European Higher Education Sector Calls for a Stronger Erasmus+ Budget
Erasmus+ as a strategic investment
For almost 40 years, Erasmus+ has been one of the European Union’s most successful and visible programmes. It has empowered millions of learners, strengthened cooperation between higher education institutions and contributed to deeper European integration and global engagement.
At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, Erasmus+ delivers long-term returns in skills development, employability, innovation capacity and civic engagement. The programme contributes directly to the development of a highly skilled, mobile, and adaptable workforce, reinforces Europe’s knowledge base and supports social cohesion and democratic resilience across Europe.
Why €40.8 billion is not enough
The European Commission’s proposed budget of €40.8 billion for Erasmus+ for 2028–2034 recognises the programme’s importance but would, once inflation, rising costs and additional responsibilities are considered, barely maintain current activity levels.
This would leave limited scope to deliver on key political priorities, including the mobility targets set out in the Council Recommendation “Europe on the Move”, the consolidation of the European Universities Initiative and the Centres of Vocational Excellence, greater inclusion of learners with fewer opportunities, and new actions such as scholarships in strategic fields.
A Call for an ambitious Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is one of the EU’s most cost-effective instruments, delivering long-term benefits across multiple policy areas, from education and skills to innovation, cohesion and global engagement. An allocation of at least €60 billion would allow the programme to meet agreed objectives without compromising quality, expand access to high-quality mobility and cooperation, respond to demographic and labour-market needs, and support Europe’s geopolitical priorities.
The joint statement is signed by a broad coalition of organisations representing the diversity of the European higher education landscape, including CESAER, the Coimbra Group, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), the European Students’ Union (ESU), the European Association for the Applied Sciences in Higher Education (EURASHE), the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA), AURORA, the European Association for International Education (EAIE), the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU), the European University Foundation (EUF), the European University Association (EUA), the League of European Research Universities (LERU), the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA), the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED), and the Young European Research Universities
