Forslag til EUROPA-PARLAMENTETS OG RÅDETS FORORDNING om oprettelse af Erasmus+-programmet for perioden 2028-2034 og om ophævelse af forordning (EU) 2021/817 og (EU) 2021/888

EN EN
EUROPEAN
COMMISSION
Brussels, 16.7.2025
COM(2025) 549 final
2025/0222 (COD)
Proposal for a
REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
establishing the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028-2034, and repealing
Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and (EU) 2021/888
{SWD(2025) 550-551} - {SEC(2025) 547}
Offentligt
KOM (2025) 0549 - Forslag til forordning
Europaudvalget 2025
EN 1 EN
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL
Reasons and objectives
Policy context
Education, training, youth and sport are the Union's strongest investment in human capital,
nurturing skills, building bonds across Europe, thereby laying the foundation for a resilient
and cohesive European Union, with citizens equipped with the right skills and competences
from the earliest age, and who embrace a shared European identity in all its diversity. They
are also drivers for social fairness, sustainable prosperity and competitiveness and key
contributors to many of the EU's overall political priorities such as preparedness and the twin
transition.
The importance of education, training, youth and sport for Europe’s future has been reflected
in the EU’s recent policy agenda and strategic reports.
The EU leaders’ Strategic Agenda for Europe 2024 – 20291
makes investment in skills,
training and education a priority, recognising that in an era where global competition coupled
with political and social divergences are intensifying, education stands as a unifying force and
is the bedrock upon which Europe must build its strategic autonomy, economic strength,
democracy and cohesion.
In the political guidelines 2024-2029, President von der Leyen highlights the need to take a
‘radical step change in ambition and action – for all skill levels and for all types of training
and education. This is as important for people’s careers and prospects as it is for our
competitiveness.’ Moreover, the President pledged to ‘establish a Union of Skills2
– focusing
on investment, adult and lifelong learning, skill retention and the recognition of different
types of training to enable people to work across our Union’, and to ‘strengthen Erasmus+
including for vocational training so that more people can benefit. This is key for people to
develop skills and create shared experiences and a better understanding of each other. This
will be part of a wider commitment to giving young people greater freedom and responsibility
within our societies and democracies.’ She pledged to ‘continue to work towards a European
Degree’. The President further underscored that she wants to make sure that ‘young people
can use their voice – their own voice – to help shape our future.’
In its Resolution of 16 January 2024 on the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme, the
European Parliament3
emphasised that ‘the programme has been a driving force for the
European Education Area and should continue to respond to future trends in education to keep
up with societal and technological change’ and that the ‘programme is crucial in fostering a
European sense of belonging’.
The two key reports that provide thorough analysis and insights into the future of the
European Union, the Letta report4
and the Draghi report5
, underline the importance of
1
Strategic agenda, 2024-2029, European Council of 27 June 2024
(https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/4aldqfl2/2024_557_new-strategic-agenda.pdf).
2
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council,
the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions the Union of Skills
(COM(2025) 90 final.)
3
Implementation of the Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027, (2023/2002(INI)),
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2024-0007_EN.html
4
Much more than a market, Enrico Letta, April 2024.
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investing in education and skills, including the key role of Erasmus+. In addition, the report
by Sauli Niinistö6
concludes that the resilience of the Union’s economy and societies,
especially in sectors critical for maintaining societal and economic stability, such as
education, is paramount in the face of potential large-scale crises, such as military conflicts
and disasters.
The Erasmus+ programme goes hand in hand with the ambition in the Union of Skills
Communication7
of 5 March 2025, to develop quality, inclusive and adaptable education,
training and skills systems to increase the EU’s competitiveness, and the European Education
Area (EEA), a key enabler of the Union of Skills. This will lay the foundation to skills
formation throughout life and provide a genuine common space for quality and inclusive
education and lifelong learning across borders.
EU funding support to challenges that affect skills, education, training, youth, volunteering
and sport has been provided through different programmes over the years. In the 2021-2027
multiannual financial framework (MFF), support was provided mainly through Erasmus+, the
European Solidarity Corps, the European Social Fund+, the Framework for research and
innovation, Horizon Europe. The proposal for the next MFF aims at addressing complexities,
weaknesses and rigidities’ currently present in the Union’s overall funding instruments with a
long-term budget more focused, simpler, with fewer programmes and more impactful.
Challenges/problems drivers
The EU faces serious challenges in the areas of education and training as well as youth and
sport. Europe needs people with the necessary skills and competences, for life and for jobs,
for personal growth as well as a more sustainable, resilient and digital economy and society.
Investing in the development of these skills is pivotal in ensuring a prosperous, cohesive and
competitive Europe. Today, education and training systems struggle to provide people with a
minimum proficiency level of basic skills and to foster the advanced competencies and soft
skills needed, across all stages of life. The acquisition of transversal skills and competences
such as flexibility, resilience, empathy, confidence, open-mindedness, critical thinking, digital
and media literacy and teamwork will be equally important to empower individuals to drive
change, thrive in a rapidly changing world and contribute to better mental health and
wellbeing. These skills also increase employability and help to strengthen societal resilience
and build a stronger Europe, that is better equipped to face crises. Europe is lagging behind in
basic skills8
and the underachievement rate has largely increased in mathematics (-18 points),
reading (-12) and science (-3.4) compared to the OECD’s previous programme for
international student assessment (PISA) in 2018. EU does not generate enough skilled
graduates from higher education and vocational education, with nearly four out of five
employers reporting difficulties finding workers with the right skills9
. Overall, labour and
skills shortages have been increasing in all Member States, which is impacting EU’s ability to
embrace the green and digital transitions, and with it its competitiveness. Disparities in the
level and access to quality and inclusive formal and non-formal education across the Union
persist, including when it comes to rural and remote areas, accentuating economic, social and
5
The future of European competitiveness: Report by Mario Draghi, September 2024.
6
Safer Together – Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness, Sauli
Niinistö, 2024.
7
The Union of Skills, COM(2025) 90 Final.
8
Report of PISA 2022 study outlines worsening educational performance and deeper inequality |
European Education Area.
9
Eurobarometer survey, November 2023, data.europa.eu.
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territorial disparities. In addition, there are still gender gaps, with almost twice as many men
than women studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
There is a clear need to address these skills related issues and create an enabling environment
that promotes better learning outcomes for all from an early age and sets learners up for
success in the long term.
The EU's strategic autonomy and competitiveness also relies on its ability to nurture, attract,
and retain talent, particularly in the face of global competition. The Union must also prioritise
the development of education with a view to developing advanced skills, including digital,
technical, and transversal skills.
The skills challenge exceeds mere economic considerations and addresses the need for a
healthy, resilient, engaged, united and prepared society. It will be crucial to equip individuals
from an early age onwards with skills and competences for life, enabling them to navigate the
complex and rapidly changing world we live in, engage and take an active role in society and
in democratic processes. Young people’s belief in equal opportunities has declined sharply,
with a 16-percentage point drop in the last decade10
. Many feel marginalised due to their
socio-economic status, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or political views,
particularly those with fewer opportunities or those living in rural or remote areas, with 24%
(close to 18 million) of young people at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the Union; 11%
of young people aged 15 to 29 are still neither in employment nor in education or training.
The lack of affordable housing further exacerbates this vulnerability, limiting young people’s
access to education and learning mobility opportunities.
Young people tend to participate less in institutional politics and other democratic processes
than other age groups and much less than young people in the past11
. They can be confronted
with obstacles in their participation in democracy, such as insufficient knowledge of their
democratic rights, difficult access to information and limited involvement in decision-making
processes. Democratic institutions and processes themselves can be inaccessible and
unwelcoming to young people. These challenges, including multiple skills requirements,
cannot be met through formal education and training only. Non-formal and informal learning,
involvement in activities such as volunteering, or sport bring complementary value. They can
offer valuable opportunities for people to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours
to grow and become active and engaged citizens. However, opportunities for such actions are
limited, thus negatively impacting social capital development, particularly among young
people.
Programme contribution and objectives
The future Programme can contribute to address these challenges, through learning
opportunities for all and capacity building achieved through cooperation and policy support.
Learning mobility starting from an early age is at the core of Erasmus+. It exposes learners to
different and diverse learning environments, new teaching and training methods, institutional
settings and different social context. These experiences allow individuals not only to expand
disciplinary knowledge but also develop critical thinking, problem-solving and
communication skills, as well as improve resilience, adaptability, autonomy and self-
confidence. These skills are highly transferable to the professional world, increasing
10
Eurobarometer survey FL502 on Youth and Democracy on the European Year of Youth,
https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2282.
11
European Parliament Study, ‘Young people's participation in European democratic processes - How to
improve and facilitate youth involvement’, 2023.
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employability and contributing to a skilled and competitive workforce. For staff, learning
mobility boosts professional development, networking, and collaboration opportunities and
leads to improved quality teaching practices. This is particularly crucial in today’s educational
landscape where teaching careers at all levels need to be made more attractive and continuous
professional development must be encouraged.
The goal is to make learning mobility a reality for all, as early as possible, ensuring that
opportunities are accessible across all sectors of education and training as well as in youth and
sport, in line with the Council Recommendation ‘Europe on the Move - Learning
opportunities for everyone’12
. EU action will help address the obstacles to mobility, providing
sufficient funding and support measures to promote diversity and ensure equal access for
individuals regardless of their cultural, social, economic, or geographical background, or any
special needs they may have.
Through boosting mobility and accompanying support measures, the future Erasmus+ should
strengthen its contribution to the fifth basic skill of democratic citizenship and to the
development of a sense of European identity and commitment to EU values. It is a
cornerstone programme for promoting democratic and societal participation, by integrating
citizenship and engagement in all Programme fields, in particular school education, better
aligning with new priorities like preparedness, and unlocking the full potential of the sport
field notably through expanding mobility activities in the field of sport to involve athletes
alongside coaches.
By offering volunteering opportunities and activities to engage and express solidarity, the
Programme will further promote the development of a culture of solidarity, care and
understanding among citizens, especially the youngest generations and will contribute to
advancing social inclusion and cohesion. To develop solidarity with people in need in non-EU
countries, this proposal also includes the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps,
supported by the European Solidarity Corps under the 2021-2027 programming period. The
European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps supports volunteering activities in post-crisis
long-term humanitarian aid and development cooperation operations, aimed at preventing and
alleviating human suffering, maintaining durable human dignity, reinforcing disaster
preparedness and disaster risk reduction, linking relief, rehabilitation and development and
contributing towards strengthening the resilience and capacity of vulnerable or disaster-
affected communities to cope with and recover from crises.
The Programme should also support students in engaging in critical sectors and continue to
boost innovation and excellence in education and training systems, including in developing
skills and competences in strategic areas, addressing Europe’s skills and talent shortages, and
making the Union a more attractive destination for EU and global talent.
Supporting and facilitating transnational and international cooperation between organisations
in the fields of education, training, youth and sport is instrumental in addressing the
challenges described above, enabling organisations to pool expertise and to combine
complementary strengths not available in any single institution. Cross-border cooperation
between education and training, youth and sport organisations encourages the required mutual
learning and exchanges of good practices. It also facilitates networking, enabling the
organisations and their staff to experience new approaches and methodologies and increase
their own capacity to deliver high quality teaching, training and learning. To increase the
effectiveness of its action in this area, the Programme should refine the focus of its
12
Council Recommendation of 13 May 2024 ‘Europe on the Move’ — learning mobility opportunities for everyone
(OJ C, C/2024/3364, 14.6.2024 ).
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cooperation activities, including by reviewing funding models, raising the relevance of target
groups involved and better focus on increasing capacity building and raising quality. The
Programme should reinforce its support to cooperation in the school sector by supporting
school alliances, addressing obstacles to cooperation and mobility and continuing to offer
opportunities that enable the roll-out of the European degree label and a possible European
joint degree to support the increase in the number of transnational joint study programmes.
The Programme will further enable long-term strategic transnational cooperation at
institutional level under key flagship initiatives, serving as testbeds for innovative instruments
that deepen links with the private sector and drive sustainable impact and transformation.
Through the provision of sustainable support and a clear strategic steer, partnerships for
excellence and innovation will directly address new policy priorities stemming from the
Union of Skills, the Competitiveness Compass13
, the Clean Industrial Deal14
, and the
Preparedness Strategy15
.
The Programme will support policy development at European level, helping shape policies
that can trigger modernisation and reforms, at European, national, regional and systems' level,
in the fields of education and training, as well as youth and sport. It can contribute to the
development and circulation of skills, including by setting up basic skills support scheme and
boosting quality assurance, transparency, the recognition of skills, competences and
qualifications, their digitalisation, and the validation of non-formal and informal learning,
skills management and guidance. The Programme should also increase the impact, scale,
accessibility and sustainability notably by reinforcing synergies with other Union funding
programmes and instruments such as the next EU framework programme for research and
innovation, Horizon Europe, the European Competitiveness Fund, Global Europe, as well as
the National and Regional Partnership Plans under the next MFF.
The international dimension of the Programme is a fundamental and cross-cutting element
that is relevant for learning, cooperation as well as for policy dialogue. There is a need, in
particular, to bring candidate countries and potential candidates closer to their goal of
becoming an EU Member State through their engagement in the Programme and including by
facilitating their association with key EU initiatives such as the European Education Area and
the Union of Skills. There is as well a need to support priorities of other instruments such as
Global Europe, notably in relation to the Global Gateway strategy.
The Programme should be simplified and made more accessible to a broader audience
including smaller and less experienced organisations, notably by removing some challenges
through the change of management mode of some actions, bringing them closer to the field.
The Programme will become more relevant, attractive, and inclusive, with a focus on reaching
learners with fewer opportunities with further measures to facilitate their participation and
activities that better fit with their needs.
