The visual shows the title Brussels 2026: Shaping Erasmus+ Together and subtitle: Students, alumni, and institutions building the future of mobility. The background is dark blue and on the right there is a picture of a lot of people together
Monday, 30 March, 2026 - 17:45

January 2026 in Brussels marked an important moment for the Erasmus Student Network.

While the ESAA Annual Meeting 2026 brought together Erasmus+ alumni and partners to reflect on governance and the future of the network, the NEO-ICP-ENFP Meeting 2026 gathered National Erasmus+ Offices, International Contact Points, higher education institutions, and the European Commission to discuss the strategic direction of international mobility beyond 2026.

ESAA Annual Meeting 2026

The Erasmus+ Students and Alumni Alliance Annual Meeting focused on strengthening alumni
engagement, reinforcing governance structures, and preparing for the next phase of Erasmus+.

Discussions centred on representation, sustainability of the alliance, and how alumni can
contribute more effectively to shaping mobility policies. As a key member organisation within
ESAA, ESN recognises the importance of ensuring that student and alumni voices remain
interconnected. The experiences of today’s mobile students shape the perspectives of
tomorrow’s alumni leaders. Maintaining this continuity is crucial for building a strong and
representative Erasmus+ community.

NEO-ICP-ENFP Meeting 2026

At the NEO-ICP-ENFP Meeting, conversations focused on the quality, inclusiveness, and long-
term impact of mobility programmes. Topics ranged from supporting students throughout the
mobility cycle to strengthening institutional cooperation and capacity building.

A particularly engaging moment was the interactive “Sandbox Game”, where participants
worked in mixed regional groups to simulate mobility-related decision-making. The exercise
highlighted how policy frameworks translate into real-life student experiences and underlined
the value of cross-regional dialogue.

Through its participation, ESN contributed the student perspective to discussions that directly influence how mobility is implemented on the ground.

Takeaways from the events

Both events addressed mobility from different angles, like alumni governance and policy
implementation, yet both are fundamental to the future of Erasmus+.

For ESN, engagement in these discussions reflects a continued commitment to:

  • Ensuring that mobility remains accessible and inclusive
  • Bridging grassroots student experience with institutional dialogue
  • Supporting long-term cooperation across regions

As a main takeaway, we believe that international degree and credit mobility is built through
collaboration. By actively contributing to both alumni and policy spaces, ESN continues to invest
its efforts in shaping a mobility ecosystem that empowers students, alumni, and institutions
alike: fostering connections, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that mobility remains
inclusive, sustainable, and impactful for all.