Abstract:

One of the European landmarks that was born during the presidencies of Jacques Delors (1925-2023) was the Erasmus Program. The Erasmus (2014-2020) and Erasmus+ (2021-2027) programs are fundamental instruments for building a European Education Area, by promoting strategic European cooperation in education, contributing to sustainable growth, quality employment and social cohesion, boost innovation and reinforce European identity and active citizenship.

The ongoing program for 2021-2027 places emphasis on social inclusion, ecological and digital transitions and promoting young people's participation in democratic life. It supports the priorities and activities established in the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan and the European Skills Agenda.

The expanded budget of the Erasmus+ Program contributed to an increase in economic competitiveness and social inclusion and an increase in the number of participants and mobility of students and teachers. The Erasmus+ Program budget of 26.2 billion euros is almost double the funding of the previous program (2014-2020), giving importance to education, especially higher education.

The European Union has a central role in the European Education Area in the world. The European Union will strengthen international cooperation with countries and regions around the world and will continue to promote Europe as a partner in education. Strengthening international cooperation in education and training with third countries and regions around the world is essential to solving existing and emerging global challenges, a challenge that has increased with globalization and the so-called New Digital Era.

Cooperation in education has become an important instrument for mutual understanding and sharing European values. International education partnerships promote mutually beneficial innovation, such as the development of curricula, joint degrees and research projects, and create lasting connections between organizations and individuals, while encouraging economic growth, prosperity and social cohesion, Pillar European Union of Social Rights.

At Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique (UPT), Oporto, Portugal, the ERASMUS+ program has been a valuable opportunity for students. The Portucalense University, as a private university, has been concerned with policies for student mobility since 1987, having recorded cases since 1995. It presents an increase in foreign students from 2014 to 2020, especially in the years 2019/2020, having, however, the growth trajectory and results for 2020/2021 were affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022 and 2023, UPT had a significant involvement in the ERASMUS+ Program, providing mobility opportunities for students. Students who did mobility (Erasmus Out) and students who came to UPT (Erasmus In). The number of incoming students grew visibly, from 29 in 2014 to 118 in 2021. During this period, employees from partner institutions also chose UPT as a host institution in the city of Oporto. This contributed to a more plural Europe, united by cultural, linguistic and educational diversity.

These mobility experiences enrich students' academic, personal and professional growth, providing contact with new working methods, technologies and cultures, in addition to developing language skills and adaptation and flexibility skills. And they enable a true understanding of European citizenship.

Keywords:

Education, Erasmus+, European citizenship.