• Consistency with existing policy provisions
The proposal is fully aligned with the Union of Skills, an overarching strategy that focuses on
investment, adult and lifelong learning, vocational education and training, skill retention and
recognition, and improving skills intelligence. It sets the framework for EU cooperation in
education and skills policies, supporting the development of the EU's human capital to
13
Communication ‘A competitiveness compass for the EU’, COM(2025) 30.
14
Communication ‘The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation’,
COM(2025) 85.
15
Joint Communication ‘on the European Preparedness Union Strategy’, JOIN(2025) 130.
EN 6 EN
strengthen its competitiveness. The proposal supports the Union of Skills by delivering on its
objectives, including the Action Plan on Basic Skills and the STEM Education Strategic Plan.
These aim to improve basic skills, provide lifelong learning opportunities, and attract and
retain the skills and talents needed in the European economy. In addition, the Programme will
support the implementation of the overall European strategic cooperation in education and
training, including its underlying sectoral agendas in the fields of school education, adult
education, vocational education and training and higher education.
The proposal is consistent with the objectives of the European Education Area (EEA),
which lays the foundation for skills formation throughout life and supports cooperation and
peer learning between countries. The EEA promotes high-quality and inclusive education and
training for all, facilitates the mutual recognition of learning outcomes across borders, and
supports the mobility of learners of all ages. The Digital Education Action Plan, part of the
EEA, further supports the development of digital education across EU Member States
equipping people with the digital skills and competences necessary for the digital
transformation. The proposal also aligns with the Council Recommendation ‘Europe on the
Move’, a building block of the EEA, to enable learning mobility for everyone.
The proposal is also in line with the EU Youth Strategy16
, the policy framework in the field
of youth for 2019–2027, structured around the pillars of Engage, Connect, and Empower. It
aims to foster youth participation in democratic life, social and civic engagement, ensuring
that all young people have the necessary resources to take part in society.
In the field of sport, the proposal is aligned on the objectives of the EU Work Plan for
Sport17 (2024-2027), outlining a strategic approach that recognises the role of sport in social
cohesion, promoting well-being, building inclusive communities, strengthening cultural ties,
and enhancing solidarity among people. The work plan prioritises integrity, sustainability, and
social inclusion within sporting contexts, encouraging cross-border cooperation and the
sharing of best practices.
The Programme will also contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Goals, in particular to Sustainable Development Goal 4 to ensure inclusive and equitable
quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
• Consistency with other Union policies
The initiative is aligned with the Commission’s overarching 2024-2029 policy priorities18
,
namely 1) supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social model; 2) protecting
our democracy, upholding our values; 3) Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness;
4) a new era for European Defence and Security 5) a global Europe and 6) Sustaining our
quality of life: Food security, water and nature. It will also contribute to strengthening social
and territorial cohesion within the EU and intergenerational fairness.
16
Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the
Member States meeting within the Council on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field:
The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (OJ C 456, 18.12.2018).
17
Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting
within the Council on the European Union Work Plan for Sport (1 July 2024 — 31 December 2027),
(OJ C, C/2024/3527, 3.6.2024).
18
https://commission.europa.eu/priorities-2024-2029_en.
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Synergies with policies supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social
model
The Programme will contribute to putting into practice the principles of the European Pillar
of Social Rights19 and implementing the flagship initiatives of the European Skills
Agenda20, to help individuals and businesses develop more and better skills and put them to
use, including the Pact for Skills which aims to mobilise and incentivise relevant private and
public stakeholders to partner up and take action for lifelong skills development. The
programme will also be in line with the future European Strategy on vocational education
and training, which aims to increase the attractiveness, excellence and inclusiveness of VET.
Particular attention will be given in the Programme to promoting gender equality, for
example the participation of girls and women in STEM, including through the Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) approach, also in line with the
Roadmap for Women’s Rights and the Gender Equality Strategy. The Programme will
also address differences in relation to access and use by underrepresented groups, as part of a
Union of Equality, in line with the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the
LGBTIQ Equality Strategy, the Anti-Racism Action Plan, and the Roma Strategic
Framework for equality, inclusion and participation21
. The proposal is also in line with the
European Child Guarantee, and the EU Strategy on the Rights of the child,
comprehensive framework for the protection and promotion of the rights of all children.
Synergies with actions protecting our democracy and upholding our values
The Programme and in particular its focus on learning mobility, also at a younger age, will
further contribute to the development of a sense of European identity, commitment to EU
values and to the promotion of democratic and societal participation, in line with the
upcoming European Democracy Shield which will provide a strategic framework to
safeguard, strengthen and promote democracy in the EU, putting emphasis on young people.
The programme will provide education and training, as well as youth and sport with resources
to better embed citizenship education and develop all skills needed (e.g. critical thinking,
media literacy, digital skills), across lifelong learning, so people can participate actively and
responsibly in our societies. The Programme will also support the creation of opportunities
and mechanisms for meaningful youth participation, including in debate and decision-making.
Synergies with actions for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness
The Programme will support the development of quality, inclusive and adaptable education,
training and skills systems as a contribution to the Union’s competitiveness, in line with the
Commission Communication ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’22. It will also be
fully in line with the 2023 Green Deal Industrial Plan’s pillar on green and digital skills23
,
19
In particular the first principle (everyone has the right to quality and inclusive education, training and
lifelong learning) and the fourth principle (everyone has the right to timely and tailor-made assistance to
improve employment or self-employment prospects, including to receive support for training and re-
qualification).
20
European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020)
274.
21
Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, COM(2021) 101; LGBTIQ Equality
Strategy 2020-2025, COM(2020) 698; EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025, COM(2020) 565; Roma
Strategic Framework for equality, inclusion and participation 2020-2030, COM(2020) 620.
22
A Competitiveness Compass for the EU, COM(2025) 30.
23
A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, COM(2023) 62.
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the 2025 Clean Industrial Deal24 the ensuing Affordable Energy Action Plan25 calling to
reinforce skills in strategic sectors such as energy and the AI continent Action Plan and Apply
AI strategy, as well as the European Ocean Pact26’s pillar on advancing ocean research,
knowledge, skills and innovation. The proposal is also in line with the Savings and
Investment Union Communication27
which foresees an EU wide strategy on financial
literacy.
Synergies with actions related to defence and security
In line with the European Preparedness Union Strategy, Erasmus+ will promote
preparedness, resilience, civic education, societal and democratic engagement through a
bottom-up approach, encouraging organisations and institutions to apply for funding and
promote digital and media literacy, critical thinking, civic engagement, democratic values and
citizenship learning. Volunteering is also essential in fostering a culture of inclusive
preparedness and societal resilience. The proposal is also aligned with the Communication on
a Vision for a European Space Economy28, contributing to the acquisition of the relevant
sector-specific skills.
Synergies with policies for a global Europe
The future Programme will complement actions financed through Global Europe. It will
moreover contribute to attract global talent and enhance the EU’s influence and attractiveness
on the world stage, as a trusted partner. The future Erasmus+ programme will include
participation of third countries and support for international partnerships, allowing for
synergies and contribution to EU’s policies on external action.
Synergies with policies on sustaining our quality of life: food security, water and nature
The proposal is also aligned with the priority on “sustaining our quality of life: food security,
water and nature” and to the Vision for agriculture and food29 contributing to the acquisition
of the skills needed in key sectors enabling to build a competitive and resilient agriculture and
food system or safeguarding our biodiversity.
2. LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY
• Legal basis
The Erasmus+ programme in the fields of education, training, youth and sport is justified on
the grounds of the objectives laid down in Articles 165 and 166 of the Treaty on the
Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). These give the Union a supporting competence
to contribute to the development of quality education, the implementation of a vocational
training policy, the development of youth exchanges and encouraging youth participation in
democratic life in Europe as well as the promotion of European sporting issues. By extending
its scope to provide support to solidarity activities addressing societal challenges and
humanitarian aid operations in third countries, the proposal is also based on Article 214(5) of
24
The Clean Industrial Deal, COM(2025) 85.
25
Affordable Energy Action Plan, COM(2025) 79.
26
European Ocean Pact, COM(2025) 281.
27
Savings and Investment Union Communication, COM(2025)124.
28
A vision for the European Space Economy, COM(2025) 0336.
29
A vision for Agriculture and Food shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future
generations, COM(2025) 75.
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the TFEU requiring the establishment of a European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps, a
framework for joint contributions from young Europeans to the humanitarian aid operations
of the Union and the rules and procedures for the operation of the Corps.
• Subsidiarity (for non-exclusive competence)
While Member States remain responsible for the content and organisation of their policies in
the fields concerned, the challenges identified are common to all Member States and/or have a
significant transnational dimension, that requires EU-level solutions, coordination, and
support to be addressed effectively. EU actions can facilitate cooperation, capacity building,
and mutual learning as well as cross-border activities, ultimately optimising the potential of
the sectors concerned.
The Programme aims to enhance transnational mobility and capacity building through
cooperation and support policy developments with a European dimension. However, due to
the transnational nature, high volume, and broad geographical scope of the activities
supported, as well as their strong international dimension, these objectives cannot be
adequately achieved by Member States acting alone. For instance, cross-border learning
mobility or volunteering is more complex to organise on a bilateral basis and is difficult for
individual Member States to make it accessible to all. The Erasmus+ mid-term evaluation has
demonstrated that single initiatives by education and training, youth and sport organisations or
Member States, although effective at national level, lack the necessary scale and volume to
achieve a European-wide impact. Furthermore, the cumulative coverage of individual country
and cross-sectoral initiatives remains limited compared to the current Erasmus+ programme.
Similarly, the European Solidarity Corps evaluation confirms that it plays an essential role
and, in some countries, is the only option for youth volunteering and solidarity.
Furthermore, by extending the Programme’s scope to cover volunteering activities, including
by integrating the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps, Erasmus+ will offer a single-
entry point to EU opportunities for young people across the Union and abroad. Currently
these are only accessible via distinct schemes. Erasmus+ will therefore ensure that all young
people across the Union have equal opportunities to a broader variety of activities, and that
they have easier access to them. Bringing the European Solidarity Corps’ opportunities under
Erasmus+ will also help improve awareness of the opportunities available to young people
and organisations working with them and give them greater visibility.
The added value of EU funding in the policy areas covered by the Programme was widely
acknowledged by respondents to the open public consultation conducted by the Commission
for the new MFF, with the vast majority highlighting its importance.
• Proportionality
This proposal covers all education and training sectors – school education, vocational
education and training, higher education and adult education – as well as youth, volunteering
and sport in a focused and streamlined way. It reinforces the tried-and-tested actions, whose
impact has been evidenced by the mid-term evaluations of Erasmus+ and the European
Solidarity Corps. Existing actions will be streamlined, including between Erasmus+ actions
and those integrated from the European Solidarity Corps. This will reduce duplications and
refocus them taking into consideration the results of the evaluations and stakeholder
consultations. The use of flexible formats will be continuously promoted to broaden the
Programme’s reach.
A limited number of new actions will be introduced to address new challenges and policy
priorities (such as the European School Alliances and Erasmus+ scholarships in strategic
EN 10 EN
fields). These measures are also considered to be the most suitable for making the Programme
more inclusive and more effective.
The changes proposed build on the existing programme architecture, keep the same types of
intervention addressing individuals, organisations and systems, and aim to improve and
increase the impact of the Programme rollout, using the existing effective delivery
mechanisms of the predecessor programme. This initiative therefore does not go beyond what
is necessary in order to achieve the objectives pursued.
• Choice of the instrument
The proposed instrument is a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council.
3. RESULTS OF RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATIONS, STAKEHOLDER
CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
• Retrospective evaluations/fitness checks of existing legislation
Erasmus+
The final evaluation of the 2014-2020 programme and the interim evaluation of the 2021-
2027 programme30
found that Erasmus+ performs strongly across key evaluation criteria and
fulfils its objectives effectively. Both programme generations have proven successful in
delivering a strong European added value, playing a key role in the fields of education and
training, as well as youth and sport.
Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Erasmus+ supported learning
mobility abroad of over 6.2 million participants in the 2014-2020 period and around 1.6
million in 2021-2023 helping to increase their skills and competences. It also funded over
136 000 distinct organisations in the 2014-2020 Programme and more than 77 000 in 2021-
2023, supporting their cooperation and improving their practices.
Erasmus+ significantly surpasses what could be achieved by individual countries at national
or international levels. Its benefits stem from the opportunities it provides to the personal,
educational and professional development of learners and staff, to cross-border cooperation of
organisations and to policy development in the fields of education and training, youth and
sport. It provides significant benefits to those who take part in the programme compared to
those who do not. Without Erasmus+, the benefits from the Programme for individuals and
organisations would be drastically reduced. Cross-border activities of education, training,
youth and sport sectors would be reduced to close to zero in several countries, especially in
the youth and sport sectors. Erasmus+ funds over half of credit mobilities in the Member
States, and over 90% of short mobility in half of the Union countries.
Furthermore, the programme is responding to emerging needs related to new challenges posed
by technological developments, aligning with the policy sectors and priorities of the European
Competitiveness Fund, in particular the emergence of generative artificial intelligence and the
provision of skills to support EU competitiveness. Erasmus+ is investing in helping develop
the skills needed to provide the Union single market and industrial sectors with the future-
proof skills to tackle the challenges of competitiveness, as highlighted in the Draghi and Letta
reports. The funding of learning mobility – which is at the heart of the programme – appears
key to ensuring that the younger generations are equipped with the right skills to face the
challenges posed in a rapidly evolving context. The Programme has also become more
30
COM(2025)395, SWD(2025)186, 15.07.2025
EN 11 EN
inclusive and has increased the share of people with fewer opportunities among its
participants, from around 10% in 2014-2020 to 15% in 2023.
Despite the clear progress, the evaluation has identified still existing barriers to the
participation of people with fewer opportunities. Erasmus+ should thus keep addressing the
most pressing accessibility challenges, continuing to expand its reach to participants with
fewer opportunities. Further clarifying definitions of people with fewer opportunities and
providing clearer guidance on the measures available to support their participation would also
enhance inclusivity.
