Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges in Neighbourhood East

The Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges in Neighbourhood East initiative aims to foster intercultural dialogue and enhance soft skills among young people through online, people-to-people activities. The program leverages digital platforms to provide high-quality international and cross-cultural educational experiences without requiring physical mobility, thus addressing global mobility constraints, such as those imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The action seeks to promote European values, encourage tolerance, and prepare participants for potential future physical exchanges. Key objectives include enhancing critical thinking and media literacy to counter discrimination and radicalization, fostering digital and soft skills development, promoting citizenship and common values, and strengthening the youth dimension in EU relations with third countries. Thematic priorities include inclusion and diversity, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and civic engagement, with flexibility for participating organizations to select specific topics within these areas.

Eligibility for this grant extends to organizations and participants from both EU Member States and third countries, whether associated or not associated with the Erasmus+ Programme, within eligible regions. Projects may involve participants from higher education or youth sectors, or both, and must be facilitated by trained moderators. Special emphasis is placed on including socially and economically vulnerable individuals and those unable to participate in physical mobility.

The expected impact of the program includes increased intercultural understanding, improved employability through enhanced soft and digital skills, and greater participation in democratic life. By integrating virtual exchanges into educational and youth projects, the initiative aims to broaden access to international experiences, promote inclusion, and support the development of critical competences for lifelong learning.