On January 29, 2026, a significant event for the Armenian educational system took place at the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. The official launch marked the beginning of the “EU Bridge: Strengthening Higher Education for European Project Management in Armenia” international grant project, funded by the Erasmus+ program. As one of the key partners of the project, “NGO Center” Civil Society Development NGO is actively participating in this initiative, aiming to bridge the gap between the academic sector and civil society.
“EU Bridge” is a two-year project that brings together the potential of leading institutions from Armenia, Spain, and Italy. At its core, the project focuses on strengthening the capacities of Armenian higher education institutions, enabling them to develop and manage European educational and research projects more effectively. To achieve this, the project plans to create a specialized curriculum and establish a Pilot Academy and a Social Innovation Laboratory, which will serve as hubs for developing practical skills. One of the project’s most vital outcomes will be the creation of an open-access digital platform, ensuring the continuity of knowledge and a lasting impact even after the project concludes.
During the launch event, high-ranking guests and sector officials emphasized that the project is both timely and highly relevant. Aram Papoyan, Vice President of the NAS RA, and Armen Sargsyan, Director of ISEC, highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional structures. This progress will allow Armenian universities to evolve from mere participants to strategic partners in European initiatives. Václav Štěrba, representing the EU Delegation, noted that Erasmus+ programs significantly contribute to improving the quality of education and expanding mobility opportunities in the region.
For NGO Center, participation in this project is another step toward fostering a high-quality educational environment in Armenia and integrating international best practices. During the working discussions held on January 30, our organization, together with Armenian and European partners, clarified the roadmap for upcoming actions. We are confident that the cooperation formed within the framework of “EU Bridge” will become a stable bridge connecting Armenian higher education with the European Higher Education Area, creating new opportunities for faculty, researchers, and students.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.