Reviewing the funding rules, simpler reporting procedures and streamlining across the various
actions and fields should be assessed to simplify access for small and newcomer
organisations. The evaluation also identified the need to simplify alternative funding, facilitate
the transfer of funds between instruments and break down barriers between different
operational modes and funding rules in order to build more synergies between Erasmus+ and
other instruments and increase projects’ upscaling. This should also be done via better
dissemination of project outcomes.
The evaluation shows the international added value of the programme, essential for fostering
EU values, intercultural learning, raising awareness of civic and active participation but also
for facilitating peer learning and bringing European expertise in the fields of education,
training, youth and sport to other regions.
The Erasmus+ evaluation identified opportunities to improve coherence with the European
Solidarity Corps and identify ways to address potential overlaps, improving overall efficiency
and increasing clarity for stakeholders.
European Solidarity Corps
The final evaluation of the 2018-2020 programme and interim evaluation of the 2021-2027
programme31
found that the European Solidarity Corps performs well across the five
evaluation criteria (relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, coherence, EU added value). The
European Solidarity Corps addresses European society’s crucial needs, by fostering civic
participation and promoting inclusion and diversity. The programme fosters a sense of
community, revitalising local initiatives and promoting a broader global perspective.
Participation contributes to improved personal, professional and study skills together with
social and civic awareness. The programme has also consistently met its targets on
participants with fewer opportunities (30% in 2022 and 2023). The evaluation’s outcomes
confirm that the European Solidarity Corps plays an essential role and, in some countries, is
the only option for youth volunteering and solidarity. A number of areas for improvement
have been identified. Key recommendations include (i) improving the identification of people
with fewer opportunities to facilitate their further inclusion in the programme, (ii) aligning
programme objectives and funding, (iii) addressing differences in the geographical
distribution of results and impacts, (iv) improving visa arrangements for non-EU nationals (v)
improving IT and monitoring tools, and (vi) clarifying the purpose of the humanitarian aid
strand. Funding has generally proven very limited given the programme’s ambitions and
objectives. The programme complements EU programmes like Erasmus+, but actual
synergies are somewhat limited, suggesting a need for more structured efforts.
A potential area of duplication highlighted by the evaluation concerns Erasmus+ Youth
Participation activities and Solidarity projects funded under the European Solidarity Corps.
They both support youth-led initiatives run by informal groups of young people, fostering
31
COM(2025) 144 final, SWD(2025) 75, 1.4.2025.
EN 12 EN
active citizenship and a sense of initiative. Solidarity projects have a stronger solidarity
component, supporting mostly bottom-up local solidarity activities with a view to addressing
key challenges within the communities that the young people carrying the project live in.
Nevertheless, the many common areas of action suggest the need to reflect on potential
overlaps. The support activities that aim to increase the quality implementation of the two
programmes also emerge as examples of possible overlaps. Both activities are run by the same
national agencies, active in the youth field, and fund very similar activities, reaching out to
target groups that are often the same. These activities represent opportunities for synergies
between the programmes, they could also be examined for economies of scale and improved
efficiency.
In conclusion, the European Solidarity Corps complements Erasmus+ by offering
volunteering and solidarity experiences to young people outside of formal education and
training frameworks. The evaluations of both Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps
confirm the success of the programmes and highlight their effectiveness. While no major
structural or implementation issue was identified, it is recommended to continue pursuing
simplification and inclusion, enhance the international dimension, and address overlaps and
synergies between the two programmes.
The future instrument will therefore build on these successes and strengths. It will better
address the EU’s challenges related to sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, skills
shortage, social inclusion, democracy but also the requirement for greater inclusion, stronger
impact and simplification.
• Stakeholder consultations
Consultation activities took place between March 2024 and May 2025 and were designed to
gather input from a wide range of stakeholders. These activities consisted of an open public
consultation, two workshops with national authorities and national agencies, a large-scale
stakeholder conference (with national authorities, national agencies, umbrella organisations,
Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programme beneficiaries and participants as well as
representatives of EU institutions) and incidental consultations.
The open public consultation was conducted between 12 February and 7 May 2025, and
gathered 5 845 replies. It informed the impact assessment for EU programmes in the domains
of cross-border education, youth, culture, media, values and civil society under the post-2027
MFF.
The responses revealed a clear affirmation of the EU’s continued role in fostering cross-
border cooperation and supporting democratic and social objectives. Among the answers,
‘support for study/training abroad’ was ranked as ‘very important’ by 81% of citizens and
70% of organisations. This priority was frequently tied to the broader theme of long-term
investment in skills, employability, and European identity. Respondents linked learning
mobility not only with educational benefits but also with social integration, civic engagement,
and labour market readiness. Many referred to the role of EU funding in supporting student
exchanges, vocational training, language learning, and cross-border partnerships as levers for
developing a more inclusive and competitive society. Similarly, ‘protect democracy, promote
democratic standards’ received 80% support among citizens and 72% among organisations,
showing high convergence between individual and institutional stakeholders.
Youth engagement stood out as a strong feature of the consultation. Almost 50% of citizen
respondents were under the age of 30, and this age group consistently expressed strong
support for funding initiatives that promote democratic engagement, equality, mobility and
civic cooperation. Their feedback aligned well with the Commission’s strategic focus areas
EN 13 EN
for youth, including those highlighted under the Youth Check initiative. Their engagement
also demonstrated a high level of awareness and investment in the values-based and cross-
border elements of EU programming.
The responses to the open public consultation also confirmed that EU funding provides added
value compared to funding at national, local or regional level in the areas it covered. For
example, 79% of respondents considered that ‘Protecting democracy and promoting
democratic standards’ is an area where EU funding largely provides added value.
Asked to evaluate the obstacles that prevent the EU budget from fully delivering on its
objectives in the policy areas, respondents generally welcomed the Commission’s focus on
greater efficiency in funding, but not at the cost of ‘identity’ and ‘trust’, preserving thematic
clarity and stakeholder ownership. Quantitative results show that the most frequently cited
obstacles across all groups were administrative burden (identified by 52% of citizens and 58%
of organisations) and complex, fund-specific compliance rules (50% of citizens and 53% of
organisations). These issues reflect concerns not only with regulatory complexity but also
with fragmentation between instruments and inefficiencies in delivery. Additional barriers
included lack of flexibility to reallocate resources in response to emerging needs (32% of
citizens and 32% of organisations), delays in programme implementation and funding
disbursement, and insufficient communication or clarity about funding opportunities. Public
authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in particular emphasised delays as a
source of reduced impact and local credibility.
The other consultations also revealed unanimous support for continuing with and improving
Erasmus+ and the opportunities offered under the European Solidarity Corps emphasising
their vital role in fostering EU values, supporting skills development and competitiveness.
Stakeholders underlined the need for programme stability in terms of overall architecture and
delivery mechanisms and maintaining mobility at the core of the programme. The feedback
also stresses the value of the flagship actions, such as the European Universities Alliances, the
Centres of Vocational Excellence, and the Erasmus+ Teacher Academies and the importance
of investing in them.
In terms of main challenges facing the future programme, data collected shows that while
stakeholders welcome the simplification measures introduced in the current programming
period, there is room for more improvements in that area such as streamlining the programme
rules and further reducing the administrative burden. The consultations highlighted the
increased commitment from stakeholders to meeting the needs of individuals with fewer
opportunities and the need to further enhance the strong inclusion dimension of the
programme by effectively reaching out to the most disadvantaged target groups and
facilitating the participation of grassroots organisations and newcomers. There were also calls
by some stakeholders to simplify access and alleviate the administrative burden through a
change of management mode - from direct to indirect management - for certain actions such
as Jean Monnet in other fields than higher education and Partnerships for cooperation in the
field of sport.
Additionally, stakeholders highlighted the importance of synergies that could be facilitated
between the different EU instruments. This includes improved coordination by the European
Commission at European level. There was a call for a strong international dimension,
increased and improved communication and information, an impact assessment as well as
data collection and use.
Overall, stakeholders provided valuable input on how to build on the progress made and
address remaining challenges to ensure the long-term success of Erasmus+ and the European
Solidarity Corps opportunities.
EN 14 EN
• External expertise
The Commission based itself on the findings and recommendations of the mid-term
evaluations of Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, which relied on the expertise of
external contractors, as well as on other reviewed studies and external reports.
• Impact assessment
The proposal was subject to an impact assessment, which was carried out as part of the
preparations for the next MFF. It covered EU funds that support cross-border education,
training and solidarity, young people, media, culture, and creative sectors, values, and civil
society.
In the impact assessment, the Commission explored several alternative policy options to
address the challenges of the sectors covered by the cluster and determined which option
better served the policy areas and priorities of the Commission. The various options were
mutually exclusive. One option was to continue the existing Erasmus+ and European
Solidarity Corps programmes as stand-alone programmes, while introducing some
incremental improvements. A second option consisted of bringing together Erasmus+ and the
European Solidarity Corps, two programmes that share a common main objective to
contribute to high quality lifelong learning, enhance skills and key competences for all, for
life and for jobs, while promoting societal engagement and civic education, solidarity and
social inclusion. A third option was the full integration of policies currently covered by
Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, and those covered by the Citizens, Equality,
Rights and Values (CERV) programme and Creative Europe under a single instrument.
Other alternatives were also considered but were discarded at an early stage. One was the
discontinuation of Union funding in the fields currently covered by Erasmus+ and the
European Solidarity Corps, but it was rejected given the importance of the problems affecting
the sectors concerned, the prominence given to these policies in the political guidelines and
the added value of the Union intervention, underpinned by the respective mid-term
evaluations.
The main potential impact of the three shortlisted options (continuity, full integration, and
objective-based merger) was analysed against their social, economic and environmental
dimensions. Where relevant, the analysis also covered costs and benefits, impacts on
competitiveness and small businesses and on digitalisation, as well as the contribution to the
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, the options were assessed based on
their effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and proportionality, applying the Social Multi-
Criteria Evaluation.
The evaluation of the options and their impacts highlighted that integration based on policy
objectives (objective-based merger) would offer better potential compared to the two
alternatives. It would allow for better coordination, targeted flexibility, and a more effective
use of the Union budget – without sacrificing policy focus or accessibility.
This funding instrument will offer a more comprehensive approach and a coherent landscape
of formal, non-formal and informal opportunities for young people, aiming to boost skills
development, engagement, preparedness and social cohesion. Europe needs to ensure that
young people are equipped with a minimum proficiency level of basic and digital skills and
foster the advanced competencies and soft skills needed, across all stages of life. This is valid
for professional development but also for their personal development. This is crucial given
EN 15 EN
that close to 18 million young people in the EU are at risk of social exclusion32
and, in 2024,
almost half of them reported recent emotional or psychosocial problems33
. Europe also has to
address the insufficient knowledge among young people particularly of their democratic
rights, difficult access to information, limited involvement in decision-making processes and
the wider political debate. Addressing all those challenges is pivotal in ensuring a prosperous,
prepared and cohesive Europe but cannot be satisfied through formal education only.
Volunteering and other forms of non-formal and informal learning bring complementary value
to formal education. In terms of implementation, by unifying the intervention logic for these
areas (mainly covered by Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps), Union funding would
be significantly streamlined and simplified, leading to greater efficiency, economies of scale
and a reduced administrative burden.
The new instrument will build on the success of the current programmes and best practices of
the current MFF, as evidenced by evaluations. It will better address transnational and common
challenges, filling funding gaps at Member State level, and enhance coherence between
internal and external policies, while boosting synergies, efficiency and effectiveness, and
reducing overlaps.
Based on the Better Regulation guidelines, this impact assessment report was submitted for
quality scrutiny to the Regulatory Scrutiny Board (RSB). The RSB gave an opinion to the
impact assessment on 13 June 2025. The RSB made a series of comments and
recommendations on scope, problem definition and the use of evaluations, intervention logic
and objectives, comparison of options and cost-benefit analysis, governance, coherence and
future monitoring and evaluation. The impact assessment accompanying this legal proposal
was reviewed in accordance with the Board’s comments.
• Simplification
The proposal introduces several simplifications.
For individuals, in particular young people
By extending the scope and including volunteering and solidarity-projects, the initiative will
bring all EU opportunities for young people under one programme. The proposal will thus
offer a single-entry point to EU funding opportunities for young people and those working
with them across the Union and abroad, providing easier access to them.
For applicants and beneficiaries
The proposal aims to increase coherence and rationalise the architecture of the programme by
combining the cooperation and policy support actions, reshuffling actions (for instance by
bringing all cooperation opportunities for organisations together or moving the support to
platforms together with other tools and measures in order to support policy development and
programme implementation) and removing the unnecessary chapters per field. Actions that
share similar objectives and overlap will be merged. (e.g. learning mobility for higher
education learners and staff). These will bring clarity in the Union funding opportunities
offered, making it easier for potential applicants to find their way and identify the relevant
opportunities for them.
32
In 2024, 24,2% of all children less than 18 years old (19.5 million children) in the EU were at risk of
poverty and social exclusion. Source: Eurostat online data base (code: ilc_peps01n) [ilc_peps01n]
Persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion by age and sex.
33
Eurobarometer survey FL545, May 2024, Youth and democracy.
EN 16 EN
Furthermore, the initiative will address the obstacles faced by grassroots, small- or first-time
applicant organisations and increase its reach by changing the management mode of some
actions (e.g. current Jean Monnet actions in other fields than higher education or cooperation
partnerships for sport). It will also introduce very low value grant partnerships with a strongly
reduced administrative burden for applicants.
The use of accreditation systems will continue to provide organisations with a structured
framework for continuous improvement and simplified access to funding, ultimately
facilitating long-term planning, increasing the quality of activities and enhancing transnational
collaboration. The use of simplified grants in the form of lump sums, unit costs and flat rates
will be used to the maximum possible extent.
In addition, efforts will be made to simplify overall application and reporting procedures as
well as harmonise rules, while ensuring proportionality between the grant level and the
requirements.
