[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

March 26, 2026

€1,000,000 total budget for this call; single-stage, lump sum grants; typical project duration 1–3 years.

Funds virtual exchange projects that foster intercultural dialogue, digital and soft skills, and EU values among youth in Europe and the Western Balkans.

Proposals must involve partners from both EU Member States and eligible Western Balkan countries.

--- ## Description This call supports Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges in the Western Balkans, aiming to deliver online, people-to-people activities that promote intercultural dialogue, develop soft skills, and enhance digital literacy among young people. Projects should facilitate high-quality international and cross-cultural educational experiences without requiring physical mobility, leveraging digital platforms to reach a diverse audience. The action targets both formal and non-formal education sectors, with a strong emphasis on inclusion—especially for vulnerable or less mobile groups. Thematic priorities include inclusion and diversity, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and civic engagement. Projects must be moderated by trained facilitators and can be integrated into various educational settings. The overall goal is to strengthen youth engagement and EU relations with third countries, particularly in the Western Balkans. --- ## Due Dates - March 26, 2026: Full application submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total available budget for this call: **€1,000,000** - Grants are awarded as **lump sum action grants**. - Typical project duration: **1–3 years** - The number and size of grants will depend on the number and quality of proposals received. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** Organisations (including higher education institutions, youth organisations, NGOs, and other relevant entities) established in: - EU Member States - Third countries associated to Erasmus+ (Programme countries) - Third countries not associated to the Programme in the Western Balkans region - **Consortium Requirement:** Proposals must include partners from both EU Member States/associated countries and eligible Western Balkan countries. - **Target Groups:** Youth, students, and youth workers; particular attention to inclusion of vulnerable and less mobile participants. - **Further Eligibility Details:** Refer to the [Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026](https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-programme-guide). --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted online via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/ERASMUS-EDU-2026-VIRT-EXCH-WB). - **Format:** Single-stage application; use the standard application form and the detailed budget template provided on the portal. - **Key Documents:** - [Application form (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/erasmus/temp-form/af/af_erasmus-bb-lsii_en.pdf) - [Detailed budget table (Excel)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/erasmus/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_erasmus-lsii_en.xlsm) - [Model Grant Agreement (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/agr-contr/ls-mga_en.pdf) - **Evaluation:** Based on relevance, quality of design and implementation, impact, and cost-effectiveness (see Programme Guide for full criteria). - **Notification:** Applicants will be informed of results by September 2026; grant agreements signed by December 2026. --- ## Additional Information - **Page limit:** 40 pages for the technical description (Part B) of the application. - **Inclusion:** Strong focus on reaching socially and economically vulnerable groups and those unable to participate in physical mobility. - **Facilitation:** All virtual exchanges must be moderated by trained facilitators. - **Gender and diversity:** Gender aspects and diversity should be considered in project design and implementation. --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/ERASMUS-EDU-2026-VIRT-EXCH-WB) - [Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026](https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-programme-guide) - [All Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange Calls](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/calls-for-proposals?callIdentifier=ERASMUS-EDU-2026-VIRT-EXCH) - [Erasmus+ official call page](https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/calls/erasmus-virtual-exchanges-in-western-balkans-0) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Programme/Call Queries | [EACEA-EPLUS-VIRTUAL-EXCHANGES@ec.europa.eu](mailto:EACEA-EPLUS-VIRTUAL-EXCHANGES@ec.europa.eu) | | IT/Portal Support | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | General EC Contact | [European Commission Contact](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone (EC switchboard) | +32 2 299 11 11 | ---

Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges in Western Balkans

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