The National Erasmus+ Office in Montenegro hosted today’s panel discussion titled “Let’s Get to Know the European Union from the Perspective of Erasmus+ Users” at the European House in Podgorica.
Erasmus+, the European Union’s largest program in education, training, youth, and sports, is a key tool of EU public diplomacy. Given Montenegro’s candidacy for EU membership, this event aimed to foster a broader dialogue on understanding the EU from the viewpoints of Erasmus+ participants, discussing the expectations, benefits, and challenges of living in the EU, as well as the potential impact of EU membership on daily life.
Through mobility opportunities, Erasmus+ has enabled millions of students and young people worldwide to experience the EU’s cultural heritage and diversity, its value system, and the advantages of living in a free market and economically prosperous region. For many young Montenegrins, Erasmus+ has opened their minds to different perspectives, promoting tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect. This perception of the EU as a region of economic well-being, democratic values, and rich cultural history has sparked global curiosity, with over 13 million participants in the recent Erasmus+ cycle.
The panel discussion, moderated by Vanja Drljević, director of the National Erasmus+ Office in Montenegro, featured dr Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, dr Filip Ivanović, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and young professionals who benefited from Erasmus+ (Amela Frljučkić, Ksenija Borilović, Bojana Lalatović, and Balša Lompar). The panelists discussed topics such as managing cultural diversity, overcoming initial prejudices, developing tolerance and intercultural dialogue, understanding EU values and citizenship, and how Erasmus+ influenced their views on EU membership.
