In a challenging geopolitical and economic context, strengthening cross-border education is one of many urgent tasks that the EU’s next long-term budget must address.

The 2028-34 iteration of Erasmus+, a uniquely emblematic and impactful programme of the European Union, is entering a pivotal stage of its preparation.

The European Commission’s proposals for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), and draft regulation to establish the Erasmus+ programme confirm the continuation of Erasmus+ with most of its actions and activities to be continued and enhanced. This is very welcome news, in line with the needs and aspirations of the European higher education sector.

Nonetheless, many open questions remain. These include the budget allocation per sector and new actions such as scholarships for excellence in priority sectors, as well as whether the proposed budget will be sufficient. As the main European institutions embark on the next stage of discussions on the future of the programme, additional detail and clarification on such points is essential.

Furthermore, key stakeholders, including universities and the wider European education and training sector, must be closely involved in these discussions, and expert advice and existing evidence from the current programme should be fully utilised.

As such, this policy input outlines some key considerations, which build upon EUA’s detailed analysis and recommendations on Erasmus+, based on the experiences of 500 higher education institutions with the programme:

  1. Increase the Erasmus+ budget
  2. Allocate tentative budgets to sectors and actions
  3. Clarify the proposal for full degree scholarships of excellence in strategic fields, including in joint study programmes
  4. Continue the European Universities Initiative
  5. Continue to focus on inclusion, as well as other societal priorities
  6. Contribute to Europe’s priorities through an open programme
  7. Make the most of the lessons learnt from the current programme

Erasmus+ 2028-2034

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