The European Union wants to integrate Syria into its Southern Neighborhood Policies
The European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šujča, stated that the EU intends to integrate Syria into its Southern Neighborhood Policies, starting with the Erasmus education program.
Šujča’s remarks came during a press conference she held with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani at Tishreen Palace in Damascus, following their meeting on Thursday.
She pointed out that Syrians have been suffering hardships and displacement for more than 14 years.
She added, “We want to see Syria, under new leadership, transform into a stable, prosperous, and inclusive state”.
She added that work is underway to integrate Syria into the EU’s Southern Neighborhood policies, starting with the Erasmus education program.
She announced that the European Commission has proposed a new aid package for Syria worth €175 million, and that this funding will focus on vital sectors such as energy, education, and agriculture.
She explained that her visit to Damascus aims to convey the message that the European Union stands with the Syrian people.
She stressed that cooperation with the United Nations for the return of Syrian refugees to their country is ongoing, emphasizing that this return must be voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable.
It’s worth mentioning that The Erasmus Education program is an EU-funded initiative that supports education, training, youth, and sport in Europe.
It was established in 1987, it has become one of the most well-known student exchange programs, promoting international mobility and cooperation in higher education.
Allows university students to study abroad from 3 to 12 months, at partner institutions in Europe, and grants are provided to help cover travel and living costs, with no extra tuition fees are charged by the host university.
According to the program, students can do work placements from 2 to 12 months, in companies or organizations abroad, with university teachers and staff can teach or train abroad.
The program supports partnerships between universities, businesses, and NGOs for joint projects.
