12.7 Bilateral agreements and worldwide cooperation

Bilateral agreements

Deepening cooperation between Ukraine and Japan

In July 2024, the first meeting of the Ukrainian-Japanese Joint Commission on Cooperation in Education, Science and Technology took place. This meeting was a part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MESU). The main goal of the Commission is to develop joint projects, exchange experience and knowledge, and deepen scientific and technical cooperation between the two countries.

The Commission focused on the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine through science, education, and technology. At the meeting, the parties discussed ways to promote academic exchange between Ukraine and Japan, joint scientific projects and research. They focused on cooperation in the field of vocational education and training. The parties discussed the possibility of establishing contacts with Japanese businesses to provide Ukrainian educational institutions with modern equipment. The participants also proposed the creation of joint training centres to facilitate the training of specialists and the exchange of advanced technologies between Ukraine and Japan.

A representative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan spoke in detail about study and internship opportunities for Ukrainian learners and scientists in Japan. They invited them to obtain education in Japan in the fields of Japanese language and culture, science and technology. The parties also agreed to prepare a list of educational, scientific and technological projects for further implementation by the next meeting of the Joint Commission.

Cooperation between Ukraine and Croatia in the field of science and technology 

In September 2024, an official ceremony for the signing of the Cooperation Programme between Ukraine and Croatia in the field of science and technology took place in Kyiv. The Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovyi, and the Minister of Science, Education and Youth of the Republic of Croatia, Radovan Fuchs, signed the document.

This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and stimulate scientific and technological progress. Key areas of cooperation within the Programme are as follows:

• joint projects: implementation of research initiatives in agreed areas of development;
• exchange of specialists: mutual trips of scientists, researchers and experts to share best practices;
• information interaction: exchange of scientific and technical information and documentation;
• use of research infrastructure: coordinating access to premises, equipment and materials necessary for the implementation of joint projects;
• scientific events: organisation of conferences, symposiums, seminars, exhibitions and other scientific events;
• creation of joint centres: formation of research centres and temporary scientific groups;
• technological cooperation: the emphasis is on supporting technology exchange between enterprises and other participants from both countries;
• other forms of cooperation: any other initiatives agreed upon between the parties.

The signing of this Programme creates the necessary legal framework for deepening cooperation in the field of science. It opens new prospects for scientists from both countries, and contributes to the integration of Ukraine into the European Research Area (ERA).

Cooperation of the MESU with the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB)

In August 2024, the MESU and the EVBB signed a memorandum of cooperation. Its purpose is to support the sustainable development of vocational education and training in Ukraine, to improve its reputation, and to promote integration into the ERA.

One of the key elements of the agreements is the implementation of current educational approaches and European best practices into the training system. This should improve the quality of vocational education and training and make it more attractive to both young and adult learners.

The Memorandum establishes that selected Ukrainian VETIs will automatically join the EVBB network. Such membership will open up new prospects for participation in international projects, development of partnerships, and sharing best practices with educational institutions in other countries.

Partnership between Ukraine and Slovakia in education, science and innovations

In October 2024, the MESU and the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic signed the Memorandum of Understanding. The document outlines the framework for further cooperation in the fields of education, science, and innovations.

The Memorandum sets the following main areas of interaction:

• supporting Ukrainian identity in the education system of Slovakia: providing conditions for studying and teaching the Ukrainian language and literature, history of Ukraine, and geography in schools, including on weekends;
• development of language training for teachers: organisation of best practices sharing, in particular in teaching Slovak as a foreign language in Ukraine, and advanced training of teachers;
• educational support for displaced persons: cooperation in collecting and processing data on the needs of Ukrainian learners and teachers temporarily staying in Slovakia;
• information exchange in the field of education: exchange of information about the educational systems of both countries and agencies ensuring the integration of Ukrainian learners into Slovak schools;
• direct cooperation of educational institutions: intensification of contacts between kindergartens, schools and VETIs, particularly in the field of inclusive education;
• development of university partnerships: support for joint projects between HEIs of Ukraine and Slovakia within the framework of the European Union programmes and funding;
• innovative cooperation and scientific research: joint activities in the field of development and commercialisation of scientific results, creation of innovation ecosystems and improvement of the science assessment system.

The signing of this document was an important step towards deepening bilateral ties and supporting Ukrainian education in difficult conditions. It opens up new opportunities for integration into the European educational and scientific areas.

Cooperation between Ukraine and Germany 

Over the past 30 years, Ukraine and Germany actively cooperated in the field of science and education. During this time, dozens of joint meetings and scientific events took place. Over 200 projects reached completion.

On October 23, 2024, Ukraine and Germany signed a separate intergovernmental agreement on scientific and technological cooperation. It was the first time since Ukraine gained independence. It was the Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of Germany on Cooperation in the Fields of Science, Technology, Innovations and Higher Education. 

