“New Year, New Me” needs to also embrace new developments regarding sustainability on the Erasmus+ programme and on the twin transition. The Erasmus Student Network, following policy developments of the European Union, has tirelessly worked for a more sustainable mobility framework through the Green Erasmus Project, and now that the project is over, we will continue doing so, but a new year is a good time to reflect on the achievements we made and on the way forward.
In 2022, the European Commission unveiled the Council Recommendation for the Green Transition and Sustainable Development, outlining a clear framework for action. These recommendations position programmes like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps as key drivers in achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The Green Erasmus project aimed to enhance the environmental sustainability of the Erasmus+ Programme while promoting awareness within the European Higher Education sector about the significance of sustainable internationalisation.
This document provides a reflection on the challenges highlighted by the Green Erasmus Project Consortium, offering insights into the barriers to achieving sustainability within the Erasmus+ Programme. It also presents the recommendations developed through the project, emphasising practical solutions to enhance environmental responsibility in learning mobility. Furthermore, it connects the progress achieved to date with the critical steps that still need to be taken to address climate change effectively within international education and mobility initiatives.
Finally, the Erasmus Student Network will continue advocating for systematic changes in the European Higher Education Area and explore a potential Erasmus+ KA2 project application following the Green Erasmus Project.
This document is written by ESN’s policy department and you can find it below. For more information, you can get in touch at [email protected].
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