For stakeholders implementing the programme (national authorities, national agencies,
European Commission)
By bringing under one framework two programmes that operate with similar processes
duplicating each other in several areas (e.g. work programme, monitoring, communication),
the proposal will offer significant simplification, leading to greater efficiency, reduced
administrative burden and implementation costs. This will allow for a more efficient use of
resources, both for the European Commission, the Member States and third countries that
apply to be associated to the programme (i.e. implementing bodies).
• Fundamental rights
The proposal is in line with and respects the Union values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty
on the European Union. The objectives of the proposed initiative are closely linked to the
promotion of fundamental rights and the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of
the European Union. As described in detail in the 2024 Annual Report on the application of
the Charter of Fundamental Rights34
, the 2021-2027 Erasmus+ programme contributes to
fundamental rights across all its fields. Similarly, this proposal will contribute to the
promotion and protection of rights enshrined in Article 8 (protection of personal data), Article
11 (freedom of expression and information), Article 13 (freedom of arts and sciences,
including academic freedom), Article 14 (right to education), Article 15 (freedom to choose
an occupation and right to engage in work), Articles 20 and 21 (equality and non-
discrimination), Article 22 (cultural, religious and linguistic diversity), Article 23 (equality
between women and men), Article 24 (rights of the child), Article 26 (rights of persons with
disabilities), 31 (fair and just working conditions), Article 33 (family and professional life),
Articles 39 to 46 (citizens’ rights) of the Charter. This is mainly achieved by funding projects
and initiatives that contribute to the practical application of these fundamental rights.
4. BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS
See Annex
34
Funding to promote, protect and enforce fundamental rights, 2024 Annual report on the application of
the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (COM/2024/456).
EN 17 EN
5. OTHER ELEMENTS
• Implementation plans and monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements
This initiative will be monitored through the common performance framework for the post-
2027 budget. The performance framework provides for an implementation report during the
implementation phase of the Programme, as well as a retrospective evaluation to be carried
out in accordance with Article 34(3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. The evaluation
shall be conducted in accordance with the Commission's Better Regulation Guidelines and
will be based on indicators relevant to the objectives of the Programme.
The Commission will report to the European Parliament, Council and all other relevant EU
institutions regularly.
A significant part of the Programme will be implemented in indirect management, mainly
through national agencies. The remaining parts of the Programme will be implemented in
direct management, mostly by an Executive Agency under the supervision of the Commission
services responsible for the Programme.
• Detailed explanation of the specific provisions of the proposal
The Regulation sets out the provisions for an Erasmus+ programme that covers education and
training, youth and sport and integrates the opportunities offered by the European Solidarity
Corps including the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps under the 2021-2027 MFF,
offering a comprehensive EU instrument to contribute to high quality lifelong learning,
enhance skills and key competences for all, for life and for jobs, while promoting societal
engagement and civic education, solidarity and social inclusion. The Programme is a key
instrument to support the implementation of the Union's policies in the field of education,
training, youth and sport. The specific objectives are intervention based.
Chapter I – ‘General provisions of the proposed Regulation set out its subject-matter, the
definitions of certain terms for the purposes of this Regulation, as well as the general and
specific objectives of the Programme.
The Programme is structured around a pillar on learning opportunities for all and a pillar on
capacity building that combines cooperation among organisations and institutions and support
to policy development, covering all fields of education and training, youth and sport.
Chapter II – ‘Scope of intervention’ identifies the activities envisaged in order to achieve the
objectives of the proposed Regulation. Under learning opportunities for all, the Programme
will support learning mobility in all fields and volunteering opportunities in the field of youth
on the one hand and talent and excellence development opportunities on the other. It also
covers the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps. This strand includes as well a new
vision of extending mobility to ensure that all young Europeans get the possibility to have an
Erasmus+ experience at an earlier age when values and attitudes are formed, as well as new
opportunities (Erasmus+ scholarships) introduced to enable students to undertake studies in
strategic educational fields and existing opportunities moved under this strand for coherence
and clarity, including Erasmus Mundus scholarships and Jean Monnet actions in the field of
higher education.
Chapter III – ‘Inclusion and diversity’ identifies the focus the Programme should have on
inclusion and diversity as well as measures and tools to reach out to more participants with
fewer opportunities.
Chapter IV – ‘Financial provisions’ sets out the budgetary envelope of the Programme for the
programming period and the envisaged forms of Union funding. It also provides that an
EN 18 EN
additional financial contribution should be allocated under other instruments. The Chapter
identifies the forms and functioning of synergies as well with other funds and resources. In
addition, this Chapter also specifies some specific rules applicable to direct and indirect
management such as for the allocation of funds under indirect management.
Chapter V – ‘Participation in the Programme’ specifies criteria for the participating countries.
It specifies which third countries can be associated to the Programme, either in full or in part
and the conditions under which they can take part in. The Chapter also identifies which
entities are eligible to receive funding.
Chapter VI – ‘Programming’ specifies that the Programme will be implemented by work
programmes.
Chapter VII – ‘Information, communication and dissemination’ sets out the requirements for
all the actors concerned in terms of dissemination of information, publicity and follow-up
with regard to all actions supported by the Programme.
Chapter VIII – ‘Management and audit system’ establishes the provision for the establishment
and functioning of the implementing bodies of the Programme. In management terms, the
proposed delivery mechanism is a combination of indirect management and direct
management. The combination of management modes builds on the existing structures of the
current programme. National agencies will be in charge of managing the large majority of the
Programme’s funds. The Chapter also lays down the necessary supervisory system to ensure
that the protection of the financial interests of the Union is duly taken into account when
actions financed under this Regulation are implemented.
Chapter IX – ‘Transitional and final provisions’ sets out the necessary provisions to ensure
the transition between programmes. The final provisions set out the date of entry into force of
the proposed Regulation which will be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all
Member States.
EN 19 EN
2025/0222 (COD)
Proposal for a
REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
establishing the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028-2034, and repealing
Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and (EU) 2021/888
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular
Articles 165(4), 166(4) and 214(5) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee35
,
Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions36
,
Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure,
Whereas:
(1) The Union needs to support and prepare its people, starting from an early age, with the
knowledge, skills and competences needed for success in learning, work, and life. To
enable this, the Union needs performing, agile, innovative and inclusive education and
training systems, able to nurture, attract and retain talent, to keep up with the pace and
scope of the ongoing societal, digital, environmental and economic transformations,
respond to the demographic challenges and the society’s and economy’s skills needs,
bridge skills gaps and satisfy industry needs in critical sectors.
(2) The Union is a community of values rooted in Europe's history and identity and
anchored in the Treaty on the EU. Understanding those values, including fundamental
rights and democracy, is an essential life skill and key to participation in the political
debate and decision making. Education and training, youth and sport activities help
equip citizens with the skills and competences to thrive, actively and meaningfully
participate in democratic life and in the society overall, and help people connect
around and defend shared values.
(3) The Union is built on solidarity, both among its citizens and among the Member
States. That universal value guides the actions of the Union and provides the unity
necessary to cope with societal challenges, which individuals are willing to help
address in practice, notably through volunteering.
35
OJ C , , p. .
36
OJ C , , p. .
EN 20 EN
(4) It is essential that all people, irrespective of their personal, social, economic or cultural
background, have the opportunity to participate in a mobility experience abroad from
an early age, when values and attitudes are formed and when individuals are most
receptive to new experiences and influences. Early exposure to different environments,
cultures, languages and ways of life can help to break down stereotypes, promote
intercultural understanding, and instil values of respect, tolerance and solidarity,
thereby contributing to a more united and harmonious Europe.
(5) Building inclusive, cohesive and resilient societies, and sustaining the competitiveness
of the Union requires investing in learning opportunities for all, regardless of
background and means, in cooperation between Member States and organisations
active in the field, and in innovative policy development in the fields of education and
training, youth and sport. Such an investment also contributes to strengthening
European identity, fundamental rights and values and a more democratic Union.
(6) In line with the EU Preparedness Union Strategy37
, preparedness, resilience,
participation in democratic life and civic engagement should be fostered through a
bottom-up approach, encouraging organisations and institutions to play a key role in
fostering digital and media literacy, critical thinking, promoting civic engagement, and
learning about democracy and citizenship. People and communities across the EU
must engage actively to prevent crises and to be sufficiently prepared to respond to
them.
(7) Common areas of action and objectives between the 2021-2027 European Solidarity
Corps and Erasmus+ programmes highlight the potential for enhanced synergy and
regulatory coherence. Bringing all learning mobility, volunteering, cooperation and
active citizenship opportunities together provides a single-entry point to all
opportunities offered by the Union for young people and organisations active in the
field of youth, allowing for a more coordinated and effective approach, and easier
access for potential participants and beneficiaries.
(8) In this context, it is necessary to establish Erasmus+ 2028-2034, the Union Programme
for education and training and also in the fields of youth and sport (the ‘Programme’),
as the successor to the 2021-2027 Erasmus+38
and European Solidarity Corps39
Programmes, which encompasses actions in the field of education and training, youth
and sport and sets up the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps.
(9) In a rapidly changing economic, social and geopolitical environment, experience has
shown the need for a more flexible multiannual financial framework and Union
spending programmes. To that effect, and in line with the objectives of the Erasmus+
programme, the funding should duly consider the evolving policy needs and Union’s
priorities as identified in relevant documents published by the Commission, in Council
conclusions and European Parliament resolutions, while ensuring sufficient
predictability for the budget implementation.
37
Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the European Preparedness
Union Strategy (Join/2025/130 final)).
38
Regulation (EU) 2021/817 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 establishing
Erasmus+: the Union Programme for education and training, youth and sport (OJ L 189, 28.5.2021).
39
Regulation (EU) 2021/888 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 establishing
the European Solidarity Corps Programme (OJ L 202, 8.6.2021).
EN 21 EN
(10) The Programme should support the implementation of the Union of Skills40
and the
overall strategic frameworks for Union policy cooperation in the fields of education
and training, including the policy agendas for school education, higher education,
vocational education and training and adult learning, including up-skilling and re-
skilling, to allow citizens to develop competences and skills at all stages of their life to
thrive in society.
(11) In line with the EU Youth Strategy41
, the European Youth Work Agenda42
and the
2024 Communication on the legacy of the European Year of Youth 202243
, the
Programme should support meaningful participation of young people and youth
organisations in decision and policy making, youth mainstreaming across policy fields,
the validation of non-formal and informal learning, high-quality youth work and
competence development of youth workers. The programme will continue to support
all young people to participate in learning mobility and non-formal learning mobility,
including youth exchanges and youth participation activities, with the objective to
engage and empower young people to acquire and develop competences for life and
their professional future, to become active citizens and participate in economic, social,
cultural, democratic and political life, and to connect them to the European project and
contribute to building an inclusive, competitive and resilient Union.
(12) The Programme should support participation in sport and physical activity for all, in
line with the EU Work Plan for Sport 2024-202744
. Therefore, there is a need to focus,
in particular, on grassroots sport, taking into account the important role that sport
plays in promoting healthy lifestyles, interpersonal relations, social inclusion and
equality as well as building cohesive communities.
(13) Digital transformation has changed society and the economy with an ever-deepening
impact on everyday life and demonstrated the need for higher levels of digital
readiness and capacity of education and training as well as the pressing need for digital
skills development for all across the Union.
(14) Formal, informal and non-formal learning play an essential role in addressing climate
change, raising awareness and instilling the skills and key competences needed for
changing personal behaviours. The Programme will help empowering people to act in
their respective communities and build up the needed skills for a successful clean
transition, in line with the Clean Industrial Deal.
40
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council,
the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions the Union of Skills
(COM/2025/90 final).
41
Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the
Member States meeting within the Council on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field:
The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (OJ C 456, ST/14944/2018/INIT, 18.12.2018).
42
Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting
within the Council on the Framework for establishing a European Youth Work Agenda 2020/C 415/01
(OJ C 415, 1.12.2020).
43
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the European Year of Youth
2022 (COM/2024/1 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/txt/?uri=celex:52024dc0001)
44
Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting
within the Council on the European Union Work Plan for Sport (1 July 2024 — 31 December 2027),
(OJ C, C/2024/3527, 3.6.2024).
EN 22 EN
(15) The international dimension of the Programme should aim to offer opportunities for
learning mobility, cooperation and policy dialogue with third countries not associated
to the Programme, building on the experience of predecessor programmes, including
to contribute to competitiveness of the Union, while ensuring protection of the
Union’s economic security interests. To increase the impact of those activities, it is
important to enhance synergies between the Programme and Global Europe, taking
into account the enlargement of the Union, the Global Gateway Strategy and the
education and training, youth and sport policy frameworks.
(16) The Programme should bring candidate countries and potential candidates closer to
their goal of acceding to the Union. The Programme should promote stability,
partnerships and skills development, with countries in the wider neighbourhood
including by enhancing ties with the Mediterranean region. Through cooperation with
other countries across the globe, the Programme should as well attract talents
worldwide, and shape partnerships notably to promote competitiveness of the Union.
The Programme should support countries in modernising their institutions and
organisations and, more generally, enhancing the quality and inclusiveness of
education, training, youth and sport through international partnerships.
(17) The implementation of the Programme should be guided by the principles and values
of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law, and
solidarity, as respectively enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union
and referred to in the preamble of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European
Union. It is thus essential that all parties involved in the Programme respect those
principles and values. The Programme should as well respect the principles set out in
the 2017 EU Guidelines for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Child
and in Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as
well as the Union of Equality strategies.
(18) The Programme should encourage participation, in particular of young people, in
Europe’s democratic life, including by supporting activities that contribute to
citizenship education, nurture skills needed for civic engagement and enable to engage
and learn to participate in civic society, thereby raising awareness of European
common values, including fundamental rights, facilitating interaction with decision-
makers at local, national and European levels and contributing to the process of
European integration. The Programme should also support the creation of
opportunities and mechanisms for meaningful youth participation.
