Erasmus+ Programme 2028 – 2034 proposal: What to expect

Download our Table: Erasmus Plus Comparison — 2021–2027 vs 2028–2034

1. Expand Learning Mobility
   • Mobility opportunities from an earlier age (including pupils and apprentices).
   • More short-term and blended formats to reach people with fewer opportunities.
2. Promote Inclusion & Equal Access
   • Stronger measures to include learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, rural/remote areas, and marginalized groups.
   • Simplified application procedures for small organizations.
3. Build the “Union of Skills”
   • Position Erasmus+ as the central EU investment in skills development for the future labor market.
   • Connect education, training, and lifelong learning more closely with employability.
4. Support Green & Digital Transitions
   • Prioritize projects that contribute to the European Green Deal and digital skills.
   • Encourage sustainable travel and environmentally conscious projects.
5. Strengthen Civic Engagement & European Identity
   • Reinforce Erasmus+ as a platform for active citizenship, solidarity, and democratic participation.
   • Encourage exchanges that build understanding of European values and cultures

1. Budget Boost
   • Proposed €40.8 billion (vs. €26.2 billion for 2021–2027) → about a 50% increase.
   • Allows more participants and wider scope.
2. Merger with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC)
   • Erasmus+ and ESC may be integrated into a single programme.
   • Expected result: streamlined administration, more opportunities in education, youth, volunteering, and solidarity.
3. Simplification & Accessibility
   • Lighter administrative procedures, especially for small schools, NGOs, and youth organizations.
   • Possibly more lump-sum financing models.
4. Focus Areas Expanded
   • Inclusion: not just rhetoric, but operational targets (e.g., earmarked funding for disadvantaged groups).
   • Green Erasmus: more incentives for sustainable travel and climate-conscious projects.
   • Digital Erasmus: growth of hybrid and online mobility opportunities.
5. Synergies with Other EU Policies
   • Stronger links with EU priorities: skills agenda, research (Horizon Europe), digital transition, green policies.
   • This may influence the types of projects funded.

1. New Structure with two strategic pillars instead of Key Actions

The new structure replaces the previous three Key Actions with two strategic pillars:

• Learning opportunities for all, spanning formal and non-formal education, volunteering, and excellence scholarships.
• Support for capacity building, including collaborations like European University Alliances, Centres of Vocational Excellence, European Teacher Academies, and policy development initiatives.

2. Continued Support for Cooperation & Policy Development

Despite structural changes, vital initiatives such as European University Alliances, Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE), and support for policy reforms remain embedded within the new Erasmus Plus framework.

If you plan to write a project or organize mobilities during 2028–2034, here’s how to prepare:

1. Follow the Priorities → Show how your project supports inclusion, green goals, digital skills, and future skills.
2. Put Inclusion First → Show how you involve small schools, rural learners, or disadvantaged groups.
3. Use Simplification → Less paperwork means you can focus more on impactful activities.
4. Try New Activities → Think about pupil exchanges, volunteering, humanitarian projects, or teacher academies.
5. Build Partnerships Now → Strong projects come from trusted partners. Start building them early.

The new Erasmus Plus programme 2028–2034 will:

• Have a bigger budget.
• Be simpler and more inclusive.
• Start mobility at a younger age.
• Support green and digital Europe.
• Include volunteering and humanitarian aid.

It is a big opportunity for schools, teachers, learners, NGOs, and communities.

The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and Council for approval.