The partnership between the countries includes:

• exchange of experts for the implementation of joint scientific and technical programmes;
• participation in international projects, organisation of joint scientific conferences, seminars and symposiums;
• support for higher education programmes and development of partnerships between universities in both countries;
• creation and sharing of innovative structures.

The parties visited four newly established Ukrainian-German centres of advanced research. They began operating in 2024 and are one of the main initiatives of scientific and technological cooperation between Ukraine and Germany. In these centres, located in Lviv, Kyiv, and Kharkiv, Ukrainian and German researchers work together on research and development of advanced technologies. Germany provides them with financial support of approximately 10 million euros.

There is a centre of advanced research in Lviv for the development of new antibacterial compounds. It plays an important role in medicine and the fight against infectious diseases, solving the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Another Lviv centre focuses on the study of historical traumas of the 20th century. It conducts analysis of important events of the past, which contributes to a deeper understanding of social changes and the consequences of conflicts.

In Kyiv, the centre focuses on researching quantum materials and developing high-tech solutions in the field of information technology and physics.

There is a centre in Kharkiv that focuses on the application of plasma technologies in spintronics. This opens up new opportunities for the development of advanced electronic devices.

The signing of the Agreement was another important stage in deepening the Ukrainian-German partnership and expanding innovative cooperation between the two countries. The Ukrainian part expresses gratitude to German partners for their constructive interaction and support.

Cooperation between Ukraine and Bulgaria in the field of education and science

At the beginning of 2025, the MESU and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria signed a new Protocol on Cooperation and Exchanges. This document defines the main directions of educational interaction for the next four years.

The Ministers of Education of Ukraine and Bulgaria – Oksen Lisovyi and Galin Tsokov – signed the protocol. Also present were the Charge d’Affaires of Bulgaria in Ukraine, Nikolai Nankov Nenchev, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Bulgaria, Olesia Ilashchuk.

Key areas of partnership are as follows:

• academic mobility. stimulating exchanges of learners and scientists;
• professional development of teachers: organisation of advanced training and exchange programmes for teachers from both countries;
• support for national minorities: ensuring the right of learners to study their native language in general secondary education institutions, both in Ukraine and in Bulgaria;
• joint educational initiatives: development of direct cooperation between HEIs within the framework of the EU programmes, in particular Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.

The parties paid special attention to the development of language training. The Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine emphasised the importance of supporting the study of the Ukrainian and Bulgarian languages. He also focused on the need to strengthen cooperation in the field of training pedagogical personnel.

Ukraine-Austria Cooperation Programme

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Austria signed a new Programme of Cooperation in the Fields of Education, Science and Culture. It was a part of the expansion of Ukrainian-Austrian cooperation for 2025-2030. The Ambassador of Ukraine to Austria, Vasyl Khymynets, and Christoph Thun-Hohenstein, Director General of the Federal Ministry for Europe and International Affairs signed the document.

The signing took place during the visit of the Ukrainian delegation led by First Deputy Minister of Education and Science Yevhen Kudriavets. The delegation also included representatives of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Austria, the State Archival Service of Ukraine, the State Agency of Ukraine for Arts and Art Education, and others.

The programme includes:

• development of cooperation between HEIs, including the creation of joint master’s and doctoral programmes.
• Involvement in European educational and scientific initiatives, such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.
• Sharing experience in key areas, including information technology, STEM, media literacy, inclusive education, adult education and training, and overcoming the teacher shortage.
• Support for scientific and technical cooperation between academic institutions of both countries.
• Preservation of historical memory, including through joint educational initiatives on the Holocaust and combating anti-Semitism.
• The spread of Ukrainian studies in Austria, in particular within the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies. At the time of writing, four Austrian universities have joined the coalition – Klagenfurt, Vienna, Graz, and Innsbruck.
• Support for Ukrainian schoolchildren. It includes programmes for studying the Ukrainian language in local educational institutions. The focus is on preserving the national identity of Ukrainian learners temporarily staying in Austria.

There were several meetings with international partners – the World Bank, ERSTE Foundation, and representatives of the Austrian government. The parties discussed joint initiatives and programmes aimed at strengthening the educational system of Ukraine and its integration into the European area. 

A century-old partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom

In January 2025, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed the Centennial Partnership Agreement. It is a strategic document that defines long-term directions of cooperation in the political, security, economic, humanitarian, scientific and educational spheres. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyі and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, signed the agreement. It consists of open and closed parts and establishes a common vision of the future for both countries.

One of the key sections regulates the development of science, technology, and innovations. The document envisages the formation of sustainable ties between universities, scientific institutions and industrial partners. It focuses on the development of cooperation in the fields of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, space research and unmanned systems.

