Beyond Borders: How Erasmus+ is Reshaping Lives in the Western Balkans

What happens when young people from the Western Balkans step beyond their borders — not just to study, but to grow? Through Erasmus+, students and professors from Kosovo, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have found more than academic opportunities; they’ve found transformation. Vanesa left Tetovo during the pandemic and found a second home in Italy, where the Arbëreshë told her, “Our blood is one and the same.” Luka, from Bosnia, arrived in Bologna with a background in sports and construction but returned with a deeper understanding of culture and self. For Professor Bardhok Bashota of Kosovo, Erasmus+ wasn’t just a professional milestone — it was a mission. Teaching across Europe, he introduced others to his homeland, the youngest country in Europe, calling Erasmus+ “the only way to ‘touch’ international developments with your own hands.” In a region where international experience is often out of reach, Erasmus+ has become more than a program. It’s a lifeline — to knowledge, identity, and a shared European future.

17 min

Heat, Floods, and Fire: Europe’s Climate Crisis Hits Hundreds of Thousands

In 2024, extreme weather events impacted over 400,000 Europeans, with record heat, floods, and wildfires highlighting the urgent need for climate action.

2 min

Mediterranean in Trouble: Is disaster approaching?

The Mediterranean Sea - known for its beauty, biodiversity, and vital role in the region’s economy - is facing a serious threat: a growing shortage of freshwater.

4 min

Fake Jerseys, Real Crime: How the EU Is Tackling Sports Counterfeits

Sport is about passion, fair play, and unity - but not everyone plays by the rules. Just before the final of Spain’s famous Copa del Rey football tournament, authorities intercepted a massive shipment of fake sports gear. The EU and Spanish police teamed up to stop counterfeiters from cashing in on fans' enthusiasm.

4 min

Win a trip to Athens!

DEADLINE EXTENDED! You can be among the 8 young journalists and content creators from the PulseZ community to attend the Gen-E 2025 Youth Entrepreneurship Festival this summer in Athens!

1 min

“Queer:Italy, We Need to Talk”

People often think of Italy as a land of beauty and charm, full of history, culture, art, and good food. But is it really such a positive place for everyone? Is Italy yet another country where minorities still live in a state of stagnation?

5 min