School buses for Ukraine

Getting Ukrainian children safely to school EU solidarity campaign

November 20, 2022

Education is a cornerstone of our future. Safe access to school is paramount, as it gives children a sense of normalcy and is essential for their welfare and future. It is estimated that 5.7 million school-aged children in Ukraine have been impacted by Russia’s unjustified aggression, and thousands of schools and facilities have been damaged.

- Damage to Ukraine's education system
- 5.7 million school-aged children have been impacted by Russia's aggression
- Over 2,800 education facilities have been damaged or destroyed

Solidarity campaign to donate buses

The Commission is calling on public and private entities in the EU and beyond to join forces and show solidarity, by donating in the coming months buses that are essential to bring Ukrainian children safely back to their schools.

Potential donors can do that through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), which has already been critical in channelling vital support to Ukraine and its people, including -shelter, food, hospital equipment, ambulances, fire trucks, and much more.

“Ukrainian children need school buses. Europe is now donating EUR 14 million for this. And we need more. This is why the European Commission is organizing a solidarity campaign to donate school buses for Ukraine by early 2023. Together, we can help Ukrainian children - the future of Ukraine.” Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

How to donate

If you are a public entity or a private company based in the EU and wish to donate buses, you should contact the national EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) focal point:

UCPM focal points in EU countries

You may also contact the EU Commission Representation in the country that can provide you with additional information.

Ongoing EU support

Europe has been supporting Ukraine from the beginning of Russia’s unjustified aggression. Europeans have opened their hearts and homes to more than 8 million Ukrainians who have fled Putin's bombs, including more than 4 million Ukrainians who asked for temporary protection in the EU Member States. European schools have welcomed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children. Despite the destruction and sacrifices, Ukrainians are looking to the future with confidence and hope. And this future starts with making sure that schools are open and that children can access them.

In her State of the Union address, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced a joint initiative with the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, on the rehabilitation of damaged Ukrainian schools. The Commission has allocated €100 million for that purpose.

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Note: This report was published as part of Autofox Helps program and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, currently to help mitigate the effects of the war in Ukraine.