As the European Union looks ahead to the future of education and mobility, it is clear that the Erasmus+ programme stands at a decisive crossroads. With ambitious policy goals, emerging initiatives, and increasing demand for inclusive and accessible learning opportunities, the time has come not only to protect Erasmus+ but also to ensure its strengthening.
At a crucial moment for both the ongoing mid-term review of the Erasmus+ programme and the broader discussions around the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) strongly supports the call to increase the Erasmus+ budget fivefold by 2027.
Why Does the Erasmus+ Budget Need to Increase 5 times?
In our publication below, you will find a detailed analysis and data that highlight the urgent need for this budgetary increase. Beyond a general case for growth, the document outlines five key reasons why a substantial investment is essential:
- To ensure access to European mobility beyond 2027
- To guarantee the quality and sustainability of the Erasmus+ experience
- To reach the mobility targets outlined in the Council Recommendation "Europe on the Move"
- To secure a clear and sustainable funding pathway for the European University Alliances
- To support the successful implementation of the proposed European Degree
With possible new initiatives such as the Blueprint for the European Degree and increasing expectations placed on the European University Alliances, there is a real risk that without additional funding, the pressure on existing actions—particularly Key Action 1 for higher education mobility—will increase, threatening the inclusiveness and accessibility gains achieved in recent years.
A Call to Action from the Erasmus Generation
As the largest European student organisation dedicated to learning mobility, ESN reaffirms its commitment to advocating for a well-funded, inclusive, and ambitious Erasmus+ programme. This is not only a question of numbers, but a question of ensuring a competitive and skilled Europe. The success of Europe’s future generations depends on it.
To learn more about the Future is Erasmus initiative, we invite you to explore our dedicated page on the ESN website. Stay tuned for the end of the month, when we will publish our second contribution with concrete proposals to improve the structure of the current Erasmus+ programme.
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