Letter sent to EU Commissioner urging action for Ukrainian students

A letter signed on behalf of ELIA members by president, Andrea B. Braidt was sent today to the EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth – Mariya Gabriel.

As many of our members can attest, we are deeply concerned for the wellbeing of civilians from and in Ukraine, in particular artists, students and academics in the arts and their families, as well as those in Russia peacefully protesting the war.

“We are turning to you to take action now, in creating a temporary Erasmus+ action for Ukraine”, Braidt says.

The letter proposes a temporary Erasmus+ action which would provide students enrolled in Ukrainian institutions, a place at a university or academy in an EU country for one year, and a grant to cover living expenses. Such an action would give students the possibility to continue their studies in times of war, at least for a period of one year (as the ERASMUS+ stays are limited to 12 months).

With refugees crossing borders every day, time is of the essence. Exchange, research and collaboration across borders can only flourish in freedom and peace. We hope that the Commissioner hears our call and puts these measures in place immediately to help secure the futures of these students in need.

Read the letter in full here.

***UPDATE***

On Thursday, 17 March, 2022 the European Commission, and Commissioner Mariya Gabriel confirmed additional measures will be put in place through the Erasmus+ programme. The new measures aim to play a key role in offering support to pupils and educational staff fleeing Ukraine. ELIA strongly supports this next step, which we advocated for together with network partners AEC - European Association of Conservatoires, CILECT, and European Association for Architectural Education. For more information visit the official statement.