The Erasmus+ programme is the EU’s flagship initiative supporting education, training, youth and sport across Europe. With a current budget of €26.2 billion, Erasmus+ aims to promote social inclusion, the digital and green transition and increase young people’s participation in democratic life. This publication explores the Black Sea Region (BSR) and the Balkan countries, focusing on efforts to promote collaboration among these states and their beneficiaries to address shared challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

Erasmus+ was established to modernize and enhance education, training, and youth systems across Europe. The key actions of the program include:

• Learning Mobility – Supporting students, trainees, teachers, and young people in studying, training, or gaining experience abroad.
• Cooperation Among Organizations – Fostering partnerships between educational institutions, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
• Support for policy reform – encouraging modernization and innovation in education, training and youth policies.

This publication reflects the findings and outcomes of a conference held in Burgas, Bulgaria, in August 2025, which brought together representatives of these regions to strengthen cooperation and set the course for new Erasmus+ future initiatives planned from 2027, which emphasize the importance of regional cooperation in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Conference overview

In an environment facing significant turbulence, the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programmes are playing the role of vital bridges, fostering cooperation between the Black Sea region and the Balkans and beyond. The BSB Regional Conference, held in August 2025 in Burgas, Bulgaria, provided a platform for working groups and discussions focused on shaping the next Erasmus+ and ESC programme period. This initiative holds great potential to strengthen collaboration and enhance future activities among the participating countries and their beneficiaries.

Representatives of the Erasmus+ programme from ten countries, including Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine, gathered to exchange best practices. In addition to participants from Erasmus+ Programme countries and third countries associated to the Programme, the conference was further enriched by the presence of National Erasmus+ Offices, which play a crucial role in supporting and implementing Erasmus+ projects at the national level.

The event was strategically designed to promote the development of a stronger Erasmus+ community by establishing and strengthening cooperation between National Agencies (NAs) and National Offices (NEOs), identifying avenues for international cooperation and joint initiatives within the Erasmus+ framework, drawing valuable lessons from successful, well-executed Erasmus+ projects, and exploring the potential for creating a collaborative network between participating countries in the regions.

Keynote address and introductory remarks

The conference began with welcoming remarks by the Managing Director of the Bulgarian Agency for Human Resources Development Center and the Deputy Mayor of Burgas Municipality. In their opening remarks, they emphasized the critical need to strengthen community ties and a common identity, to foster cooperative relations between nations in these two different geographical areas. They affirmed the importance of building and maintaining sustainable human bridges to ensure a future of peaceful and good-neighborly relations.

Presentations on the status of the Erasmus+ program in participating countries

The conference featured presentations on the status of the Erasmus+ programme in the participating countries, including general activities, priorities and exemplary practices, during which the priorities of national offices and agencies were identified. Possession of this information is important for institutions participating in the Erasmus+ programme, as the existing knowledge helps to correctly formulate applications within the Erasmus+ programme and increases not only the funding of projects, but also the factors influencing them.

Key priorities of National Offices (NEOs):

• Support for local beneficiaries and all stakeholders in the implementation of various Erasmus+ programs.
• CBHE (Capacity Building in Higher Education) – CBHE projects are designed to modernize and improve higher education systems by updating curricula, improving management, and promoting cooperation with the broader economic and social environment. These projects ensure that higher education institutions are equipped to respond to rapidly changing needs.
• ICM (International Credit Mobility) – ICM promotes the exchange of students and staff between Europe and partner countries, providing valuable opportunities for individuals to gain international experience, improve skills and broaden professional perspectives. 
• Jean Monnet Programme – Jean Monnet activities support teaching, research and policy debate related to EU studies. Jean Monnet promotes a deeper understanding of European integration and the advancement of knowledge in academic disciplines related to the EU.
• CBVET (Capacity Building in Vocational Education and Training) – CBVET projects aim to modernise vocational education systems, improve the quality and relevance of vocational education programmes and promote work-based learning. By aligning vocational education and training with labour market needs, projects created under the Erasmus+ programme increase the employability of learners and contribute to the economic growth of the country.

Key priorities of National Agencies (NAs)

• Inclusion and diversity – facilitating access to Erasmus+ opportunities for students and young people with disabilities, ensuring that the programme benefits a wide range of participants.

• Digital transformation – strengthening digital skills in the education, training and youth sectors, preparing individuals for the digital economy.
• Green Erasmus+ – supporting environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change through projects that promote environmentally friendly practices and raise awareness of environmental issues.
• Youth engagement – ​​strengthening the democratic engagement of young people, encouraging them to actively participate in society and contribute to decision-making processes.

• Regional cooperation – building bridges between countries in the region, promoting partnerships and collaborative projects that focus on addressing common challenges.

Best Practices Example Projects Funded by the Erasmus+

The conference showcased impactful best practices across various fields, reflecting the diverse needs and priorities of participating countries.

• In Azerbaijan, projects such as DIRNA and BE-OPEN have promoted collaboration in open science and research, while initiatives such as ENGAGE and BEAUCOUP have promoted entrepreneurship, sustainability, and digital transformation in higher education.

• Bulgaria's ACTIVE Youth project promoted inclusion, digital skills, and community engagement in rural areas, while other initiatives developed civic values ​​and raised awareness about climate change.
• Georgia focused on issues of research ethics and professional training through ETHICS; as well as on the study and promotion of sustainable development practices in professional education, using the example of the HABITABLE project. 

• Kosovo's TKAEDITE improved teacher training with digital tools, while STEFORA promoted STEM education for all genders.

• Moldova focused on higher education cooperation and youth mobility.
• Montenegro's CRED4TEACH has promoted the internationalization of higher education, complemented by projects supporting collaboration and inclusion.

• North Macedonia has prioritized youth employment and environmental action.
• Romania has tackled climate change through innovative education and promoted digital well-being and social inclusion.

• Serbia has focused on higher education.
• Ukraine supported youth mobility and volunteering.

Conclusion
The implementation of European policies in education, youth, and sport plays a significant role in fostering cohesive societies. By promoting sustainable and open dialogue, the Erasmus+ Program is essential for building peaceful and inclusive communities. The conference not only highlighted shared achievements and key statistics but also reinforced the commitment to strengthening partnerships and building strong bridges between the Black Sea Region and the Balkans. By embracing common initiatives and leveraging the unique strengths of each participating country, the Erasmus+ Program is paving the way toward a brighter and more collaborative future.