesion among the younger generations, which must prevail over the violence of war.
Therefore the concern for people’s safety is the top priority at this time.
How To Manage European Projects in Ukraine and Russia
The European Commission has provided the National Agencies responsible for the management of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes with the first useful indications for the management of the critical issues following the crisis in Ukraine.
The Agencies can apply the “force-majeure clause” in mobility projects involving Ukraine and Russia.
While respecting the general legal framework of the Programmes, the beneficiaries are therefore entitled to
1. cancel, postpone or relocate planned activities in Ukraine and Russia;
2. cancel, postpone or move incoming mobility activities of participants from Ukraine and Russia.
Activities and Projects in Ukraine and Russia
- Ongoing mobilities to Ukraine or Russia involving participants from Member States or Associated Third Countries: the force-majeure clause may be invoked to prematurely terminate activities taking place in Ukraine or Russia.
Sending organisations should support participants returning early from these countries by checking with the host organisation/body whether they can continue the activities in virtual mode.
Return costs will be justified and charged as exceptional costs, if duly reported to the Agency. In case no exceptional costs are foreseen in the project budget, participating organisations can draw on the funds under the heading Organisational support. - Incoming mobility to Member States and Associated Third Countries involving Ukrainian participants: beneficiaries are encouraged to verify the possibility of prolonging the stay of the Ukrainian participants in the ongoing activities in accordance with the rules of the Programmes. To this end, they may also receive further support and advice from the National Agencies in their relations with the authorities.
- Planned activities in Ukraine: beneficiaries of planned mobility projects in Ukraine are invited to check alternative options (such as changing the country of destination) or, if possible, to transform the mobility activity into a hosting one (hosting Ukrainian participants).
To request support or clarifications, to send communications on projects and activities related to the two programmes Erasmus+|Youth and European Solidarity Corps, you can contact your National Agency. Each Agency is monitoring each specific situation in cooperation with the other European agencies and competent authorities.
We will be keeping this post up-to-date if anything new comes up.
