European Programmes
ERASMUS + (2021-2027)
What is Erasmus +?
Erasmus+ is the EU program in the fields of education, training, youth and sport for the period 2021-2027. Education, training, youth and sport are key areas that contribute to the personal and professional development of citizens. Ultimately, high quality and inclusive education and training, as well as informal and non-formal learning, equip youth and participants of all ages with the qualifications and skills needed for meaningful participation in a democratic society, intercultural understanding and to successfully manage transitions in the labor market. Building on the success of the program in the 2014-2020 period, Erasmus+ is intensifying its efforts to improve the opportunities it provides and to reach a greater number of participants and a wider range of organizations.
The new Erasmus+ program 2021-2027 and its priorities
The European Commission presented the new Erasmus+ program for the period 2021-2027 on 25 March, 2021, with a budget of just over €28 billion. The new Erasmus+ will be more inclusive, more digital and greener, supporting digital transformation, inclusion and diversity, as well as the environment and the fight against climate change. Thanks to this renewed program, mobility and cross-border cooperation projects related to learning will be financed for 10 million people of all ages and backgrounds.
In terms of its priorities:
- Erasmus+ will be more inclusive: it will offer greater opportunities to all types of people, including people from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds. Application procedures will be made easier for smaller organizations to apply thanks to small-scale partnerships and the use of simplified grants.
- Erasmus+ will be more digital: Erasmus+ will support the development of digital skills, in line with the Digital Education Action Plan. It will offer high quality digital training and exchanges through platforms such as eTwinning, School Education Gateway and encourage traineeships in the digital sector.
- Erasmus+ will be more sustainable: In line with the European Green Pact, the program will encourage participants to use more sustainable modes of transport such as train and bus. It will also invest in projects that promote awareness of environmental issues and facilitate exchanges related to climate crisis mitigation.
In addition to these priorities, the new Program will be even more international, allowing for cooperation with third countries, a cooperation hitherto reserved for Higher Education and extended to the School Education and Vocational Training sectors.