Why an Erasmus+ project

The European Union is cooperating with higher education institutions and EU Member States to support and enable the higher education sector to adapt to changing conditions, to thrive and to contribute to Europe’s resilience and recovery.

The 2022 European Strategy for Universities roposes to focus on achieving four key objectives:

1. Strengthen the European dimension in higher education and research
   Implement a set of flagship initiatives that aim to become the visible expression of a European approach, backed by appropriate financial support, to help universities build bridges and take transnational cooperation to the next level.
2. Support universities as lighthouses of our European way of life
   Support universities to deliver quality and relevant future-proof skills, foster diversity and inclusion, promote and protect democratic practices, fundamental rights and academic values.
3. Empower universities as actors of change in the twin green and digital transitions
   Support the full engagement of universities in unfolding green and digital transitions. The EU will only meet its ambitions on equipping more young people and lifelong learners with digital skills and skills for the green transition, or developing green solutions through technological and social innovation, if the higher education sector pulls its weight.
4. Reinforce universities as drivers of Europe’s global role and leadership
   Through deeper international cooperation within Europe and beyond, support universities in becoming more outward looking and competitive on the global scene. This will help in turn boosting Europe’s attractiveness not only as a study destination, but also as an attractive global partner for cooperation in education, research and innovation.

Further information on the webpage Higher education initiatives on the website of the European Commission.  

The EU Youth Strategy is the framework for EU youth policy cooperation for 2019-2027. It focuses on three core areas of action, around the three words: Engage, Connect, Empower. During a 2017-2018 dialogue process which involved young people from all over Europe, 11 European Youth Goals were developed. The following goals identify cross-sectoral areas that affect young people’s lives and point out challenges:

• Connecting EU with youth;
• Equality of all genders;
• Inclusive societies;
• Information & constructive dialogue;
• Mental health & wellbeing;
• Moving rural youth forward;
• Quality employment for all;
• Quality learning;
• Space and participation for all;
• Sustainable green Europe;
• Youth organisations & European programmes.

Further information on the webpage EU Youth Strategy on the website of the European Commission.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the United Nations’ blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. It is an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. The 2030 Agenda consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which in turn are divided into 169 different targets:

• End poverty in all its forms everywhere;
• End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture;
• Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages;
• Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all;
• Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls;
• Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all;
• Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all;
• Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all;
• Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation;
• Reduce inequality within and among countries;
• Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable;
• Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns;
• Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts;
• Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development;
• Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems;
• Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions;
• Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

For further information please visit the webpages 2030 Agenda on the website of Sustainable Ca’ Foscari and Sustainable Development Goals on the website of the European Commission.