The European Union is allocating €25 million for the large-scale modernization and safety assurance of Ukrainian preschool education institutions. According to Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi, these funds will be directed toward the comprehensive renovation of premises, the creation of a barrier-free environment, and the development of modern play spaces. Special attention will be paid to the construction of dual-purpose shelters, ensuring a continuous and safe educational process.

The distribution of funding will take place through a transparent digital system based on an objective assessment of community needs. Priority will be given to regions where restoring access to kindergartens is critical for allowing parents to return to work and stabilizing the social situation. The project also involves systematic support for education professionals and the implementation of inclusive standards.

This initiative is a logical continuation of the preschool development strategy implemented within the First Steps Forward program. The new tranche will nearly double the existing resources, supplementing the $30 million previously secured from the World Bank. The implementation of this updated phase of the program is set to begin in April 2026 and will span three years, covering a broader spectrum of infrastructure and security issues.