EU and Western Balkans strengthen cooperation in research and education

On 6 October, at the EU-Western Balkans Brdo Summit, the leaders of the European Union and its Member States, together with Western Balkans leaders launched the ‘Western Balkans Agenda on Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport’, a comprehensive, long-term cooperation strategy of the European Union and the Western Balkans. The goal of the initiative is to promote scientific excellence as well as reform of the region’s education systems, create further opportunities for young people, and help prevent brain drain. Through increased investments in Research, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, the Western Balkans Agenda and its proposed actions will contribute to the region’s economic and societal development and cooperation. 

 

In Horizon 2020 so far, the Western Balkans have received a European contribution of €168 million in total. There are 960 beneficiaries participating in Horizon 2020, and 565 projects have been funded. The thematic calls with the highest number of applications from the Western Balkans are ICT, Energy and Health. 

In Erasmus +, students and staff participated in more than 50 000 mobilities with a European contribution of €151 million. 

More information to be found on the EC website.