Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay Attends the “Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Programme Monitoring and Steering Committee Meeting”

The first meeting of the Monitoring and Steering Committee of Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programmes under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay was held at the Turkish National Agency on 21 October 2026.

Addressing the meeting, Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay emphasised that the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programmes represent an important investment in the future of Türkiye-EU relations. He highlighted that the connections established among young people through these programmes strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to the long-term development of Türkiye-EU relations. He also underlined the significant role of the programmes in enhancing institutional capacities across various sectors through mutual learning.

Ambassador Bozay further noted that the European Commission had initiated preparations for the European Union’s budget for the 2028–2034 period. In this context, he stated that assessments and preparatory work were ongoing among the relevant institutions regarding the EU programmes that Türkiye may participate in during the new programming period, including the Erasmus+ programme.

During the meeting, İlker Astarcı, President of the Turkish National Agency, briefed the Committee members on the Agency’s ongoing activities and implementation efforts. In this context, discussions covered international fairs attended to promote the Erasmus+ and ESC programmes and enhance Türkiye’s international visibility. National Agency-managed and centrally managed project calls, as well as promotional and information activities, were also addressed.

Representatives of the Presidency of Strategy and Budget, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of National Education, AFAD, the Directorate for EU Affairs, the Vocational Qualifications Authority, the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) and the Council of Higher Education also attended the meeting and shared their views and assessments.

The Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Programme Monitoring and Steering Committee is a consultative platform established to ensure the effective implementation of these programmes in Türkiye. Comprising representatives of the relevant ministries and institutions, the Committee works to ensure coordination between the programmes and national policies in the fields of education, youth, sport, volunteering and solidarity, as well as to monitor and evaluate their implementation.

For more information and calls for proposals: 

Turkish National Agency

European Commission