Letter to Brussels: Ministry of Civil Affairs Seeks Continuation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Participation in the Erasmus+ Programme

The Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubravka Bošnjak, has sent a letter to the European Commission confirming the clear interest and readiness of Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue and further enhance its participation in the Erasmus+ programme.

In the letter addressed to Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu, Minister Bošnjak emphasized that, in line with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s strategic commitment to European integration, the Erasmus+ programme represents one of the key instruments for strengthening cooperation between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the fields of education, training, youth, and sport. She underlined that Bosnia and Herzegovina views Erasmus+ as a strategic instrument of European integration, not merely as a mobility programme, and that the continuation and enhancement of participation in this programme are of exceptional importance for the country.

“Participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Erasmus+ programme is not a technical issue for us, but a clear strategic commitment. The Ministry of Civil Affairs is continuously working on strengthening institutional capacities and coordinating all levels of government in order to ensure a stable and high-quality framework for full participation in this programme, which represents one of the most concrete and visible links between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union,” stated Minister Bošnjak.

She also expressed gratitude to the European Commission for its long-standing support to Bosnia and Herzegovina in participating in European Union programmes.

With the aim of further advancing the process, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina plans to apply in the coming period for a TAIEX expert mission, which would analyse the current situation and provide recommendations for the next steps in fulfilling the conditions for the full participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Erasmus+ programme. This activity is part of a structured and responsible approach to further alignment with European Union rules and standards.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has been participating in the Erasmus+ programme since 2014, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina has a key coordination and strategic role in planning, monitoring, and improving the country’s participation in this European Union programme. Through cooperation with institutions at all levels of government, educational institutions, and international partners, the Ministry of Civil Affairs will continue activities aimed at strengthening capacities, promoting the opportunities provided by the Erasmus+ programme, and creating the conditions for the full membership of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this important European Union programme.