A week since the start of the Pristina International Summer University (PISU), the courtyard of the University of Pristina Rectorate building was filled with students, academics, Team Europe and other institutional representatives.

Supported by the EU in Kosovo, they came together for an evening dedicated to cultural exchange and information on study and mobility opportunities offered by EU programmes and the EU Member States.

They also met with Erasmus+ and other EU scholarship recipients and exchanged views and information on study and learning opportunities in a relaxed setting.

PISU 26th edition, happening from 6 to 17 July, has brought together around 300 students from Kosovo, the region, the EU and other parts of the world. During the two-week programme, students have the opportunity to attend courses in different fields taught by local and international professors.

Participants were welcomed by the Rector of the University of Pristina, Prof. Dr. Arben Hajrullahu.
On behalf of the EU in Kosovo, Laura Fallavollita, Team Leader for Good Governance and Human Capital, said that the EU, as Kosovo’s strongest partner committed to its young people, will continue to support the modernisation of higher education in Kosovo and offer mobility programmes that further strengthen the bond between the EU and Kosovo.

“Erasmus Plus is one of the programs that we all know, but together with Erasmus Plus, we have Horizon Europe, many programs for exchanges that offer opportunity for international exchanges and not only for Kosovo youth to go and study in European countries, but also to make their country known to European partners,” Fallavollita said.

She also highlighted the Young Cell Scheme, describing it as more than a scholarship programme. In addition to offering opportunities for master’s studies in EU countries, the scheme also enables participants to return and contribute to Kosovo’s public administration with new knowledge and experience.

The event also featured a cultural programme. Accompanied by the orchestra led by Dukagjin Muhaxheri, participants spent time together in an atmosphere that reflected the diversity of the Summer University itself and its international character.
The event was organized as part of the partnership between PISU and the EU in Kosovo, which also includes public discussions, expert masterclasses and other activities related to youth, education, inclusion and Kosovo’s European integration.

As Kosovo’s strongest partner and largest financial supporter, with more than €3.7 billion invested since 1999, the European Union continues to support education, youth and international cooperation in Kosovo.