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The draft budget proposed by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine provides for a substantial and sorely needed increase in funding for education in 2026. As Ukraine’s Parliament must adopt the budget, Education International (EI) and the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) expressed strong support for the proposal in a letter to Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament).

Through their representative organisation - the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine - Ukraine’s educators are members of both Education International and the ETUCE, EI’s regional structure in Europe. It is on their behalf that David Edwards, EI’s General Secretary, and Jelmer Evers, ETUCE Director, addressed Ukraine’s Parliament.

Investing in teachers is investing in the future Ukraine is fighting for

In their letter, Edwards and Evers stressed that since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian teachers have demonstrated unmatched courage, ingenuity, and commitment to students, communities, and their country. Online, in metro stations or in bomb shelters, they have continued to work to keep students learning and to keep hope alive in the hearts and minds of Ukrainian children.

“Teachers are the architects of the future Ukraine is fighting for. However, for teachers to be effective, they need a wage that enables them to live with dignity, a wage that reflects their status and the essential role they play in society”, the letter highlighted.

In addition to the extremely challenging working conditions, the high inflation rate is diminishing teachers’ income. A petition to increase teachers’ salaries launched by the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine collected 25,000 signatures in just four days. This speaks to the difficult situation teachers are experiencing and the imperative need to support them.

According to the High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession convened by the Secretary General of the United Nations, investing in teachers is the most effective strategy to build quality and resilient education systems. The Panel’s recommendations state that in order to attract and retain teachers, it is fundamental to ensure competitive, fair, and professional salaries, in line with those of other professions with similar educational requirements.

Social dialogue results in forward-thinking budget proposal for 2026

The proposed State Budget for 2026 provides for a significant increase in funding for education, earmarking 265.4 billion UAH for this vital sector.

The budget proposal allocates funds for a sharp increase in salaries for teachers, the provision of free school meals, increased scholarships for students, equipping shelters in educational institutions, and purchasing school buses. All these measures are essential to securing the future of Ukraine’s education system.

Importantly, the draft budget was informed by the insights and proposals put forward by the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine. Noting that social and policy dialogue is a core democratic practice that allows teachers and policy makers to work together for a strong and resilient education system, Edwards and Evers commended all parties for their clear vision and their dedication to Ukraine’s present and future.

“If there is one resource Ukraine cannot afford to lose, it is its teachers. In the fog of war, as your country bravely defends itself, it is vital to not lose track of the future you are fighting for. Supporting the proposed draft State Budget for 2026 will enable Ukraine’s teachers to continue building this future”, Edwards and Evers concluded.