(19) The Programme should offer accessible, inclusive and safe opportunities for young
people and organisations to show solidarity, helping them support communities and
address societal challenges, while gaining valuable experience and skills for their
personal growth and employability.
(20) Volunteering, both within and beyond the Union, constitutes a rich experience in a
non-formal and informal learning context, enabling young people to show solidarity
and engage in activities contributing to address societal and humanitarian challenges
while enhancing their personal, socio-educational and professional development,
active citizenship, civic participation and employability. The Programme should thus
also support “European Solidarity Corps” volunteering actions, including the
European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps. Those actions were covered under the
European Solidarity Corps programme in the 2021-2027 programming period.
(21) With a view to enhancing the promotion of solidarity and the visibility of
humanitarian aid and development cooperation among European citizens, there is a
EN 23 EN
need to develop solidarity of Member States and third countries associated to the
programme with third countries not associated affected by disasters from natural
hazards and human-induced risks. The European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps
should contribute to a coordinated Union needs-based response and will be
implemented in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down in this
Regulation.
(22) Young people, in particular those with fewer opportunities, should continue to be
given the chance to have a first time, experience travelling throughout Europe as part
of an informal and non-formal educational activity that aims to foster their sense of
belonging to the Union and to enable them to discover its cultural and linguistic
diversity.
(23) In the field of sport, through mobility opportunities and capacity building, including
cooperation, the Programme should foster common European values, volunteering as
well as innovation and skills development in and through sport. The Programme
should also promote good governance, safety and integrity in sport, sport diplomacy,
support grassroots sports organisations, as well as offer young people across Europe
the opportunity to participate in cross-border sports initiatives, fostering personal
growth, cultural exchange, solidarity and community engagement.
(24) The Programme brings a key contribution to the Union of Skills and the European
Education Area, laying the foundation to skills and competences formation throughout
life and providing a genuine common space for quality education and lifelong learning
across borders. The Union of skills aims to step up the efforts to achieve high quality
education, training, and lifelong learning through delivering basic and advanced skills,
providing opportunities for people to update regularly and acquire new and future-
oriented skills, facilitating skills circulation and recruitment by businesses across the
EU, and attracting, developing and retaining top talent in Europe. In line with the
Union of Skills, the Programme should also reflect the importance of entrepreneurship
education and financial literacy.
(25) It is important to stimulate and widen access to learning, teaching and research on EU,
values and citizenship. Fostering a European sense of belonging and commitment is
particularly important given the challenges faced today by the Union. The Programme
should continue to contribute to learning on European integration matters, including
the Union’s future challenges and opportunities, to promote debate on those matters
and the development of excellence in European integration studies.
(26) The learning of languages contributes to mutual understanding between people and
cultures, and fosters mobility within and outside the Union, as language competences
are essential life and job skills. Therefore, the Programme should enhance the learning
of languages, including, where relevant, national sign languages. To ensure broad and
inclusive access to the Programme, it is important that multilingualism be a key
principle in the implementation of the Programme.
(27) Europe faces a growing challenge in meeting the demand for skilled talent in strategic
and evolving sectors like clean and circular technologies, transport, energy, water
resilience, healthcare, digital technologies, aerospace and defence. To address this key
need, it is essential to develop, attract and retain talented individuals in these fields. In
line with the Union of skills, the Programme should among other support EU students
to pursue studies in such critical sectors and attract as well top talent to Europe by
enhancing the attractiveness of education and training and offering scholarships to
students, including through Erasmus Mundus scholarships. This would contribute to
EN 24 EN
address the skills needs for the labour market, including for sectors suffering severe
staff shortages.
(28) Cooperation enables exchange of practices and capacity building and thereby leads to
better outcomes and performance as well as efficiency gains by pooling resources and
knowledge. The Programme should therefore support capacity building measures that
enhance cooperation at different levels between institutions and organisations that are
active in the fields of education and training, youth and sport. This recognises the
fundamental role of institutions and organisations in equipping individuals with the
knowledge, skills and competences needed in a changing world and helping
institutions and organisations active in the field to adequately fulfil their potential for
innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, in particular within the digital economy.
(29) The Programme should support long-term strategic cooperation at institutional level to
build excellence, competitiveness and attractiveness and generate sustainable and
systemic transformation of education and training, youth and sport organisations and
institutions, in line with the EU’s priorities, including by acting as testbeds for
innovative education, training and skills development instruments, supporting
cooperation with business and industry. The Programme should continue to support
the work of education and training institutions and Member States towards removing
remaining barriers to transnational cooperation and multiplying the offer of
transnational joint study programmes, contributing towards a joint European Degree45
.
(30) The Programme should support the core education mission of the European
Universities Alliances to enable systemic impact achieved more efficiently through
long-term Union level action, notably to reinforce excellence, reduce fragmentation
and increase the attractiveness and inclusiveness of EU higher education systems,
develop innovative instruments to increase quality of learning and teaching, develop
future oriented skills and competences (such as AI, cybersecurity, sustainability,
STEM), including the sectors already identified in the Union of Skills, through
relevant and future-proof curricula, pedagogical innovation, joint degrees, lifelong
learning, micro-credentials, to nurture and attract talent and facilitate transnational
cooperation in education, including with business and industry.
(31) In line with relevant Union frameworks and tools, the Programme should contribute to
the development and circulation of skills, including by setting up a basic skills support
scheme and fostering quality assurance, transparency, the recognition of skills,
competences and qualifications, their digitalisation, and the validation of non-formal
and informal learning, skills management and guidance. In that regard, the Programme
should also provide support to contact points and networks at national, and European
level that facilitate cross-European exchanges and beyond, and the development of
flexible learning pathways between different fields of education and training and youth
and across formal and non-formal settings, including through the support of micro-
credentials’ eco-systems.
(32) User-friendly online platforms and tools for virtual cooperation can play an important
role in supporting the delivery of education and training and youth policy in Europe
and beyond. To increase the use of virtual cooperation activities, the Programme
45
Council Resolution on a joint European degree label and the next steps towards a possible joint
European degree: boosting Europe’s competitiveness and the attractiveness of European higher
education. (J C, C/2025/2939, 22.5.2025).
EN 25 EN
should support more systematic and coherent use of online platforms. It should as well
facilitate and support mobility processes through digitalisation.
(33) The Programme should be designed to promote inclusion, diversity and equal
opportunities by widening access to mobility, volunteering and learning across the
Union and beyond, thereby enabling all people to fully benefit from a transformative
experience.
(34) The Programme should provide for a set of measures to facilitate and increase the
access for people with fewer opportunities, to remove the obstacles that may prevent
such access, including financial ones, and to serve as a basis for further
implementation guidance. Those measures include, among other, targeted financial
support, accessible learning formats, housing support, preparatory activities and
support for participants with fewer opportunities before, during and after their
participation within the Programme, user-friendly and accessible documents available
in different languages, support activities for staff dealing specifically with inclusion
and diversity in organisations and raising awareness activities among potential
participants with fewer opportunities, including in rural and remote areas. In addition,
the Programme should allow to give priority in the grant awarding process to quality
projects that actively address the inclusion and involvement of participants with fewer
opportunities.
(35) In order to make the Programme more accessible for newcomer organisations and for
organisations with smaller administrative capacity and to make the Programme more
manageable for beneficiaries, the Programme should reinforce the measures to
simplify procedures at all stages.
(36) This Regulation lays down an indicative financial envelope for the Programme. For
the purpose of this Regulation, current prices are calculated by applying a fixed 2%
deflator.
(37) In view of the diversity of the fields covered by the Programme, the ambition for
youth and sport to contribute meaningfully to the Programme’s objectives and to reach
its target groups, should be maintained.
(38) Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council46
applies to this Programme. It lays down the rules on the establishment and the
implementation of the general budget of the Union, including the rules on grants,
prizes, non-financial donations, procurement, indirect management, financial
assistance, financial instruments, budgetary guarantees and protection of the financial
interests of the Union.
(39) In accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, Regulation (EU, Euratom)
No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council47
, Council Regulation
(EC, Euratom) No 2988/9548
, Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/9649
and
46
Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September
2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union. (OJ L, 2024/2509, 26.9.2024).
47
Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11
September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and
repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council
Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999 (OJ L 248, 18.9.2013, p. 1, ).
48
Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European
Communities financial interests (OJ L 312, 23/12/1995, p. 1).
EN 26 EN
Council Regulation (EU) 2017/193950
, the financial interests of the Union are to be
protected through proportionate measures, including the prevention, detection,
correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud, the recovery of funds lost,
wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, the imposition of
administrative sanctions. In particular, in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom)
No 883/2013 and (EC, Euratom) No 2185/96 the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
may carry out investigations, including on-the-spot checks and inspections, with a
view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal
activity affecting the financial interests of the Union. In accordance with Regulation
(EU) 2017/1939, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) may investigate and
prosecute fraud and other illegal activities affecting the financial interests of the Union
as provided for in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the
Council51
. In accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, any person or
entity receiving Union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the Union’s
financial interests, to grant the necessary rights and access to the Commission, OLAF,
EPPO and the European Court of Auditors and to ensure that any third parties
involved in the implementation of Union funds grant equivalent rights.
(40) In order to simplify requirements for beneficiaries, simplified cost options in the form
of lump sums, unit costs and flat rates should be used to the maximum possible extent.
Simplified cost options to support learning mobility under the Programme should take
into account the living and subsistence costs in the host country. In accordance with
national law, Member States should be encouraged to exempt those grants from any
taxes and social levies; grants awarded to individuals by public or private legal entities
should be treated in the same manner.
(41) It is appropriate to ensure that the 2021-2027 Programmes are closed correctly, in
particular as regards the continuation of multiannual arrangements for their
management, such as the financing of technical and administrative assistance. As
from 1 January 2028, the technical and administrative assistance should ensure, where
necessary, the management of actions that have not been finalised under the 2021-
2027 Programmes by 31 December 2027.
(42) In line with Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
(TFEU), the Programme should take into account the specific situation of the
outermost regions referred to in that Article, including measures to facilitate their
participation to the Programme.
(43) Pursuant to Article 85 (1) of Council Decision (EU) 2021/176452
, persons and entities
established in overseas countries and territories are eligible for funding under the
Programme subject to the rules and objectives and to any specific arrangement
49
Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks
and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial
interests against fraud and other irregularities (OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2).
50
Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the
establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’) (OJ L 283, 31.10.2017, p. 1).
51
Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight
against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law (OJ L 198, 28.7.2017, p. 29).
52
Council Decision (EU) 2021/1764 of 5 October 2021 on the association of the Overseas Countries and
Territories with the European Union including relations between the European Union on the one hand,
and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark on the other (Decision on the Overseas Association,
including Greenland) (OJ L 355, 7.10.2021, p. 6–134).
EN 27 EN
applicable to the Member State to which the relevant overseas country or territory is
linked.
(44) The Programme is to be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) [XXX]* of
the European Parliament and of the Council [Performance], which establishes the rules
for the expenditure tracking and the performance framework for the budget, including
rules for ensuring a uniform application of the principles of ‘do no significant harm’
and gender equality referred to in Article 33(2), points (d), and (f), of Regulation (EU,
Euratom) 2024/2509 respectively, rules for monitoring and reporting on the
performance of Union programmes and activities, rules for establishing a Union
funding portal, rules for the evaluation of the programmes, as well as other horizontal
provisions applicable to all Union programmes such as those on information,
communication and visibility.
(45) In view to optimise the added value, increase scale and impact of investments,
synergies should be sought in particular between the Programme and other Union
funding instruments, including through enabling mechanisms. The Programme should
seek as well synergies that strengthen collaboration between education and the private
sector.
(46) The Programme should allow for full and partial association of third countries. The
Programme should also support the participation of third countries that are not
associated to the Programme where those countries are identified in the work
programme, their participation contributes to achieve the objectives of the programme
and is essential for the implementation of the action.
(47) Appropriate and inclusive outreach, publicity of the opportunities supported by the
Programme should be ensured at local, national and Union level and should take into
account the main target groups of the Programme and, where relevant, a wide variety
of other target groups. Furthermore, the Commission and the implementing bodies
should facilitate the sharing of good practices and project results and gather feedback
on the Programme.
(48) The Programme should mobilise the potential of former participants in the Erasmus+
Programme and support related activities by encouraging them to promote the
Programme.
(49) Measures should be taken to streamline the management of the Programme and
achieve economies of scale including by limiting and reducing the number of national
agencies.
(50) Regulations (EU) 2021/81753
and (EU) 2021/88854
should be repealed with effect
from 1 January 2028.
(51) In order to ensure continuity in providing support in the relevant policy area and to
allow implementation to start from the beginning of the 2028-2034 MFF, this
Regulation should enter into force on and apply from 1 January 2028.
53
Regulation (EU) 2021/817 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 establishing
Erasmus+: the Union Programme for education and training, youth and sport and repealing Regulation
(EU) No 1288/2013 (OJ L 189, 28.5.2021, p. 1).
54
Regulation (EU) 2021/888 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 establishing
the European Solidarity Corps Programme and repealing Regulations (EU) 2018/1475 and (EU) No
375/2014 (OJ L 202, 8.6.2021, p. 32).
EN 28 EN
HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1
Subject matter
This Regulation establishes Erasmus+, the Union programme for action in the fields of education
and training and also in the fields of youth and sport (the ‘Programme’) and lays down the
objectives of the Programme, its budget for the period 2028-2034, the forms of Union funding
and the rules for providing such funding. This Regulation also sets up the European Voluntary
Humanitarian Aid Corps.
