On June 15, 2023, the European Commission has made a significant decision to extend the Erasmus+ Programme's Capacity Building actions for youth and sport to the Neighborhood East countries. Therefore, starting with 2024, this initiative will aim to promote cultural exchange, enhance educational opportunities, and foster cooperation between the European Union and Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. The decision was taken in the context of the meeting in Kyiv between the Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas and the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Vadym Guttsait.
The Erasmus+ Programme has long been recognized for its great impact on the lives of young people across Europe, enabling them to study, work, and gain valuable experiences abroad. By opening its doors to the Neighborhood East countries, the Commission intends to extend these benefits further, contributing to their development and strengthening the regional ties.
In particular, through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building actions, Moldovan youth and sports organizations will gain access to a range of training, learning, and networking opportunities, empowering them to make positive contributions to their communities.
Capacity Building actions in Youth and Sport will include the establishment of partnerships between educational institutions, youth organizations, and sports associations in the European Union and the Eastern Partnership countries. These partnerships will encourage joint projects, knowledge exchange, and the development of innovative educational methods. The goal is to foster youth empowerment, improve the quality of education, and promote a sense of European identity and belonging.
The Erasmus+ Programme has proven to be a powerful tool for fostering unity and promoting European values. Until now, thanks to the support of the Erasmus+ Programme in the Republic of Moldova, the following results have been achieved: 83 Tempus projects, over 6000 academic mobilities and over 8000 mobilities for young people, 24 capacity building projects in higher education, 2 capacity building in VET and 27 Jean Monnet projects.