Erasmus+ programmes fully available again to University of Debrecen students and researchers

Erasmus+ programmes are once again fully available to students and researchers at the University of Debrecen after the Council of the European Union terminated the conditionality procedure against Hungary. On Tuesday, visitors received comprehensive information about the latest developments in the scholarship programme and other mobility opportunities at the 28th International Opportunities Fair, held in the university’s Main Building.

“The timing of the International Opportunities Fair has perhaps never been more relevant. Yesterday’s decision by the Council of the European Union brought the procedure against Hungary to an end, making the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes fully available again to all Hungarian university students and researchers. This is a great joy, but also a major challenge for us. The university leadership aims to ensure that our students can make the most effective and beneficial use of this opportunity. We hope that mobility will be just the first step towards continuing to build their international networks and gain international experience after completing their studies, whether in the labour market or during their academic careers,” said Attila Jenei, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, at the opening of the event.

In December 2022, the Council of the European Union suspended new financial commitments to 21 Hungarian universities maintained by public interest asset management foundations (KEKVA) as part of the rule-of-law conditionality mechanism. As a result, the affected institutions, including the University of Debrecen, became ineligible for EU funding and gradually lost access to new funding opportunities under the Erasmus+ mobility and Horizon Europe research programmes.

“Erasmus Days are being celebrated across Europe at the moment. It was no coincidence that we scheduled our event for this week, as we also hoped that the situation of Hungary’s foundation-managed universities would be resolved by now. Today is a real day of celebration. Over the past few years, we have worked to maintain our international institutional partnerships and to demonstrate that the University of Debrecen remains an equally valuable partner despite not receiving Erasmus funding. We had to renegotiate our relationships because our situation had become a risk factor in partnerships. We are delighted that we can now continue our work as full members again,” added Orsolya Jánosy.

The head of the Centre for International Relations highlighted that, alongside Hungarian universities, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are also expected to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme this year. Several prospective partners from the United Kingdom have already contacted the University of Debrecen to express their interest.

At this year’s International Opportunities Fair, 17 exhibiting organisations presented their mobility opportunities. These included public foundations, scholarship organisations, foundations supporting mobility, and companies coordinating professional internships. In addition to Erasmus+, CEEPUS, DAAD and Fulbright scholarships, the Pannónia Scholarship Programme remains available.

“We have funding under the Pannónia Scholarship Programme to support student mobility until January 2028. We hope this opportunity will continue, as there is considerable demand for student mobility, including short-term and group trips. These options are ideal for students who may no longer be able to fit a longer period abroad into their studies or work commitments, or around their family responsibilities,” Orsolya Jánosy explained.

Further information about the University of Debrecen’s mobility programmes is available on the Centre for International Relations website.

(unideb.hu)