Western Balkans Synergy
The conviction that new generations of Europeans greatly benefit from education environments that are diverse, thereby facilitating and strengthening cooperation across differences of cultures, gender, ethnicity, languages, sexual orientation, and capacities, and contributing to European integration goals and post Berlin-Washington consensus developmental dynamics.
- attract international research funds,
- retain domestic and attract foreign students,
- be involved in international academic activities,
- provide services to their communities and industries
- and to become more inclusive.
Previous EUTOPIA Initiatives (2020-2022)
Western Balkan EUTOPIA Workshops:
- 5th EUTOPIA Workshop: Preparation of a MSCA Project Proposal, January 2025
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© Bor Slana, STA
The University of Ljubljana (UL) hosted a workshop on preparing Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) project proposals on January 16–17, 2025. The event brought together researchers and coordinators from the region interested in applying for MSCA Doctoral Networks (DN) and MSCA Staff Exchange (SE) funding.
The workshop featured insights from representatives of the European Commission, the Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the UL’s Biotechnical Faculty and School of Economics and Business. Experts emphasised the importance of international, interdisciplinary, and intersectional collaboration in MSCA programmes. Key factors for success include forming strong consortia, ensuring committed and reliable partnerships, and securing technical, administrative, and organisational support.
Dr. Stojan Sorčan, Secretary at the Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, led the workshop, providing an overview of the evaluation criteria for MSCA DN and MSCA SE applications. He also shared insights into what reviewers look for in a successful application.
Dr. Sabina Berne from the Biotechnical Faculty and Dr. Živa Kolbl from the UL School of Economics and Business shared practical experiences and challenges in MSCA project implementation, covering aspects such as stakeholder collaboration, document preparation, and event organisation.
The MSCA programme aims to promote excellence in all regions of Europe, especially in widening countries, to strengthen the exchange and training of doctoral students, international cooperation, sustainable partnerships and the visibility of the partner institutions.
The workshop attracted 24 participants from nine institutions, including Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, University of Ljubljana, University of Banja Luka, University of Prishtina, University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, Public University Kadri Zeka, and University Isa Boletini Mitrovica, alongside representatives from the Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
For more information, click here.
Disclaimer
EUTOPIA MORE is co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101089699. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
- 4th EUTOPIA Workshop: Research Funding, May 2024
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© University of Sarajevo
The University of Sarajevo hosted the 4th EUTOPIA workshop on 31 May 2024, which focused on research funding at international, national, and institutional level. During the workshop, representatives from the University of Ljubljana, Babeş-Bolyai University, the University of Sarajevo, the University of Belgrade, the University of Rijeka, and the Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, all presented examples of research funding, practises and challenges they face.
For more information, click here. - 3rd EUTOPIA Workshop: Innovation and Technology Transfer, April 2024
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© University of Ljubljana
On 4 and 5 April 2024, the University of Ljubljana hosted EUTOPIA's 3rd workshop, focused on innovation, technology, and knowledge transfer. The event featured speakers from the Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARiS), the Vesna Fund, the University of Rijeka, and the University of Ljubljana.
On the second day, participants engaged in a hands-on workshop dedicated to the design and organisation of KTO activities and ecosystem development. Additionally, a presentation was held on the Knowledge Valorisation Coordination Platform.
The workshop attracted 30 participants from 18 institutions, including Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, University Haxhi Zeka, University St. Kliment Ohridski Bitola, University of Rijeka, Goce Delcev University, National Institute of Chemistry, Babes-Bolyai University, University of Ljubljana, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency, Alma Mater Europaea ECM, University of Sarajevo, University of Banja Luka, Vesna VC, University of Prishtina, Regional Cooperation Council, University of Maribor, and University of Kragujevac.
For more information, click here.
Disclaimer
EUTOPIA MORE is co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101089699. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
- 2nd EUTOPIA Workshop: Project Application Design, October 2023
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© University of Monstar
The University of Mostar hosted the 2nd EUTOPIA workshop on 25 and 26 October 2023. Representatives from the University of Mostar, University of Rijeka, Babeș-Bolyai University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and University of Ljubljana presented and shared practices related to applying for EU projects. Key topics included informing about tenders, training of researchers, assistance from university services in preparing project applications, procedures for appealing against project rejections, and assistance in project management. Participants also explored the potential for establishing a regional network of research officers.
On the second day, the workshop was dedicated to EU funding opportunities for universities, networking, forming partnerships and consortia, project design and financial management. The workshop was attended by 20 participants from 8 universities: Babeș-Bolyai University, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, University of Rijeka, University of Banja Luka, University of Ljubljana, University of Mostar, University of Prishtina, University of Sarajevo.
For more information, click here. - 1st EUTOPIA Workshop: Internationalisation Strategy, June 2023
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© University of Montenegro
From June 12 to 13 2023, the University of Montenegro hosted the first EUTOPIA workshop on internationalisation strategy, in collaboration with the Rectors’ Forum of South Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans.
During the workshop, representatives from the Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, the University of Montenegro, the University of Warwick, and the University of Ljubljana shared insights on developing internationalisation strategies. Topics included establishing international partnerships, engaging in global programmes, networks, and associations, as well as promotional and support activities for international students.
The second day featured a hands-on workshop focused on the preparation of an internationalisation strategy. Participants gained practical knowledge on methodology, vision, objectives, and strategic activities essential for preparing, updating, and effectively monitoring their internationalisation strategies.
For more information, click here.
