NEO-ICP-ENPF Annual Meeting in Brussels

On 26-27 January 2026, the annual meeting of National Erasmus+ Offices (NEOs), International Contact Points (ICPs), and Erasmus National Focal Points (ENFPs) was held in Brussels, bringing together representatives from 145 countries worldwide. The National Erasmus+ Office of Kazakhstan (NEO KZ) was represented at the event by its Coordinator, Laura Paluanova. On 26 January as part of the international mobility seminar, participants discussed key areas of mobility management:

• managing student mobility
• managing and using staff mobility
• the wider impact of mobility on institutional development
• mobility frameworks outside Erasmus+
• recent policy developments affecting Erasmus+

Besides, the first day of the event included a speed-networking session, during which participants were able to establish useful contacts and expand their network.

On 27 January, senior representatives from the European Commission, including the Head of Unit for International Cooperation, the Deputy Head of Unit for Strategic Programming and Performance at DG ENEST, the Deputy Head of Unit for Egypt and the Pact for the Mediterranean at DG MENA, and the Acting Head of Unit for Youth, Education, and Research at DG INTPA, discussed recent policy developments impacting Erasmus+. They shared their insights on international cooperation, strategic programming, and youth, education, and research policies.

During the dedicated NEO meeting, participants explored the future role of NEOs beyond 2026, grant management issues, improved use of SPHERE resources, engagement with the HERE network, communication strategies for promoting Erasmus+ initiatives, and training opportunities available through the EU Academy.

Besides, NEO regional workshops were held during the 2nd day of the event focusing on regional issues and opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation. During the Central Asian NEO regional workshop, Coordinators discussed various topics including the organization of regional events and challenges in the implementation of the work plans.

The annual meeting in Brussels highlighted the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic alignment across the Erasmus+ network. It strengthened the commitment of NEOs, ICPs, and ENFPs to advancing international mobility, supporting institutional development, and fostering excellence in higher education worldwide.