Skopje, 30 January 2026 (MIA) - A budget of EUR 8.1 million is made available to the country from the European Commission under the 2026 Erasmus+ Programme, the largest budget in the past 12 years since North Macedonia has been included in this European education and mobility programme. 

Addressing Friday's event held at the Faculty of Economics within University Ss.Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, where the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility presented the priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme and the 2026 European Solidarity Corps Programme, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski highlighted that such a budget reflects trust in the institution.

He expressed hope for further increase in student exchanges, noting that it would result in more experience and more motivated students who would transfer knowledge home.

"It is good to gain experience abroad and return home motivated and inspired to apply the new insights, with a fresh confidence to transfer the knowledge to students here in Macedonia. That is the goal of Erasmus+. Under this programme, young people have access to a powerful European financial instrument, which enables international mobility, exchange, learning and professional development. I would particularly like to highlight that the largest budget under this financial framework has been provided for 2026, in a total amount of over EUR 8 million. This is not a coincidence. This is the result of a steadfast commitment to invest where the return is greatest: among young people," said Mickoski. 

Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska pointed out that the country has been part of the Erasmus+ Programme for 12 years, adding that it is an excellent opportunity for young people to gain knowledge and mobility.

"It is primarily aimed at young people who have the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge on the territory of the European Union, which they will then transfer to their country. In 2014, we started with a budget of 3.5 million, to reach a budget of 8.1 million in 2026, which means strong support for the young people of this country to learn and achieve European standards. I am deeply convinced that this year the Agency's active participation in the Erasmus+ Programme will continue, with integrity, diligence and commitment, and that young people will also have the opportunity to gain experience in the EU in the future," said Janevska.

Head of the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility, Ana Mihajlov, said work over the past six months has been intensively focused on improving agency operations to restore trust in this institution.

"I believe the results are visible in that the largest budget under this financial framework for 2026 has been provided, i.e. EUR 8.1 million are available for education, training, youth and sports. We also have one hundred percent more applications in recent years, which means that young people, organizations, universities believe that the system works and that the European Commission's funds are distributed transparently and responsibly," said Mihajlov.

According to her, the fact that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education and Science are attending Friday's event confirms that the Government's support for education and youth is strong.

Asked on the latest information regarding the EU Directorate-General request for return of funds following findings of abuse, Mihajlov said this was a question for the institutions managing the case. She added that the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility is carefully and consistently following all the recommendations of the European Commission.

"We have been actively working on all the remarks over the past six months. First, we need to improve the processes within the institution, which we are executing successfully, and we are receiving praise from the European Commission. This question should be answered by the institutions managing the case, and that is not the National Agency," Mihajlov said.  

Photo: MIA