The educational part also has a significant role. The section ‘Social Sphere, Culture and Sports’ contains several initiatives aimed at supporting and modernising the educational area of Ukraine.

Key educational areas of cooperation are as follows:

• partnership projects between schools: it is planned to create a network of 100 schools in the UK and Ukraine to implement joint educational programmes and cultural exchange;
• youth support: with the participation of the British Council and the Premier League, programmes will take place to develop civic, social and leadership skills among the younger generation;
• promoting reforms in the field of education: by providing technical assistance, exchanging experience in the formation of educational policy, training management personnel, and launching joint educational initiatives with the involvement of British universities;
• English language training development: the British Council will continue to implement educational programmes for civil servants and English teachers to improve their qualifications;
• academic mobility and exchanges: extended access to the Chevening programme for Ukrainian learners, and support for intercultural initiatives such as training camps, competitions, exchanges, and events for bilingual schools.

The updated Memorandum of Understanding between the MESU and the British Council plays a special role in strengthening cooperation. The parties signed it on May 19, 2025, in London. The document, signed during the Education World Forum, was part of the programme ‘100 Years of Partnership between the United Kingdom and Ukraine’. The Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovyi, and the Director General of the British Council, Scott McDonald, signed the Memorandum.

It takes into account the realities of the war and provides for the following:

• strengthening partnerships between educational institutions of both countries;
• joint work on dual diplomas and mutual recognition of qualifications;
• supporting learner and teacher mobility;
• sharing best practices in the field of educational policy, management and leadership development;
• improvement of English language teaching methods;
• improvement of gender balance in leadership positions in HEIs;
• formation of virtual partnerships between schools for intercultural dialogue;
• increasing awareness of the educational systems of both countries.

On May 21, 2025, the implementation of the provisions of scientific and technological cooperation began. Ukrainian and British scientists are joining forces to modernise, strengthen institutions and introduce innovations.

Forms of scientific cooperation between Ukraine and Great Britain include:

• researchers at Risk Programme: over 170 Ukrainian researchers affected by the war have continued their scientific activities at more than 70 universities in the UK;
• UK-Ukraine Twinning: universities from both countries create joint research projects, pool infrastructure and exchange knowledge;
• applied research: joint development of artificial intelligence systems for medical diagnostics (the University of Warwick and Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics);
• green energy projects to strengthen Ukraine’s energy system (the Universities of Manchester, Aston and Aberystwyth in collaboration with Ukrainian experts);
• UK-Ukraine TechBridge Initiative: a platform for innovative collaboration in the areas of demining, healthcare, cybersecurity, agritech, education and AI. It also opens up new opportunities for trade and investment.

This comprehensive approach to partnership demonstrates the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine. It creates the foundation for a systemic renewal of the educational and scientific spheres. The programmes within the Agreement will contribute to the development of human capital, the implementation of modern technologies, and the deeper integration of Ukraine into the international educational and scientific areas.

Recognition of educational documents and academic degrees between Ukraine and Moldova

In April 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a Resolution approving the Agreement with the Government of the Republic of Moldova on the mutual recognition of educational documents and academic degrees. The parties signed the document on January 25, 2025. It creates a legal framework for the implementation of agreements between the countries.

The agreement opens up new opportunities for education, professional fulfilment, and mobility of citizens. It eliminates administrative barriers in the field of education.

Main provisions of the agreement include:

• mutual recognition of educational diplomas and academic degrees issued in accordance with national legislation;
• recognition of periods of study completed in relevant educational institutions of Ukraine and Moldova;
• new opportunities for training, employment, and professional and educational mobility for citizens of both countries;
• recognition of documents on the assignment of qualification categories and pedagogical titles for pedagogical workers.

This initiative is an important step in strengthening the Ukrainian-Moldovan partnership in the field of education. It provides additional opportunities for learners, teachers, and professionals from both countries.

Ukraine’s cooperation with the Observatory on History Teaching in Europe (OHTE)

The MESU and the OHTE of the Council of Europe signed a Cooperation Agreement. The document aims to strengthen international dialogue in the field of history teaching, promote democratic development, and combat disinformation through quality history education.

Main areas of partnership involve:

• carrying out joint activities to develop historical memory policies, taking into account the national context;
• Ukraine’s participation in the preparation of thematic and general reports on the state of history teaching in Europe;
• support for research for school and university textbooks related to the history of Ukraine;
• promoting the integration of the European dimension into the teaching of national histories;
• involving educational institutions in promoting the values ​​of democratic citizenship, knowledge of historical education and culture;
• support for the creation of the Centres for the Study of European History in educational institutions of Ukraine;
• supporting joint projects between Ukrainian and European historians to counter propaganda and disseminate truthful historical information.

