EU’s Erasmus+ Programme Information Day “Building Links Between Ukraine and Portugal in the Field of Youth” (2.04.2025, Ivano-Frankivsk)
On 2 April 2025, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University in Ivano-Frankivsk hosted the EU’s Erasmus+ Programme Info Day “Building Links Between Ukraine and Portugal in the Field of Non-formal and Informal Education.” The Infoday was jointly organised by the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, Agência Nacional Erasmus+ Juventude/Desporto e Corpo Europeu de Solidariedade and Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.
Around 100 participants, including representatives from educational institutions, eTwinning communities, youth organisations and centres, local governments, and other stakeholders involved in the youth field from Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kherson, Ternopil, and other cities across Ukraine joined the InfoDay.
Key speakers of the event were:
- Luís ALVEIS, Head of Agência Nacional Erasmus+ Juventude/Desporto e Corpo Europeu de Solidariedade – Portugal
- Valentyna YAKUBIV, First Vice-Rector of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University
- Svitlana SHYTIKOVA, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine
- Kateryna ZHDANOVA, Senior Manager of the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine
Ahead of the main programme, Svitlana SHYTIKOVA and Luís ALVEIS had an official meeting with Acting Rector Ihor TSEPENDA. Mr. TSEPENDA introduced major university initiatives that support youth interaction and collaboration. They discussed future cooperation, university participation in new calls under the EU’s Erasmus+ Programme, and wider role of international partnerships in the post-war recovery of Ukraine’s education system and youth.
Valentyna YAKUBIV, First Vice-Rector of the university, welcomed participants and highlighted how international cooperation empowers Ukrainian youth and expands access to quality education. She also stressed the importance of universities role as dynamic players in international programmes and as key institutions in fostering European values among young people.
Luís ALVEIS, during his speech, outlined Erasmus+ mobility opportunities for young people, youth workers, and youth leaders. He encouraged stronger mobility exchanges between Ukraine and the EU and prioritised stronger cooperation with Portuguese organisations. Speaker presented current opportunities in the youth and sport fields, as well as participation in the European Solidarity Corps initiative, emphasising the significant meaning of youth engagement in building inclusive, democratic, and active communities.
Svitlana SHYTIKOVA shared insights on developing strong partnerships within Erasmus+ cooperation projects. shared practical strategies for presenting project ideas, highlighted essential steps for building sustainable Ukrainian–Portuguese partnerships, and clarified the core criteria for developing strong, high-quality applications.
Kateryna ZHDANOVA introduced main Erasmus+ opportunities in the youth and sport sectors, specifying Programme’s priorities, success stories, and tips for newcomer organisations. She demonstrated how to identify reliable partners, shape initial project concepts, use the right platforms to explore opportunities, and integrate the programme’s horizontal priorities effectively.
The Info Day provided a dynamic platform for strengthening Ukrainian–Portuguese cooperation, encouraging new partnerships, and expanding professional networks. Participants left with valuable tools and fresh motivation to actively engage in international youth initiatives supported by the EU’s Erasmus+ Programme and the European Solidarity Corps.
Prepared based on materials from: https://pnu.edu.ua/blog/2025/04/02/67862/