Representatives of the European Commission, the Foundation Tempus and the Ministry of Youth and Sport invited sports associations to apply for a call for projects proposal from the sport component of Erasmus + programme. During the info session held in Palace of Serbia, it was stated that in this year over EUR 60 million have been earmarked for this purpose.
Ms Agata Dziarnovska from the European Commission’s Department for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture said that when deciding on project approval, they were inclined towards cooperation with different partners, without favoring universities or sports organizations. Applicants from Serbia, which has become one of the Erasmus + programme countries since February, now have the opportunity to be the project leaders, but the other programme countries must always be included in the respective projects. This approach encourages the cooperation, believes Ms Dziarnovska.
“Projects must meet some of the three requirements in order to be considered. They can be focused on combating transnational threats to sport such as doping or violence in sports. Also, they can promote good governance in sports, and I kindly ask you to interpret this phrase in its broadest context. They can also promote social inclusion, as, for example, lately there is much talk about gender equality”. She also said that the results of the competition would be known in September, and that over 560 applications were received last year.
Ms Marija Filipovic Ozegovic, Manager of Foundation Tempus said that sports associations currently had the opportunity to participate even more in such projects, since they have already had well-developed cooperation, and Serbian athletes have a good reputation in Europe.
“I would like to encourage you to look at the part related to education, with the sport as its indispensable element, since we have a holistic approach to the whole process. For work with young people, the deadline for applications is April 30, and we have also organized informative days. I hope that we will have a greater partnership with sports organizations in the future” she concluded.
Mr Darko Udovicic, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sport, reminded that Serbia is one of only 5 programme countries in Erasmus + programme outside the European Union.
“We are grateful to the European Commission and the Erasmus programme for their support. Although it reaches the final phase, we believe it is important to apply. Sport is important, and this way we can combat doping or violence at the sport events, “concluded Mr Udovicic.
