"The future of the Erasmus+ within the new EU Budget"

The European Commission has proposed a central budget of €1.816 trillion for the seven years between 2028 and 2034, representing a significant increase on the current budget (€1.2 trillion for the period 2021-2027). This proposal raises EU spending from 1,1% to 1,26% of the bloc's gross national income.

The Commission states that the total budget will be €2 trillion, including the payment of common debt issued in the post-COVID period to finance the economic and social recovery of the European area.

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It suggests the following distribution of the money:

• €865 billion for “National and Regional Plans” (regional and agricultural policy).

• €410 billion for the “European Competitiveness Fund”.

• €200 billion for “Global Europe” (Development Aid).

• €292 billion for “other programmes” (including Nuclear Decommissioning and Justice).

• €49 billion for the Erasmus+ programme.
   

There is a shift in priorities: the Commission wishes to redirect traditional EU funding (Agriculture and Regional Development) to new priorities, including Defence and Innovation. Agricultural subsidies and payments to poorer regions will account for a smaller share of the total budget.

The change also extends to the funding planning model: the Commission will restructure the €300 billion cohesion policy, removing direct control from regional authorities. Funds will be redistributed by country based on national GDP, not regional GDP. The EU's 244 regions will lose direct negotiation with Brussels, which could increase regional disparities.
It suggests creating new revenue: to pay off the post-COVID common debt (around €25-30 billion per year), the Commission proposes three new taxes on electrical waste, tobacco products and EU companies, as well as a carbon border tax.

However, several countries, including Germany and France, have already expressed reservations about the budget increase. The European Parliament and the 27 national governments must unanimously approve the plan, promising at least two years of difficult negotiations.

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The Erasmus+ programme will also face some improvements, as stated by Mehmet Altay, a Turkish expert in that field.

“According to the European Commission's proposal for the Erasmus+ program for the 2028–2034 period, I have summarised the key differences between the new period and the 2021–2027 period below:

1. General Approach and Change of Focus
   2021–2027: Strong support has been provided to Youth, Education, Sports, and Volunteering activities, with a focus on inclusiveness and digitalisation.
   2028–2034: In line with the "Union of Skills" vision, a more systematic approach focused on skills development, talent development in strategic areas, and increasing Europe's competitiveness is emerging.

2. New Structural Changes
   Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps are being combined. Young people will be provided with a single gateway to education, volunteering, and mobility opportunities. This will eliminate overlaps between the programs and simplify administration.

3. New Thematic Priorities
   2021–2027: Inclusion, digital transformation, and green skills were prominent. In addition to these themes in the 2028–2034 period, there will be:
   * Democratic participation, civic education, and commitment to European values are being strengthened and emphasised.
   * Preparedness and resilience (Preparedness Union): aiming for better-prepared societies for crises.
   * Combating climate change, sustainability, and clean industry skills are playing a more central role.

4. Mobility: Earlier and More Inclusive
   The Erasmus+ experience is being extended to earlier ages. More students in primary and secondary education will be able to benefit from this program. Targeted support for disadvantaged groups will be increased to ensure greater equality of opportunity. New Erasmus+ scholarships will be awarded to students wishing to study in strategic areas (e.g., artificial intelligence, climate, digital skills).

5. Strengthening the International Dimension
   More active and integrated participation of candidates and neighbouring countries in the Erasmus+ program is encouraged. Cooperation with non-EU countries is being aligned with the Global Gateway strategy.

6. Simplicity in Implementation and Management
   Simplified application and reporting processes, more accessible for small and inexperienced organisations. Mini-grant systems are being introduced. The program structure is being simplified by combining actions (e.g., combining all mobility in higher education under a single heading).

7. Financial and Programmatic Structure
   Erasmus+ 2028–2034 will continue both individual learning mobility and institutional capacity-building projects as two main axes. The European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps is being made permanent.

8. Measurement and Evaluation
   A more robust performance and impact monitoring system will be established.”

 

As a conclusion, considering that the Erasmus+ programme is one of the more well-known - to be fair, especially by the European Parliament, which has always been on the front line defending a higher budget for it – we are sure this programme will continue its key role in the struggle for a better, stronger and more democratic Europe and world.​