Article 2
Definitions
For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply:
(1) ‘adult learner’ means a person who has left or finished initial education and training
and engages in formal, non-formal or informal learning, including NEET;
(2) ‘adult learning’ means any form of formal, non-formal or informal learning for
adults, encompassing opportunities for skills development, upskilling and reskilling
for competitiveness, enhancing social cohesion and supporting active participation in
society;
(3) ‘grassroots sport’ means physical leisure activities practiced regularly at non-
professional level by people of all ages for health, educational or social purposes;
(4) ‘higher education institution’ means an institution which, in accordance with
regional, national, or international law or practice, offers quality assured degrees or
other recognised tertiary level qualifications, regardless of what such an
establishment is called, or a comparable institution at tertiary level which is
considered by the national/regional authorities or the European Commission as
eligible to participate in the Programme in the respective territories;
(5) ‘higher education student’ means a person enrolled at a higher education institution,
including at short-cycle, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level or equivalent or a
person who recently completed a degree from such an institution;
(6) ‘European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps’ refers to volunteering activities that
support post-crisis long-term humanitarian aid and development cooperation
operations in third countries not associated to the Programme, that are intended to
provide needs-based assistance aimed at preventing and alleviating human suffering,
and maintaining durable human dignity in the face of crises, and that include actions
that aim to reinforce disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction, link relief,
rehabilitation and development and contribute towards strengthening the resilience
EN 29 EN
and capacity of vulnerable or disaster-affected communities to cope with and recover
from crises;
(7) ‘informal learning’ means learning resulting from daily activities and experiences
which is not organised or structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support;
it may be unintentional from the learner’s perspective;
(8) ‘joint study programme’ means a programme coordinated and offered jointly by
different higher education institutions from two or more countries and leading to the
award of a joint degree;
(9) ‘lifelong learning’ means learning in all its forms, whether formal, non-formal or
informal, taking place at all stages in life and resulting in an improvement or update
in knowledge, skills, competences and attitudes, including through micro credentials
or participation in society from a personal, civic, cultural, social or employment-
related perspective, such as the provision of counselling and guidance services; it
includes early childhood education and care, general education, vocational education
and training, higher education, adult learning, youth work and other learning settings
outside formal education and training and it typically promotes cross-sectoral
cooperation and flexible learning pathways;
(10) ‘learning mobility’ means moving physically to a country other than the country of
residence, in order to undertake study, training, teaching, or non-formal or informal
learning;
(11) ‘non-formal learning’ means learning which takes place outside formal education
and training through planned activities in terms of learning objectives and learning
time and where some form of learning support is present;
(12) ‘people with fewer opportunities’ means people who, for economic, social, cultural,
geographical or health reasons or due to their migrant background, or for reasons
such as disability or educational difficulties or for any other reason, including a
reason that could constitute discrimination under Article 21 of the Charter of
Fundamental Rights of the European Union, face obstacles that prevent them from
having effective access to opportunities under the Programme;
(13) ‘school pupil’ means a person enrolled in a learning capacity at an institution
providing general education at any level from early childhood education and care to
upper secondary education or a person schooled outside an institutional setting
considered by the competent authorities as eligible to participate in the Programme
as a school pupil in their respective territories;
(14) ‘staff’ means a person who, on either a professional or a voluntary basis, is involved
in education, training or non-formal and informal learning at all levels, including
sport; it includes academic staff, teachers, trainers, school leaders, youth workers,
sport staff, early childhood education and care staff, non-educational staff and other
practitioners involved on a regular basis in promoting learning;
(15) ‘third country’ means a country that is not an EU Member State;
(16) ‘vocational education and training learner’ means a person enrolled in an initial or
continuous vocational education and training programme at any level from secondary
to post-secondary level or a person who has recently graduated or obtained a
qualification from such a programme;
(17) ‘volunteering’ means an unpaid activity that addresses societal or humanitarian
challenges and has a strong learning component;
EN 30 EN
(18) ‘young people’ in the field of youth means individuals aged between 13 and 30;
(19) ‘youth worker’ means a person who, on either a professional or a voluntary basis, is
involved in non-formal learning and supports young people in their personal socio-
educational and professional development and the development of their
competences; it includes persons who plan, steer, coordinate and implement
activities in the field of youth.
EN 31 EN
Article 3
Programme objectives
1. The general objective of the Programme is to contribute to a resilient, competitive,
and cohesive Europe by promoting high quality lifelong learning, enhancing skills
and competences for life and for jobs for all, while fostering Union values,
democratic and societal participation, solidarity, social inclusion and equal
opportunities, in the EU and beyond. The Programme shall be a key instrument for
building the Union of Skills, developing the European Education Area and
supporting the implementation of European strategic cooperation in the fields of
education and training, including its underlying sectoral agendas.
The Programme will advance youth policy cooperation and further develop the
European dimension in sport. The objective is to foster a more inclusive, united, and
robust Europe by empowering young people, strengthening community ties, and
promoting solidarity through meaningful engagement and cooperation. Sport plays a
vital role as a driver for social inclusion, health, education, and community
development. By investing in youth, volunteering, and sport, the Programme aims to
build stronger, more connected societies, encourage civic and democratic
engagement, and contribute to social cohesion at all levels.
2. The Programme has the following specific objectives:
(a) support the improvement of education, skills and competences with
particular regard to their relevance for the labour market as well as to the
professional development and personal growth of the individual and to
their contribution to a competitive, sustainable and cohesive society;
(b) foster a sense of European identity and active citizenship, enhance
solidarity and active participation in society and democracy, inducing a
positive societal impact, greater resilience and better preparedness to
anticipate, prevent and respond to risks of different nature;
(c) foster quality, inclusion, equity, sustainability, creativity, innovation,
excellence and cross-border collaboration, strengthening Europe’s
attractiveness and competitiveness globally, across all fields of education
and training, youth and sport;
(d) engage and empower young people to acquire and develop professional
and personal competences, to participate actively in society and
democracy and connect them to the European project;
(e) support policy development, including for circulation of skills,
accelerating reforms and modernisation at systems' level, across all fields
of education and training, youth and sport, ensuring that they are more
effective, resilient and inclusive;
(f) provide young people with easily accessible opportunities for
engagement in solidarity and humanitarian activities that induce positive
societal changes in the Union and beyond (the latter through setting up
the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps), while improving and
properly validating their competences, as well as facilitating their
continuous engagement as active citizens;
EN 32 EN
(g) promote the European Sport Model by investing in grassroots sport,
especially voluntary activities, ensuring accessibility, promoting
participation, protecting integrity, supporting good governance, and
reinforcing sport’s social, educational, and community role, through
actions that focus on building a fair, inclusive, and sustainable sport
system across Europe.
3. The Programme objectives shall be pursued through the following pillars, which
mainly have either a transnational or an international character:
(a) Learning opportunities for all;
(b) Capacity building support.
CHAPTER II
SCOPE OF INTERVENTION
SECTION 1
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
Article 4
Learning mobility and volunteering opportunities
1. In the field of education and training, the Programme shall support:
(a) Learning mobility of higher education students and staff;
(b) Learning mobility of vocational education and training learners and staff;
(c) Learning mobility of school pupils and staff, including staff in early
childhood education and care;
(d) Learning mobility of adult learners and staff in adult learning.
2. In the field of youth, the Programme shall support:
(a) Learning mobility of young people, including DiscoverEU, activities
supporting youth participation and learning mobility of youth workers;
(b) ‘European Solidarity Corps’ volunteering, including the European
Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps.
3. In the field of sport, the Programme shall support learning mobility of athletes and
people active in grassroots sport and learning mobility of sport staff.
4. Learning mobility under this Article may be accompanied by:
(a) support to teaching and learning about the EU, including European
integration, values and citizenship;
(b) measures such as language support, preparatory visits, training and
virtual cooperation.
EN 33 EN
Article 5
Talent and excellence development opportunities
In the field of education and training, the Programme shall support:
(a) Erasmus+ scholarships in strategic educational fields, including in joint
study programmes;
(b) Erasmus Mundus scholarships;
(c) Jean Monnet actions in the field of higher education;
(d) Support to the following Jean Monnet institutions pursuing an aim of
European interest: the European University Institute, Florence, including
its School of Transnational Governance; the College of Europe (Bruges,
including its subsidiary in Tirana, and Natolin campuses); the European
Institute of Public Administration, Maastricht; the Academy of European
Law, Trier; the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive
Education, Odense; and the International Centre for European Training,
Nice.
SECTION 2
CAPACITY BUILDING SUPPORT
Article 6
Cooperation among organisations and institutions
The Programme shall support:
(a) Partnerships for cooperation, including small-scale partnerships to foster
wider and more inclusive access to the Programme;
(b) Partnerships for excellence and innovation, building on the European
Universities Alliances, Centres of Vocational Excellence, European
Teacher Academies, European School Alliances, Joint study
programmes, European Youth Together and Sport Collaborative
Alliances.
EN 34 EN
Article 7
Support to policy development
The Programme shall support:
(a) Experimentation, preparation and implementation of the Union’s policy
agendas and tools covering skills, education and training, youth and
sport55
;
(b) Programme implementation including synergies with, and support to
other Union policies and programmes, online platforms, tools for virtual
cooperation and tools to facilitate learning mobility;
(c) Dissemination and communication.
55
In particular: the European Qualifications Framework (EQF); the European Quality Assurance Reference Framework
for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET); the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education
(EQAR);, the ENIC (European Network of Information Centres in the European Region) and NARIC (National Academic
Recognition Information Centres in the European Union) Networks, the Euroguidance network, the common framework
and tools for the provision of better services for skills and qualifications (Europass), the Eurydice Network, National
Coordinators for Adult Learning, the Central and National Support Services for online platforms, the European Higher
Education Area (EHEA) and the National Reference Points on graduate tracking, Youth wiki network, the Eurodesk
network, the European Youth Forum, Youthpass, the National Working Groups implementing the EU Youth
Dialogue and the National Coordinating Bodies implementing the European Week of Sport at national level.
EN 35 EN
CHAPTER III
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
Article 8
Support measures for inclusion and diversity
1. When implementing this Regulation, the Commission, Member States and third
countries associated to the Programme shall ensure an inclusive approach across all
activities.
2. The Commission, Member States and third countries associated to the Programme
shall take effective measures to promote inclusion, diversity and fairness, solidarity,
and equal opportunities, in particular to ensure participation of people with fewer
opportunities in the Programme.
3. The Commission shall support access to the Programme from an early age and
independent of socio-economic background. To achieve that, it shall ensure the
provision of measures to facilitate the participation of people with fewer
opportunities, including financial support mechanisms, where relevant.
4. The Commission may adjust or may authorise the national agencies referred to in
Article 19 to adjust, on the basis of objective criteria, the financial support
mechanisms to improve access to people with fewer opportunities.
5. The costs of measures to facilitate or support the participation of people with fewer
opportunities shall not justify the rejection of an application under the Programme.
6. The national agencies referred to in Article 19 shall develop or update where
relevant, national inclusion and diversity action plans, based on the framework, and
with particular attention to the specific challenges to access the programme within
the national contexts. The national inclusion and diversity plans shall form an
integral part of the national agencies’ planning documents as referred to in Article
19(2).
7. The Commission shall monitor on a regular basis the implementation of the inclusion
and diversity measures, including the national inclusion and diversity plans.
CHAPTER IV
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
Article 9
Budget
1. The indicative financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the
period 2028-2034 is set at EUR 40 827 000 000 in current prices.
EN 36 EN
2. In addition to the amounts set out in paragraph 1 of this Article, and in order to
promote the international dimension of the Programme, an additional financial
contribution shall be made available from Regulation (EU) [XXX]* of the European
Parliament and of the Council [Global Europe]to support actions implemented and
managed in accordance with this Regulation. Such contribution shall be in line with a
single programming document drawn up under Regulation (EU) XXX[Global
Europe].
3. Appropriations may be entered in the Union budget beyond 2034 to cover the
expenses necessary and to enable the management of actions not completed by the
end of the Programme.
4. The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 of this Article and the
amounts of additional resources referred to in Article 10 may also be used for
technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Programme,
such as preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, specific and
corporate information technology systems and platforms, information and
communication activities, including corporate communication on the political
priorities of the Union, and all other technical and administrative assistance or staff-
related expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the Programme.
Article 10
Additional resources
1. Member States, Union institutions, bodies and agencies, third countries, international
organisations, international financial institutions, or other third parties, may make
additional financial or non-financial contributions to the Programme. Additional
financial contributions shall constitute external assigned revenue within the meaning
of Article 21(2), points (a), (d), or (e) or Article 21(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom)
2024/2509.
2. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their
request, be made available to the Programme. The Commission shall implement
those resources directly or indirectly in accordance with Article 62(1), point (a) or (c)
of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. They shall be additional to the amount
referred to in Article 9(1). Those resources shall be used for the benefit of the
Member State concerned. Where the Commission has not entered into a legal
commitment under direct or indirect management for additional amounts thus made
available to the Programme, the corresponding uncommitted amounts may, at the
request of the Member State concerned, be transferred back to one or more
respective source programmes or their successors.
Article 11
Alternative, combined and cumulative funding
1. The Programme shall be implemented in synergy with other Union programmes. An
action that has received a Union contribution from another programme may also
receive a contribution under the Programme. The rules of the relevant Union
programme shall apply to the corresponding contribution, or a single set of rules may
be applied to all contributions and a single legal commitment may be concluded. If
EN 37 EN
the Union contribution is based on eligible costs, the cumulative support from the
Union budget shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and may be
calculated on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the documents setting out the
conditions for support.
2. Award procedures under the Programme may be jointly conducted under direct or
indirect management with Member States, Union institutions, bodies and agencies,
third countries, international organisations, international financial institutions, or
other third parties (‘partners to the joint award procedure’), provided the protection
of the financial interests of the Union is ensured. Such procedures shall be subject to
a single set of rules and lead to the conclusion of single legal commitments. For that
purpose, the partners to the joint award procedure may make resources available to
the Programme in accordance with Article 10, or the partners may be entrusted with
the implementation of the award procedure, where applicable in accordance with
Article 62(1), point (c), of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. In joint award
procedures, representatives of the partners to the joint award procedure may also be
members of the evaluation committee referred to in Article 153(3) of Regulation
(EU, EURATOM) 2024/2509.
