Following the authorization from the European Commission, the national Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes (AMPEU) has issued a decision to allocate funds in the maximum amount of 5,942,271.00 euro to the University of Zagreb (Erasmus code: HR ZAGREB01) for the Erasmus+ Programme, Key Action 1: Learning Mobility of Individuals. This was preceded by the University’s submission of a project proposal during the 2023 call for proposals for the Erasmus+ programme – Key Action 1 in the field of higher education, KA131 projects.
In accordance with the conditions stated in the Agreement for the accredited project number 2023-1-HR01-KA131-HED-000129986, the activities eligible for financing are the international short-term and long-term student mobility for studies (3,465,734.00 euro for 1,023 student mobilities) and staff mobility for teaching (242,200.00 euro for 274 members of staff), both of which are realized under bilateral Erasmus+ agreements between the University of Zagreb and academic institutions within the European Union and several non-EU countries associated to the Programme. Further activities supported include student mobility for traineeships (1,426,992.00 euro for 390 student mobilities) and staff mobility for training (230,125.00 euro for 227 staff mobilities) realized at academic institutions or at any public or private organization within the European Union, as well as several associated countries.
Additionally, the University of Zagreb applied for and, as part of the same EU tender, received support of 120,000.00 euro for the realisation of 15 Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) involving over 300 participants (15 BIPs with 20 participants each). BIPs are short blended intensive programmes that implement innovative ways of learning and teaching, including online student and staff collaboration, with the provided instruction often focusing on practical problem-solving, where international and interdisciplinary teams work together to tackle them. BIPs are designed to serve as an added value to existing courses or training programmes provided by participating HEIs.
It is important to point out that the said Erasmus+ KA131 programme is also key to the EU-backed European University Alliance’s project UNIC (European University of Post-Industrial Cities), of which the University of Zagreb remains a member for the next four years. UNIZG students and staff submit applications for UNIC’s internal public tenders, with the process managed by the Central International Relations Office.
At the University of Zagreb, the Central International Relations Office autonomously writes project proposals and applications for the European Commission/AMPEU’s public tender for Erasmus+ mobility and, in addition, carries out internal public tenders and project activities, while authorizing disbursements of approved funds. The Agency and the European Commission will monitor, as with previous projects, whether the Erasmus Charters for Higher Education are correctly implemented and whether the quality-related obligations established through inter-institutional agreements are fulfilled, as well as secure the appropriate expenditure of grant money, which is subject to audits by AMPEU, the European Commission, and the European Court of Auditors.
We remind you that Erasmus+ is a European Union program that supports education, training, youth and sport in Europe. For 2021-2027 it has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion and places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. The Erasmus+ offers mobility and cooperation opportunities in higher education, vocational education and training, school education (including early childhood education and care), adult education, prospects for youth and sports. You can find out more about the Erasmus+ programme on this LINK.