The network
The network of the Erasmus+ National Focal Points (ENFPs) was established in 2021 as an essential component and support structure in the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme (2021-2027).
It is a professional network of individuals whose mission, in each of their countries, is to provide information and on-the-ground advice to potential applicants and beneficiaries of the Erasmus+ programme.
As such, they play a key role in supporting the Erasmus+ programme’s objectives by ensuring that it becomes better known and more readily accessible to all potential applicants, irrespective of the sector. They act as focal points not only for applicants, but also for current and past beneficiaries and for all other stakeholders as regards the EU cooperation activities under the Erasmus+ programme.
ENFPs have been nominated in over 70 countries not associated to the Erasmus+ programme, in the following regions:
You can access more information on the ENFP regions, and also the contact details of the individual ENFPs.
The ENFPs are designated by the National Authorities (i.e. the relevant ministry or ministries) in their home countries, and further endorsed by the local EU Delegation. Their day-today activities and financial support is the responsibility of the National Authorities.
Most ENFPs work in the ministries of education or of higher education in their countries, and they undertake their ENFP activities along with other related tasks in their administration.
A smaller number of ENFPs are active in stakeholder organisations, or in higher education institutions. All of them are recognised figures in the higher education ecosystem of their country and have a strong knowledge of the stakeholders in the education field.
Main activities
The main activities of an ENFP are:
- the targeted promotion of relevant actions within the international dimension of the Erasmus+ programme. In this capacity, they organise information and promotional activities in collaboration with the European Commission’s services, including EACEA and the local EU Delegation, e.g. info-days, seminars, conferences, newsletters, web sites, fairs, etc.;
- provide advice to potential applicants, including the dissemination of Erasmus+ programme documentation (programme calls for proposals, application forms, guidelines, manuals, etc.) and targeted training and assistance on proposal-writing and the application process;
- give assistance to organisations and individuals, in particular new organisations, to help increase and improve participation in the Erasmus+ programme in their countries;
- provide assistance on the project partner search;
- contribute to the dissemination and exploitation of project results, including through the collection of data and information on the successful implementation of Erasmus+ projects;
- liaise with the EU Delegations and national stakeholders to create a positive policy environment for the implementation of more Erasmus+ programme activities.
The network dimension
This is very important in the strategy around ENFPs. They are not isolated individuals providing advice and expertise in their country, since they are part of a larger network of peers, both across their region and globally across the six regions of the network.
The added value of the network of ENFPs is their shared knowledge and expertise, and the capacity to tap into the experience and best practices of their colleagues. The ENFPs who are faced with a new challenge can seek insight from other ENFPs, and those with new ideas can test them with their colleagues, and create common information or communication actions together.