Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps

DG Growth, Ministry of Finance, has been designated, by Decision of the Council of Ministers, as the National Authority for Erasmus+ and is responsible for monitoring and supervising the management of the programme at national level. The National Agencies, responsible for the management of the Erasmus+ programme in Cyprus that have been designated by a Decision of the Council of Ministers, are the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes for the sectors of Education and Training and for the Youth sector.

Additionally, in 2018, DG Growth was designated, by Decision of the Council of Ministers, as the National Authority of the European Solidarity Corps, with Youth Board of Cyprus as the National Agency. Furthermore, in the context of the new programming period 2021-2027, the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes has been designated as the National Agency for the Sports chapter of Erasmus+ for the decentralized actions, with implementation commencing in 2023.

Since its inception in 1987 until today, the Erasmus+ Programme is constantly developing. In particular, for the programming period 2021-2027, Erasmus+ has almost double its budget compared to the previous programming period, which exceeds 26,2 billion euros. Erasmus+ during the new programming period, places special emphasis on social inclusion, green and digital transition, offering rich experiences to beneficiaries and broadening their horizons, while strengthening European identity and European values. It is a valuable tool through which the policies of the European Union are promoted in all relevant fields as well as the goals and priorities of the Republic of Cyprus in the fields of Education and Vocational Training.

Erasmus+ is widely known in Cyprus and Cypriot beneficiaries show great interest in participating in it. Equally important is the role of the European Solidarity Corps programme, the initiative of the European Union, which creates opportunities for young people who wish to volunteer or work in projects, at their home country or abroad, for the benefit of both communities and young people across Europe.

The purpose of the National Authority is the monitoring and supervision of the implementation of Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps in Cyprus, as well as the maximum utilization and absorption of funds from the European programmes.

In addition, DG Growth, among others, participates in the National and Technical Committee for Lifelong Learning whose purpose is the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the National Strategy for Lifelong Learning. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, in collaboration with the rest of the organisations involved, has prepared the National Strategy for Lifelong Learning for the period 2021-2027.

Additional information on the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Solidarity Corps can be found on the websites of the European Commission, as well as the joint website of the National Agencies.
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/el/about-erasmus/what-is-erasmus
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity_en
https://www.erasmusplus.cy/