The National Erasmus+ Office Officially Reopens in Armenia

April 9, 2026

On April 7, the official reopening ceremony of the National Erasmus+ Office (NEO) took place in Armenia, signaling the start of a new, high-impact phase for the program with significantly expanded mandates.

The event featured opening remarks by Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the RA; Vassilis Maragos, EU Ambassador to Armenia; and Sargis Hayotsyan, Chairman of the Higher Education and Science Committee of the RA. The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, university rectors, and international partners.

The International Scientific-Educational Center of NAS RA was represented by the Director Armen Sargsyan and the Head of Foreign Affairs Department, Angela Papikyan.

In this new phase, the Office will extend its coordination beyond higher education to include Vocational Education and Training (VET), youth initiatives, and sports, thereby significantly widening the reach of Erasmus+ across the country.

"Our cooperation with the European Union continues to deepen. The Government of Armenia is committed to reaching new qualitative milestones in our bilateral ties. Programs that engage diverse institutions and beneficiaries are essential layers of cooperation, providing the substance needed for sustainable public development," emphasized Zhanna Andreasyan.

EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos highlighted the strategic importance of the office:

"The National Office acts as a vital bridge between EU academic institutions, European bodies investing in human capital, and Armenian establishments. Human capital is our greatest asset; it is the ultimate driver of a country’s competitiveness and future."

Sargis Hayotsyan, Chairman of the HESC, noted that the success of Armenia’s educational reforms is intrinsically linked to the adoption of international best practices. He encouraged the academic community to be proactive in leveraging the tools provided by the Erasmus+ framework.

NEO Coordinator Marianna Sargsyan underscored that the program reinforces Armenia’s reputation as a reliable educational partner:

"Thousands of Armenian students have already gained international academic experience and enhanced their intercultural skills. This represents an invaluable contribution to the nation's intellectual and professional growth."

The ceremony also marked the launch of the new official website, designed to serve as the central information hub for Armenian beneficiaries. The program’s core pillars were highlighted as follows:

• International Academic Mobility (for students and staff);
• Capacity Building in Higher Education and VET;
• Virtual Exchanges and digital cooperation;
• Strategic Partnership Projects.

As a long-standing partner of European initiatives, ISEC NAS RA reaffirms its commitment to actively participating in Erasmus+ programs, utilizing these expanded opportunities to further the internationalization of Armenian science and education.  

 

ISEC NAS RA Department of Public Relations and Career