Article 12
Implementation and forms of Union funding
1. The Programme shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom)
2024/2509, under direct management or under indirect management with entities
referred to in Article 62(1), point (c) of that Regulation.
2. The funds implemented under indirect management in a Member State shall be
allocated on the basis of:
(a) the population of and cost of living in the Member State concerned;
(b) the distance between capitals of Member States;
(c) performance, calculated based on the most recent data available.
3. The Commission shall further specify those criteria and their underlying formulae in
the work programmes referred to in Article 15.
4. Union funding may be provided in any form in accordance with Regulation (EU,
Euratom) 2024/2509, in particular grants, prizes, procurement, and non-financial
donations.
5. Where Union funding is provided in the form of a grant, funding shall be provided as
financing not linked to costs or, where necessary, simplified cost options, in
accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. Funding may be provided in
the form of actual eligible cost reimbursement only where the objectives of an action
cannot be achieved otherwise.
6. For the purpose of Article 153(3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, the
evaluation committee may be composed partially or fully of independent external
experts.
7. Public legal entities, and institutions and organisations in the fields of education and
training, youth and sport that have received over 50 % of their annual revenue from
public sources over the last two years, shall be considered as having the necessary
EN 38 EN
financial and operational capacity to carry out activities under the Programme. They
shall not be required to present further documentation to demonstrate that capacity.
EN 39 EN
CHAPTER V
PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMME
Article 13
Third countries associated to the Programme
1. The Programme may be opened to the participation of the following third countries
through full or partial association, in accordance with the objectives laid down in
Article 3, and with the relevant international agreements or any decisions adopted
under the framework of those agreements and applicable to:
(a) members of the European Free Trade Association which are members of
the European Economic Area, as well as European micro-states;
(b) acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates;
(c) European Neighbourhood Policy countries;
(d) other third countries.
2. The association agreements for participation in the Programme shall:
(a) ensure a fair balance as regards the contributions and benefits of the third
country participating in the Programme;
(b) lay down the conditions of participation in the programmes, including the
calculation of financial contributions, consisting of an operational contribution
and a participation fee, to a programme and its general administrative costs;
(c) not confer on the third country any decision-making power in the Programme;
(d) guarantee the rights of the Union to ensure sound financial management and to
protect its financial interests;
(e) where relevant, ensure the protection of security and public order interests of
the Union.
For the purposes of point (d) , the third country shall grant the necessary rights and
access required under Regulations (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and (EU, Euratom) No
883/2013, and guarantee that enforcement decisions imposing a pecuniary obligation
on the basis of Article 299 TFEU, as well as judgements and orders of the Court of
Justice of the European Union, are enforceable.
Article 14
Eligibility
1. Eligibility criteria shall be set to support achievement of the objectives laid down in
Article 3, in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
2. In award procedures under direct and indirect management one or more of the
following legal entities may be eligible to receive Union funding:
(a) entities established in a Member State;
EN 40 EN
(b) entities established in an associated third country;
(c) international organisations;
(d) other entities established in non-associated third countries where the
funding of such entities is essential for implementing the action and
contributes to the objectives laid down in Article 3.
3. In addition to Article 168(2) and (3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509,
associated third countries referred to in Article 13(1) may, where relevant, participate
in and benefit from any procurement mechanisms set in Article 168(2) and (3) of
Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. Rules applicable to Member States shall be
applied, mutatis mutandis, to participating associated third countries.
4. Award procedures affecting security or public order, in particular concerning
strategic assets and interests of the Union or its Member States, shall be restricted in
accordance with Article 136 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
5. The work programme referred to in Article 110 of Regulation (EU, Euratom)
2024/2509 or the documents related to the award procedure may further specify the
eligibility criteria set out in this Regulation or set additional eligibility criteria for
specific actions.
EN 41 EN
CHAPTER VI
PROGRAMMING
Article 15
Work programme
The Programme shall be implemented by work programmes referred to in Article 110
Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
CHAPTER VII
COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION
Article 16
Information, communication and dissemination
1. In cooperation with the Commission, the national agencies referred to in Article 19
shall develop a consistent communication strategy with regard to effective outreach
and to the dissemination and exploitation of the results of activities supported under
the actions they manage within the Programme. The national authorities referred to
in Article 18 shall support the national agencies in exploiting the results of projects
with high potential for impact.
2. The national agencies referred to in Article 19 shall assist the Commission in its
general task of disseminating information concerning the Programme, including
information in respect of actions and activities managed at national and Union level,
and its results. National agencies shall inform relevant target groups about the actions
and activities undertaken in their respective countries.
3. The actions and activities referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 shall be implemented in
accordance with Regulation (EU) [XXX]* of the European Parliament and of the
Council [Performance] which establishes the rules for the expenditure tracking and
the performance framework for the budget, including the rules applicable to all
Union programmes regarding information, communication and visibility obligations,
including in particular obligations for beneficiaries and implementing partners.
EN 42 EN
CHAPTER VIII
MANAGEMENT AND AUDIT SYSTEM
Article 17
Arrangements for indirect management at national level
1. In accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 157(1) of Regulation (EU,
Euratom) 2024/2509, the implementation of the Programme under indirect
management requires the designation of a national authority and a national agency,
as specified in Articles 18 and 19.
2. The national authority and the national agency shall both be considered as
implementing bodies under point (c) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation to
the extent of their responsibility for budget implementation tasks as agreed with the
Commission, with the national authority retaining principal responsibility towards
the Commission for the overall implementation of EU funds by the national agency it
designates and supervises as referred to in Article 18(10).
Article 18
National authority
1. The Member States and the third countries associated to the Programme shall notify
the Commission, through their Permanent Representation or Mission to the European
Union, of the public law body designated as the national authority for the purposes of
this Regulation, and the person or persons legally authorised to act on its behalf.
2. The national authority shall designate a national agency for the duration of the
Programme and notify the Commission thereof. The national authority shall not
designate a ministry as a national agency and the national agency shall be
organisationally separate from the national authority.
3. The national authority shall designate an independent audit body as referred to in
Article 21.
4. The national authority shall provide the Commission with an appropriate ex ante
assessment that the national agency satisfies the minimum requirements set out in
Article 157(1) to (5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and the Union
requirements for internal control standards for national agencies and rules for the
management of Programme funds.
For the purposes of the first subparagraph, the following arrangements shall apply:
(a) for the procedures specifically required by the Commission, including its
own and those specified in this Regulation, no ex ante assessment shall
be done in line with point (b) of Article 157(7) of Regulation (EU,
Euratom) 2024/2509;
(b) for procedures other than those specified in point (a), the national
authority shall make an ex ante assessment, which shall be based on its
EN 43 EN
own controls and audits or on controls and audits undertaken by the
independent audit body;
(c) where the national agency designated for the Programme is the same as
the national agency designated in accordance with Regulations (EU)
2021/817 and (EU) 2021/888, the scope of the ex ante assessment shall
be limited to the requirements that are new, unless otherwise justified.
5. In the event that the Commission rejects the designation of the national agency based
on its evaluation of the ex ante assessment, or if the national agency does not comply
with the minimum requirements set by the Commission, the national authority shall
ensure that the necessary remedial steps are taken to ensure compliance, subject to
approval by the Commission, or shall designate another body as national agency. In
exceptional cases where a national agency ceases to operate or to exist and the
national authority itself carries out budget implementation tasks in accordance with
this Regulation and relevant agreements thereunder, it shall be exempted from the ex
ante assessment.
6. The national authority shall provide adequate co-financing, at least equivalent to the
contribution referred to in Article 20(5), point (b), for the operations of its national
agency to ensure that the Programme is managed in accordance with the applicable
Union rules.
7. The national authority shall ensure that appointments of persons responsible for the
management of the national agency are justified by the nature of the action, follow
fair and transparent rules and procedures and do not give rise to a conflict of interest.
In case of serious concerns about compliance with these principles, the Commission
may reject the proposed appointment and request the national authority to ensure that
the selection procedure is repeated.
8. The national authority shall monitor and supervise the budget implementation tasks
entrusted to its national agency. It shall inform and consult the Commission in due
time prior to taking any decision that may have a significant impact on the
management of the Programme and the Programme funds.
9. The national authority shall, each year, provide the Commission with a report on its
monitoring and supervision activities and, where appropriate, a statement on its
follow-up to any observations issued by the Commission in response to such report.
10. The national authority shall take and retain responsibility for the proper management
of the Union funds transferred by the Commission to the national agency in the
framework of the Programme.
11. In the event of any irregularity, negligence or fraud attributable to the national
agency, or of serious shortcomings, liabilities or underperformance on the part of the
national agency, where any of these instances gives rise to claims by the Commission
against the national agency, the national authority shall reimburse and indemnify the
Commission for such claims.
12. In the circumstances referred to in paragraph 11, the national authority may, on its
own initiative or at the request of the Commission, revoke the mandate of the
national agency. Where the national authority wishes to revoke that mandate for any
other justified reason, it shall notify the Commission within a reasonable time before
the envisaged date of termination of the mandate. In such cases, the national
authority and the Commission shall formally agree on specific and time-limited
transition measures.
EN 44 EN
13. In the event of revocation as referred to in paragraph 12, the national authority shall
carry out the necessary controls regarding the Union funds entrusted to the national
agency whose mandate has been revoked and shall ensure that those funds and all
documents and management tools required for the management of the Programme
are transferred to the new national agency in an unimpeded manner. The national
authority shall provide the national agency whose mandate has been revoked with the
necessary financial support to continue to meet its contractual obligations vis-à-vis
the beneficiaries of the Programme and the Commission pending the transfer of those
obligations to a new national agency. Should there be a transitional period between
the revocation of this mandate and the designation of a new national agency as
accepted by the Commission, the national authority shall, during such period, be
responsible for all the obligations of the national agency as laid out in this Regulation
and for all of its outstanding contractual obligations vis-à-vis the beneficiaries of the
Programme and the Commission.
14. Where a national agency ceases to operate or to exist and no new national agency is
designated as a result of the withdrawal of a third country from the Programme, the
national authority shall be principally responsible for all the obligations of the
national agency and for the fulfilment and closure of all the outstanding contractual
obligations vis-à-vis the beneficiaries of the Programme and the Commission.
15. At the request of the Commission, the national authority shall designate the
institutions or organisations, or the types of such institutions and organisations
eligible to participate in an action of the Programme in its territory.
16. The national authority shall promote and facilitate effective synergies and
complementarities with other Union, national or regional funds or programmes.
17. The national authority shall ensure that all necessary and appropriate measures are
taken to remove any legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of
the Programme, including measures aimed at aligning the status of participants in the
Programme with that of other nationals in the same situation or at addressing
difficulties in obtaining visas or residence permits.
Article 19
National agency
1. The national agency shall:
(a) be a body within the meaning of Article 62(1), point (c), (v) or (vi) of
Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and be governed by the law of the
Member State or of the third country associated to the Programme
concerned;
(b) have the adequate management capacity, staff and infrastructure to fulfil
its tasks satisfactorily, ensuring efficient and effective management of the
Programme and sound financial management of Union funds;
(c) have the operational and legal means to apply the administrative,
contractual and financial management rules laid down at Union level;
(d) have the requisite expertise to implement effectively the actions in all the
sectors of the Programme for which it receives a Union contribution;
EN 45 EN
(e) offer, if required by the Commission, adequate financial guarantees,
issued preferably by a public authority, corresponding to the level of
Union funds it is called upon to manage.
2. The national agency shall adequately plan its tasks for the implementation of the
relevant actions as set out in the work programme referred to in Article 15 and the
relevant agreements with the Commission, as well as for the information,
communication and dissemination activities referred to in Article 16(2.
3. The national agency shall manage all the stages of the project lifecycle of the
Programme actions under its responsibility in accordance with Article 62(1), point
(c) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and the relevant agreements with the
Commission.
4. The national agency shall issue grant support to beneficiaries within the meaning of
Article 2, point (5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 by way of grant
agreements as specified by the Commission for the Programme action concerned.
5. The national agency shall not, without prior written authorisation from the national
authority and from the Commission, delegate to a third party any task related to the
Programme or budget implementation conferred on it. The national agency shall
retain sole responsibility for any tasks delegated to a third party.
6. The national agency shall, each year, provide its national authority and the
Commission with a management declaration, a report and any other documents as
required in accordance with Article 158 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
7. The national agency shall implement in due time the observations issued by the
Commission following its analysis of the yearly management declaration and report
and of the independent audit opinion thereon.
Article 20
European Commission
1. On the basis of the compliance requirements for national agencies referred to in
Article 18(4), the Commission shall review the national management and control
systems, using in particular the ex ante assessment provided by the national
authority, the national agency’s yearly management declaration and the opinion of
the independent audit body thereon, and the national authority’s yearly report
referred to in Article 18(9).
2. On the basis of the ex ante assessment referred to in Article 18(4), the Commission
shall accept, conditionally accept or reject the designation of the national agency.
The Commission shall not enter into a contractual relationship with the national
agency until it has accepted the ex ante assessment as satisfactory or taken
appropriate supervisory measures in accordance with Article 157(5) of Regulation
(EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. In the event of conditional acceptance, the Commission
may apply proportionate precautionary measures to its contractual relationship with
the national agency. Where the national agency no longer complies with the
minimum requirements, the Commission may suspend its contractual relationship
with the national agency until remedial action has been taken to ensure compliance,
failing which it may request the national authority to revoke the mandate of the
national agency and designate a new one, subject to a positive ex ante assessment.
EN 46 EN
3. The Commission shall provide the national authorities and the national agencies with
appropriate information and guidance in order to ensure consistent and high-quality
implementation and management of the Programme. In particular, it shall specify
planning, project management and reporting arrangements and ensure that these
arrangements follow simple procedures.
4. The Commission shall not make Programme funds available to the national agency
until it has approved its planning documents in accordance with Article 19(2).
