Participation in the international conference of the Academic Cooperation Association “What’s new in Brussels?” (29-30.01.2026, Brussels)
On January 29–30, 2026, the Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine took part in the international conference of the Academic Cooperation Association “What’s new in Brussels?”. The conference brought together speakers from the European Commission, Erasmus+ National Agencies, universities, and other members of the Academic Cooperation Association.
Dedicated sessions focused on the novelties of the new phase of the EU Erasmus+ Programme for 2028–2034, research initiatives, the international dimension, and the European Universities alliances.
During the session on cooperation with countries from the EU enlargement regions, updates were presented on changes in priorities, participation models, and funding opportunities for cooperation in higher education with the EU enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood regions within Erasmus+, with a particular focus on the Erasmus+ 2026 calls. The session also featured concrete examples of strategic cooperation within European Universities alliances using various support approaches.
The session was moderated by Lenka Procházková, Head of Office, Czech Liaison Office for Education and Research (CZELO).
Speakers included Simone Rave, Policy Officer, Strategic Programming and Performance, Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), European Commission; Adrien Olszak-Olszewski, Policy Officer, International Cooperation, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), European Commission; and Sabine Menu, Associate Professor, EM Strasbourg Business School and EPICUR liaison officer in Brussels, and Coordinator of the EU4ALL Alliance Working Group on Cooperation with Ukraine. Svitlana SHYTIKOVA, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, contributed to the discussion, highlighting key opportunities for cooperation with Ukraine under martial law and emphasising the need to support capacity building of Ukrainian educational institutions in preparation for participation in the new phase of the EU Erasmus+ Programme as an associated country. She also drew attention to Ukraine’s experience in participating in European University alliances as both a member and an associated partner.
In total, 200 participants from different countries took part in the conference, having the opportunity to network and establish further cooperation.
Further details about the event are available via the link.