This partnership creates new conditions for the development of national educational policy in the field of history. It contributes to a broader representation of Ukrainian historical heritage at the European level.

Partnership between Ukraine and Italy in the field of science and education

In July 2025 in Rome, within the framework of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025, the MESU concluded two separate Memoranda of Understanding with Italian partners aimed at developing cooperation in the fields of science, education and research.

The first Memorandum was between the MESU and the Ministry of Universities and Research of the Italian Republic. 

The memorandum certifies the intention of the parties to:

• strengthen academic mobility;
• implement joint scientific research;
• support learners, teachers and young scientists;
• facilitate information exchange.

The main areas of cooperation include:

• development of research infrastructure;
• biotechnology, biomedicine, neuroscience;
• new materials, ‘green’ energy and ecology;
• agriculture and smart farming;
• preservation of cultural and architectural heritage.

The available resources without additional budgetary burden will finance the implementation of the provisions of the Memorandum. The Joint Commission on Science will coordinate the cooperation per the 1997 intergovernmental agreement.

The second Memorandum was between the MESU and the Ministry of Education and Merit of the Italian Republic. This document aims to strengthen cooperation in three key areas of education: early childhood education and care (ECEC), vocational education and training (VET) and inclusive education.

The cooperation involves:

1. Sharing best practices, publications, methodologies and tools with a focus on innovative projects and educational reforms, including:

• in ECEC – involving parents and communities in improving quality;
• in VET – forecasting labour market needs, dual education, public-private partnership, digital and environmental competencies;
• in inclusive education – support for learners with disabilities and special educational needs.

2. Promoting equal opportunities, overcoming gender stereotypes and supporting women and girls in education.

3. Creating partnerships between educational institutions through the exchange of pedagogical experience.

4. Development and piloting of joint educational projects aimed at inclusion and sustainability of education systems.

The memorandum is valid for five years with the possibility of extension. It is a logical continuation of the Intergovernmental Agreement of 1997 between Ukraine and Italy. It is the result of active interaction within the framework of URC 2025.

International Coalition for Supporting Science and Innovations in Ukraine

During the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome, the parties officially announced the creation of the International Coalition for Supporting Science, Research, and Innovations in Ukraine. This important step included the signing of the Rome Declaration of Intent, which marks the launch of the Coalition.

The main goal of the Coalition is to respond to the urgent needs and long-term challenges of the scientific and innovative system of Ukraine. It implies:

• promoting the reconstruction and modernisation of research infrastructure;
• support for Ukrainian scientists;
• recognition of the central role of science in the country’s reconstruction.

The initiative was the result of cooperation between the MESU, the Ministry of Universities and Research of Italy, the European Commission, and UNESCO. Other countries and organisations joined the Coalition. Among them were Austria, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, Germany, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Sweden, Croatia, and UNDP.

Key functions of the international coalition are as follows:

• coordination of international efforts in support of Ukraine;
• formation of a common agenda for cooperation;
• ensuring a continuous structured dialogue between Ukraine and international partners.

The potential members of the international coalition supporting science and innovations in Ukraine include:

• government agencies;
• international and intergovernmental organisations;
• research foundations supporting joint funding of scientific programmes
• organisations representing scientific institutions, research infrastructures, academies of sciences;
• private companies investing in charity or research and development (R&D);
• non-governmental organisations with research and development projects;
• foundations, development banks and other financial institutions that promote innovations.

Joining the coalition requires agreement with the provisions of the Rome Declaration and submission of an official request to the Secretariat.

Cooperation and participation in worldwide programmes and organisations 

Ukraine’s integration into the ERA is part of the implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. The Articles 375-376 of the Agreement regulate cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the field of science and technology. It includes involving Ukraine in the ERA through several measures. They support the reform and reorganisation of the scientific management system and scientific institutions. They also encourage participation in the EU framework programmes for research and innovation, joint implementation of international scientific programmes and conducting joint research. 

For Ukrainian scientists, integration into the ERA  is an opportunity to deepen cooperation with the EU scientific community. For Ukraine as a state, it is a tool for adapting European Union standards and norms in the field of science and innovations. In 2021, the Order of the MESU No. 167 (Про затвердження дорожньої карти з інтеграції науково-інноваційної системи України до європейського дослідницького простору) established an updated roadmap for Ukraine’s integration into the European Economic Community. It is a strategic document covering multilateral processes aimed at systematically supporting science and innovations.

In the Euro-Atlantic vector, cooperation in the field of science and innovations involves increased interaction with international organisations. The MESU coordinates Ukraine’s participation in the NATO Science for Peace and Security programme.

The MESU also promotes the establishment of lasting ties to expand cooperation based on bilateral agreements.