European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska recently attended the handover ceremony of the EU solidarity campaign titled “School buses for Ukraine”. This initiative has successfully delivered more than 370 school buses to Ukrainian communities, aiming to support the education system in the aftermath of the devastating war with Russia. The joint efforts of the European Commission, member states, and public-private entities demonstrate a resolute commitment to ensuring a bright and prosperous future for Ukrainian children.
Supporting Ukrainian Children’s Education:
The official handover of these school buses took place in the presence of representatives from the Kyiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Lviv, and Chernihiv regions. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed her determination to restore the innocence and joyful childhood of Ukrainian children, despite the hardships inflicted by the war. She emphasized that the donation of over 370 school buses showcases the collective commitment of the European Commission and member states to nurture the future generations of Ukrainians.
First Lady Olena Zelenska, appreciative of the solidarity demonstrated by this campaign, underlined the significance of these buses in shaping the country’s children and the entire nation’s future. The joint efforts to provide these means of transportation exemplify the path towards children’s future, even amidst the ongoing conflict.
EU Solidarity in Action:
In the spirit of solidarity and resilience, the European Commission acquired 100 school buses, amounting to approximately €14 million. Moreover, through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, managed by the European Commission, public and private entities from EU member states generously donated 271 school buses. This remarkable display of support not only reflects a commitment to the safety and education of Ukrainian children but also signifies a collective dedication to rebuilding the country.
Background and Ongoing Efforts:
Since Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, the education system has suffered tremendous losses, with over 2,800 educational facilities destroyed or damaged. Consequently, this has affected the lives of approximately 5.7 million school-aged children. To address this crisis, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and First Lady Olena Zelenska launched the “School Buses for Ukraine” campaign in November 2022.
The European Commission’s contribution of €14 million enabled the procurement, delivery, and distribution of 100 school buses, further supported by Solidarity Fund Poland (SFPL). An additional 271 school buses were donated by authorities, cities, regions, and transport organizations from 11 EU member states. These buses were successfully delivered to Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
President von der Leyen also announced a comprehensive €100 million package during the 2022 State of the Union speech, targeting the rehabilitation of Ukrainian schools. Furthermore, Commission-led initiatives worth €12 million were launched to support childcare reform and establish trauma-informed care for children affected by the conflict.
The EU solidarity campaign, “School buses for Ukraine,” highlights the unwavering support and dedication of the European Commission, member states, and public-private entities in securing a prosperous future for Ukrainian children. By providing over 370 school buses, this initiative helps bring normalcy and stability back to their lives. Such acts of solidarity stand as a testament to the European Union’s commitment to rebuilding and supporting Ukraine’s education system, bridging the path for a resilient and thriving future for all its citizens.
Market Capital Research 