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Updated 3 March: Impact of Russia's attack on Ukraine on ongoing projects and international mobility in EU programmes

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Due to the crisis in Ukraine, the force majeure clause can be applied to ongoing projects and mobility activities funded by the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes.
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News updated 3.3: Added guidance for Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps actions managed by the European Commission.

Projects and mobilities for which the force majeure clause is applied will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. In addition to Ukraine and Russia, the application of the force majeure clause also applies to other non-EU countries neighbouring Ukraine. 

It is possible to suspend ongoing EU programmes’ projects or mobility activities in the above countries. Additional costs for suspension may be accepted as exceptional costs or covered using Organisational Support funds or transferring funds between countries within the same budget envelope.

When applying the force majeure clause, beneficiaries may cancel or postpone planned activities or projects or change the destination country flexibly. This applies to both outgoing and incoming international mobility.

For persons interrupting a mobility period and returning to their country of residence, it should be explored whether the exchange period can be extended virtually with the host organization.

If Ukrainians participate in Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps projects in Finland, beneficiaries are encouraged to explore possibilities of prolonging the stay of Ukrainian participants within the framework of the rules of the programmes.

Regarding currently open calls for application as well as this spring’s upcoming calls, extreme restraint must be exercised with regard to Russia and Belarus as a project partner or destination country. The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has imposed strict travel restrictions on both countries. In addition, practical cooperation and, for example, money transfers to these countries can be very difficult.

Follow the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ travel instructions 

The Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) urges those planning international mobility periods to follow the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ travel instructions. Finnish sending organisations should also carefully consider the receiving organisation's view of the local situation. At present, the Erasmus and European Solidarity Corps programmes’ force majeure clause covers cancellation of travel only to non-EU countries neighbouring Ukraine (European Commission’s policy).

The Finnish National Agency for Education condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and hopes for immediate peace in Ukraine. Our relevant policies are aimed at supporting Ukraine; not against the Russian people. 

If you have any concerns about EU programmes and the crisis in Ukraine, please contact the Finnish National Agency of Education (EDUFI), which is the National Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps programmes in Finland. If your questions concerns Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps actions managed by the European Commission, please contact your project's contact person at the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) or the general email address of the action. 

You may contact us at:

  • Erasmus+ for General Education: erasmus.yleissivistava(at)oph.fi
  • Erasmus+ for Vocational Education: erasmus.ammatillinen(at)oph.fi
  • Erasmus+ for Higher Education: erasmus.korkeakoulutus(at)oph.fi
  • Erasmus+ for Adult Education: erasmus.aikuiskoulutus(at)oph.fi
  • Erasmus+ Youth: nuoriso(at)oph.fi
  • Erasmus+ Sport: Sport(at)oph.fi
  • European Solidarity Corps: nuoriso(at)oph.fi