In the framework of the 30th anniversary of the Erasmus programme (European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) established in 1987, later called Erasmus+, the Albanian National Council for European Integration held on December 20, 2017 a roundtable with the topic "European Policies for Youth". A general analysis on the programme and the country's participation was presented by the Erasmus+ Office Albania.

But where does Albania stand in this programme? What are the facts and the figures of the participation of Albanian institutions into this programme? In the light of the discussion of the future budget of the programme for the period 2014-2020, we will briefly point out the main achievements of this programme.

What is Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ is the new European Commission's Programme designed to support education, training, youth, sport, as well as the exchange of students, academic and administrative staff in Europe for the period 2014-2020. It is estimated that since the start of Erasmus+ (2014), over 2 million people have participated in the programme. Its budget of 14.7 billion euro provides opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train, gain experience, and volunteer abroad.

Its implementation is carried out by the Executive Agency of Education, Media and Culture (EACEA) in Brussels, the National Agencies (NA) of each Programme Country and the National Erasmus Offices, available in all the partner countries, including Albania.

The key role of Erasmus+ in the Higher Education Institutions in Albania

Erasmus+ plays a key role in the Higher Education Institutions because provides and finances the exchange of students, academic staff and administrative, as well as scholarships for Joint Master in the best universities of the Programme Countries. In 2016, Erasmus + supported 21.000 projects between 79.000 organizations in the partner countries. 725.000 people went abroad to study, train, teach, work or volunteer with the support or funding granted through the Erasmus+ 2016 call.

The University of Tirana signed in the academic years 2014-2016, 33 agreements ICM (International Credit Mobility). While, in the academic year 2016-2017, 56 new active agreements and 42 agreements ICM were signed.

The Erasmus+ Office Albania is a reference center for processing, promoting and distributing the information and documentation of Erasmus+ Programme to the Higher Education Institutions in Albania and to all applicants or interested stakeholders.

How can Albania apply?

Albanian institutions can apply either as an applicant and partner or simply as a project partner. Albanian institutions applying for Erasmus+ must be registered and have the PIC code (Participant Identification Code).

Erasmus+ activities in which Higher Education Institutions in Albania can apply:
Key Action 1 - International Credit Mobility
Key Action 2 - Capacity-building projects in higher education (CBHE)
Jean Monnet Programme
Erasmus+ activities in which Albanian individuals (students, teaching and administrative staff) can apply:
Key Action 1 - International Credit Mobility (short exchanges)
Erasmus Mundus Key Action 1 Degree Mobility through Joint Masters
Key Action 2 - Capacity-building projects in higher education (CBHE)
Key Action 3 - Support of Educational Reforms
Sport

According to the Erasmus+ Office Albania the beneficiaries of the Erasmus+ programme are:

• 165 students
• 57 teaching staff
• 28 administrative staff

Mobility period can vary from 3 to 12 months for Bachelor, Master and PhD students, meanwhile for teaching and administrative staff from 5 days up to 2 months. For more information, please consult the Brochure of Erasmus+.

Depending on the project and its terms, higher education institutions, public and private ones can apply as applicants (coordinator) or as partners. Non-profit organizations operating in the field of education, business, chamber of commerce etc. can apply as partners too (according to the terms of the respective projects).

At the end of the evaluation process of the Erasmus + Capacity Building in Higher Education Call 2017, there were 2 projects with an Albanian Coordinator and 4 projects with Albanian partners selected. Overall, 15 Albanian universities and 3 non university partners will benefit from the selected projects.

Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education Call 2017 EAC/A03/2016 Selection Year 2017
Organization Name	Application Title
Agricultural University of Tirana (Albania)	Graduates Advancement and Development of University Capacities in Albania
University Aleksander Moisiu Durres (Albania)	Development and Implementation of Multimedia and Digital TV Curricula
Universitat de les Illes Balears (Spain)	IT Governance for Albanian Universities
Universidad de Leon (Spain)	Developing Teacher Competencies for a Comprehensive Vet System in Albania
Centre International des Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Mediterraneennes - Institut Agronomique Mediterranen de Montpellier	Master In European Innovations for a Sustainable Management of Albanian Territories, Rural Areas and Agriculture: Instruments, Policies, Strategies
(France)

For all the interested stakeholders, the following calls are open for application:
Key Action 1 - Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees - 15/02/2018
Capacity Building in the Field of Higher Education - 08/02/2018
Jean Monnet Actions - 22/02/2018