Kosovo Celebrates Europe Day 2025: A Tribute to Unity, Growth, and the Erasmus+ Spirit
- office056432
- May 9
- 3 min read
"Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity."– Robert Schuman, May 9, 1950
Today, as Kosovo joins the rest of the continent in celebrating Europe Day 2025, we commemorate the vision of peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity that has guided the European project since the signing of the Schuman Declaration. For us at the Erasmus+ Office in Kosovo, this day holds particular meaning. It reminds us that Europe is not only a geographical entity—it is a community of values, and Kosovo is proud to be part of this shared European journey.
In 2025, the Erasmus+ programme stands stronger than ever—offering greater opportunities for mobility, learning, teaching, and international cooperation across all education, training, youth, and sports sectors. Erasmus+ stands as a testament to EU values, fostering an environment where young people can embrace cultural diversity, develop skills, and build networks that transcend borders. By promoting educational mobility, Erasmus+ has become a cornerstone of European integration, enabling individuals to experience life in different countries and fostering a sense of belonging to a broader European community. Launched in 1987, the Erasmus program has evolved into Erasmus+, encompassing not only student exchanges but also opportunities for staff and youth exchanges, vocational training, and adult education.
The program has enabled millions of Europeans to study, train, and volunteer abroad, thereby enriching their educational experiences and promoting intercultural dialogue.Erasmus+ facilitates cultural exchange that enhances mutual understanding among diverse populations. Students and participants engage with different languages, traditions, and perspectives, breaking down stereotypes and building friendships across borders. This cultural immersion is essential for fostering a sense of European identity, which is crucial for long-term integration.The program significantly contributes to the development of human capital in Europe. By providing access to quality education and training, Erasmus+ equips young people with the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive job market. This investment in education not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the EU’s economy and social fabric.
Nowhere is this European spirit more tangible than in the impact of the Erasmus+ programme. In Kosovo, it continues to be a transformative force, especially for young people, educators, and institutions. Since the programme’s launch in Kosovo, the growth has been remarkable. From 2015 to 2024, over 10,000 students and academic staff travelled to institutions across Europe, through International Credit Mobility. Kosovo’s institutions have proudly secured 77 Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) projects, 6 Jean Monnet projects, and 2 in Erasmus Mundus Design Measures. Over 60 scholarships for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees have been awarded to Kosovar students, allowing them to study at some of Europe's top universities.
The 2024 Erasmus+ call marked a turning point. Kosovo achieved unprecedented success with 13 CBHE projects, 12 CBVET (Vocational Education and Training) projects, 6 Capacity Building in the Field of Youth, and 6 Sports projects—all as part of the new 2021–2027 Erasmus+ framework. These results are not just numbers; they are milestones in Kosovo’s ongoing integration into the European educational and cultural space.
But beyond the data lies the real power of Erasmus+: the personal stories. The memories, friendships, academic breakthroughs, and intercultural experiences that shape lives.
Such voices from Kosovo’s Erasmus alumni echo across generations, reminding us why this programme matters. It is not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about building bridges, broadening horizons, and nurturing a generation of European citizens who carry the spirit of cooperation and understanding back to their communities.
As we mark Europe Day 2025, we reaffirm our belief that Erasmus+ is more than an educational initiative. It is a vehicle for transformation, unity, and hope. In Kosovo, we continue to encourage every young person to embrace this opportunity—to go, to learn, and to return home with the best of Europe in their hearts.
Europe lives in all of us—and with every Erasmus+ journey, Kosovo steps closer to the European future we all believe in.
