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The management and implementation of activities within the Erasmus+ program differ depending on the status of the country: program country or partner country (a third country not associated with the program).

Program countries: National Erasmus+ agencies

In the program countries, which include the 27 EU member states and third countries associated with the program (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Turkey and Serbia), national Erasmus+ agencies play a central role. These agencies are responsible for overseeing Erasmus+ initiatives in their countries. Their tasks include providing information about Erasmus+, managing project applications, monitoring and evaluating program implementation, and offering support to applicants and participants throughout the project.

Partner countries: National Erasmus+ offices

In partner countries outside the EU, third countries not associated with the programme, National Erasmus+ Offices (NEOs) play an important role. NEOs work closely with the European Commission, local authorities and stakeholders to support Erasmus+ programmes. They serve to inform their countries, assist participants, support political dialogue and maintain contact with local authorities and EU delegations.

National Erasmus+ offices: Georgia

Erasmus+ national office works in Georgia. This office is the center for information, assistance and guidance related to Erasmus+ opportunities. In the associated countries, the national agencies for the administration of the grants receive funding directly from the EU budget, but this is not the case in the national Erasmus+ offices.

The difference between a national agency and a national office lies in their operational capabilities. National agencies manage and monitor Erasmus+ activities in program countries, while national offices, for example in Georgia, play mainly an informational and advisory role in partner countries. Ultimately, both aim to make Erasmus+ accessible and effective, promoting international cooperation as well as mobility and educational exchange opportunities for young people and different institutions.

Although Georgia does not have a national agency like the associated countries, the Erasmus+ Georgia National Office plays a crucial role in facilitating access to Erasmus+ opportunities for Georgian citizens and institutions. The office, through its efforts, helps Georgia achieve its broader goals of strengthening its educational sphere and ties with the wider European community.

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Understanding Erasmus+ Support Structures

In the realm of the Erasmus+ Program, the management and implementation of activities vary depending on whether a country is a Program Country or a Partner Country (Third country not associated with the Program).

Program Countries: National Erasmus+ Agencies

In Program Countries—comprising 27 EU member states, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Turkey, and Serbia—National Erasmus+ Agencies play a central role. These agencies are responsible for overseeing Erasmus+ initiatives within their respective countries. Their tasks include providing information about Erasmus+, managing project applications, monitoring and evaluating Program implementation, and offering support to applicants and participants throughout the project lifecycle.

Partner Countries: National Erasmus+ Offices

For Partner Countries outside the EU, such as those in the Western Balkans, Eastern and Southern Mediterranean, Central Asia, etc. National Erasmus+ Offices (NEOs) take on the role. NEOs collaborate closely with the European Commission, local authorities, and stakeholders to support Erasmus+ activities. They serve as focal points for their respective countries, providing information, assisting applicants and participants, supporting policy dialogue, and maintaining connections with local authorities and EU Delegations

National Erasmus+ Offices: Georgia's Context

Georgia operates through the National Erasmus+ Office. This office serves as the central hub for information, assistance, and guidance related to Erasmus+ opportunities within the country. While National Agencies in associated countries receive funding directly from the EU budget to administer grants, this is not the case in National Erasmus+ Offices. 

The distinction between a National Agency and a National Office lies in their operational scope. National Agencies manage and oversee Erasmus+ activities within Program Countries, whereas National Offices, like the one in Georgia, fulfill limited roles in Partner Countries. Both aim to ensure that Erasmus+ remains accessible and impactful, fostering international cooperation, mobility, and exchange in education, training, and youth domains.

In essence, while Georgia may not have a National Agency like those in associated countries, the National Erasmus+ Office Georgia plays a crucial role in facilitating access to Erasmus+ opportunities for Georgian individuals and institutions. Through its efforts, it contributes to Georgia's broader objectives of enhancing its educational landscape and fostering connections with the wider European community.