5. The Commission shall make the following Programme funds available to the national
agency:
(a) a contribution for grant support for the Programme actions the
management of which is entrusted to the national agency;
(b) a contribution in support of the national agency’s Programme
management tasks;
(c) if relevant, an additional contribution for actions under Article 7, points
(a) and (b).
6. The Commission shall communicate to the national authority and the national agency
the outcome of its analysis and observations on the yearly report and management
declaration as referred to in Articles 18(9) and 19(6) and on the audit opinion as
referred to in Article 21(2).
7. Where the Commission does not accept the yearly management declaration or the
independent audit opinion thereon, or in the event of unsatisfactory implementation
by the national agency of the Commission’s observations, the Commission may
implement any precautionary and corrective measures necessary to safeguard the
Union’s financial interests in accordance with Article 132 of Regulation (EU,
Euratom) 2024/2509.
8. The Commission shall encourage and maintain an active dialogue and cooperation
with and between the national agencies and the national authorities, including the
exchange and transfer of good practice, with a view to improving and ensuring the
consistent implementation and management of the Programme. It shall also ensure
that appropriate conditions are in place for an effective exchange of information
between the Union institutions, national agencies or other bodies and entities
implementing the Programme.
9. The Commission shall deliver the necessary information technology systems to
support the implementation of the Programme objectives laid down in Article 3,
including for indirect management.
Article 21
Independent audit body
1. The independent audit body shall:
(a) have the necessary professional competence to carry out public sector
audits;
(b) ensure that its audits take account of internationally accepted audit
standards;
EN 47 EN
(c) not be in a position of conflict of interest with regard to the legal entity of
which the national agency forms part; in particular, the independent audit
body shall be independent, in terms of its functions, of the legal entity of
which the national agency forms part.
2. The independent audit body shall issue an audit opinion on the yearly management
declaration as referred to in Article 158(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
It shall form the basis of the overall assurance pursuant to Article 127 of Regulation
(EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
3. The independent audit body shall give the Commission and its representatives and
the Court of Auditors full access to all documents and reports in support of the audit
opinion that it issues on the national agency’s yearly management declaration.
Article 22
Principles of the control system
1. The Commission shall be responsible for the supervisory controls with regard to the
Programme actions and activities managed by the national agencies. The
Commission shall set the minimum requirements for the controls by the national
agency and the independent audit body.
2. The national agency shall be responsible for the primary controls of grant
beneficiaries for the actions it manages as set out in the work programmes referred to
in Article 15. Those controls shall give reasonable assurance that the grants awarded
are used as intended and in compliance with the applicable Union rules.
3. With regard to the Programme funds transferred to the national agencies, the
Commission shall ensure proper coordination of its controls with the national
authorities and the national agencies, on the basis of the single audit principle and
following a risk-based analysis.
CHAPTER IX
TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 23
Repeal
Regulation (EU) No 2021/817 and Regulation (EU) No 2021/888 are repealed with effect
from 1 January 2028.
Article 24
Transitional provisions
1. This Regulation shall not affect the continuation or modification of the actions
concerned, until their closure, under Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and (EU) 2021/888,
which shall continue to apply to the actions concerned until their closure.
EN 48 EN
2. The financial envelope for the Programme may also cover technical and
administrative assistance expenses necessary to ensure the transition between the
Programme and the measures adopted under Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and (EU)
2021/888.
3. Member States shall ensure at national level the unimpeded transition between the
actions carried out under Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and (EU) 2021/888 and those
to be implemented under this Programme.
Article 25
Entry into force and application
This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in
the Official Journal of the European Union.
It shall apply from 1 January 2028.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Done at Brussels,
For the European Parliament For the Council
The President The President
EN 1 EN
LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL AND DIGITAL STATEMENT
1. FRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE................................................. 3
1.1. Title of the proposal/initiative...................................................................................... 3
1.2. Policy area(s) concerned .............................................................................................. 3
1.3. Objective(s).................................................................................................................. 3
1.3.1. General objective(s) ..................................................................................................... 3
1.3.2. Specific objective(s)..................................................................................................... 3
1.3.3. Expected result(s) and impact...................................................................................... 3
1.3.4. Indicators of performance ............................................................................................ 3
1.4. The proposal/initiative relates to:................................................................................. 4
1.5. Grounds for the proposal/initiative .............................................................................. 4
1.5.1. Requirement(s) to be met in the short or long term including a detailed timeline for
roll-out of the implementation of the initiative............................................................ 4
1.5.2. Added value of EU involvement (it may result from different factors, e.g.
coordination gains, legal certainty, greater effectiveness or complementarities). For
the purposes of this section 'added value of EU involvement' is the value resulting
from EU action, that is additional to the value that would have been otherwise
created by Member States alone. ................................................................................. 4
1.5.3. Lessons learned from similar experiences in the past.................................................. 4
1.5.4. Compatibility with the multiannual financial framework and possible synergies with
other appropriate instruments....................................................................................... 5
1.5.5. Assessment of the different available financing options, including scope for
redeployment................................................................................................................ 5
1.6. Duration of the proposal/initiative and of its financial impact .................................... 6
1.7. Method(s) of budget implementation planned............................................................. 6
2. MANAGEMENT MEASURES................................................................................... 8
2.1. Monitoring and reporting rules .................................................................................... 8
2.2. Management and control system(s) ............................................................................. 8
2.2.1. Justification of the budget implementation method(s), the funding implementation
mechanism(s), the payment modalities and the control strategy proposed.................. 8
2.2.2. Information concerning the risks identified and the internal control system(s) set up
to mitigate them............................................................................................................ 8
2.2.3. Estimation and justification of the cost-effectiveness of the controls (ratio between
the control costs and the value of the related funds managed), and assessment of the
expected levels of risk of error (at payment & at closure)........................................... 8
2.3. Measures to prevent fraud and irregularities................................................................ 9
3. ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE............ 10
EN 2 EN
3.1. Heading(s) of the multiannual financial framework and expenditure budget line(s)
affected....................................................................................................................... 10
3.2. Estimated financial impact of the proposal on appropriations................................... 12
3.2.1. Summary of estimated impact on operational appropriations.................................... 12
3.2.1.1. Appropriations from voted budget............................................................................. 12
3.2.1.2. Appropriations from external assigned revenues....................................................... 17
3.2.2. Estimated output funded from operational appropriations......................................... 22
3.2.3. Summary of estimated impact on administrative appropriations............................... 24
3.2.3.1. Appropriations from voted budget .............................................................................. 24
3.2.3.2. Appropriations from external assigned revenues....................................................... 24
3.2.3.3. Total appropriations ................................................................................................... 24
3.2.4. Estimated requirements of human resources.............................................................. 25
3.2.4.1. Financed from voted budget....................................................................................... 25
3.2.4.2. Financed from external assigned revenues ................................................................ 26
3.2.4.3. Total requirements of human resources ..................................................................... 26
3.2.5. Overview of estimated impact on digital technology-related investments................ 28
3.2.6. Compatibility with the current multiannual financial framework.............................. 28
3.2.7. Third-party contributions ........................................................................................... 28
3.3. Estimated impact on revenue ..................................................................................... 29
42 DIGITAL DIMENSIONS.......................................................................................... 29
4.1. Requirements of digital relevance.............................................................................. 30
4.2. Data ............................................................................................................................ 30
4.3. Digital solutions ......................................................................................................... 31
4.4. Interoperability assessment........................................................................................ 31
4.5. Measures to support digital implementation.............................................................. 32
EN 3 EN
1. FRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE
1.1. Title of the proposal/initiative
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council establishing
the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028-2034
1.2. Policy area(s) concerned
Education and training, Youth and Sport
1.3. Objective(s)
1.3.1. General objective(s)
The general objective of the Programme is to contribute to a resilient, competitive, and
cohesive Europe by promoting high quality lifelong learning, enhancing skills and
competences for life and for jobs for all, while fostering Union values, democratic and
societal participation, solidarity, social inclusion and equal opportunities, in the EU and
beyond. TheProgramme shall be a key instrument for building the Union of Skills, developing
the European Education Area and supporting the implementation of European strategic
cooperation in the fields of education and training, including its underlying sectoral agendas.
The Programme will advance youth policy cooperation and further develop the European
dimension in sport. The objective is to foster a more inclusive, united, and robust Europe by
empowering young people, strengthening community ties, and promoting solidarity through
meaningful engagement and cooperation. Sport plays a vital role as a driver for social
inclusion, health, education, and community development. By investing in youth,
volunteering, and sport, the Programme aims to build stronger, more connected societies,
encourage civic and democratic engagement, and contribute to social cohesion at all levels.
1.3.2. Specific objective(s)
The Programme has the following specific objectives:
(a) support the improvement of education, skills and competences with
particular regard to their relevance for the labour market as well as to the
professional development and personal growth of the individual and to
their contribution to a competitive, sustainable and cohesive society;
(b) foster a sense of European identity and active citizenship, enhance
solidarity and active participation in society and democracy, inducing a
positive societal impact, greater resilience and better preparedness to
anticipate, prevent and respond to risks of different nature;
(c) foster quality, inclusion, equity, sustainability, creativity, innovation,
excellence and cross-border collaboration, strengthening Europe’s
attractiveness and competitiveness globally, across all fields of education
and training, youth and sport;
(d) engage and empower young people to acquire and develop professional
and personal competences, to participate actively in society and
democracy and connect them to the European project;
(e) support policy development, including for circulation of skills,
accelerating reforms and modernisation at systems' level, across all fields
of education and training, youth and sport, ensuring that they are more
effective, resilient and inclusive;
EN 4 EN
(f) provide young people with easily accessible opportunities for
engagement in solidarity and humanitarian activities that induce positive
societal changes in the Union and beyond (the latter through setting up
the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps), while improving and
properly validating their competences, as well as facilitating their
continuous engagement as active citizens;
(g) promote the European Sport Model by investing in grassroots sport,
especially voluntary activities, ensuring accessibility, promoting
participation, protecting integrity, supporting good governance, and
reinforcing sport’s social, educational, and community role, through
actions that focus on building a fair, inclusive, and sustainable sport
system across Europe.
1.3.3. Expected result(s) and impact
Specify the effects which the proposal/initiative should have on the beneficiaries/groups targeted.
• Improved skills and competences for jobs and for life, of participants
• Increased quality, inclusion, sustainability, innovation, excellence and cross-
border collaboration of education and training, youth and sport participating
organisations
• Acceleration of reforms and modernisation at system’s level
• Increased active participation, enhanced solidarity and European sense of
belonging among participants
1.3.4. Indicators of performance
Specify the indicators for monitoring progress and achievements.
5. The output and result indicators for the purpose of monitoring progress and
achievements of this Programme will correspond to the common indicators provided
under Regulation (EU) [XXX]* of the European Parliament and of the Council
[Performance].
1.4. The proposal/initiative relates to:
 a new action
 a new action following a pilot project / preparatory action56
☒ the extension of an existing action
 a merger or redirection of one or more actions towards another/a new action
1.5. Grounds for the proposal/initiative
1.5.1. Requirement(s) to be met in the short or long term including a detailed timeline for
roll-out of the implementation of the initiative
The Programme aims to offer learning opportunities for all notably in the form of
learning mobility, volunteering and scholarhips that will contribute to enhance skills
and key competences for all, for life and for jobs, promoting societal engagement and
56
As referred to in Article 58(2), point (a) or (b) of the Financial Regulation.
EN 5 EN
civic education, solidarity and social inclusion. The Programme also sets up the
European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps. The Programme will support as well
capacity building, through cooperation between stakeholders at organisational level
and policy developments with a view to contribute to high quality life-long leanring,
foster inclusion, excellence, and innovation in education, training, youth and sport.
Subject to the entry into force of its basic act, the Programme is planned to be
implemented as of 1 st January 2028, for a duration of seven years.
1.5.2. Added value of EU involvement (it may result from different factors, e.g.
coordination gains, legal certainty, greater effectiveness or complementarities). For
the purposes of this section 'added value of EU involvement' is the value resulting
from EU action, that is additional to the value that would have been otherwise
created by Member States alone.
While Member States remain responsible for the content and organisation of their
policies in the fields concerned, the challenges identified are common to all Member
States and/or have a significant transnational dimension, requiring EU-level
solutions, coordination, and support to be effectively addressed. EU actions can
facilitate cooperation, capacity building, and mutual learning as well as cross-border
activities, ultimately optimising the potential of the concerned sectors, including in
EU external actions.
The Programme aims to enhance transnational mobility and capacity building
cooperation, as well as to support policy developments with a European dimension.
However, due to the transnational nature, high volume, and broad geographical scope
of the activities supported, as well as their strong international dimension, these
objectives cannot be adequately achieved by Member States acting alone. For
instance, cross-border learning mobility or volunteering is more complex to organise
on a bilateral basis, and difficult for individual Member States to make it accessible
to all. The Erasmus+ mid-term evaluation has demonstrated that single initiatives by
education and training, youth and sport organisations or Member States, although
effective at the national level, lack the necessary scale and volume to achieve a
European-wide impact. Furthermore, the cumulative coverage of individual country
and cross-sectoral initiatives remains limited compared to the current Erasmus+
programme. Similarly, the European Solidarity Corps evaluation confirms that the
European Solidarity Corps plays an essential role and, in some countries, is the only
alternative for youth volunteering and solidarity.
Furthermore, by extending the scope of the Programme to cover volunteering
activities, including volunteering in support of humanitarian aid operations,
Erasmus+ will offer a single-entry point to EU opportunities for young people across
the EU, including rural and remote areas, and abroad. Currently these are only
accessible via distinct schemes. Erasmus+ will therefore ensure that all interested
young people across the EU have equal opportunities to a broader variety of
activities, and that they have easier access to them. The Programme also estbalishes
the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps, a Treaty obligation.
The added value of EU funding in the policy areas covered by the Programme was
widely acknowledged by respondents to the open public consultation conducted by
the Commission for the new MFF, with a vast majority highlighting its importance.
The Programme will contribute to raise the level of basic skills and increase the
volume of skilled professionals including in key strategic sectors for EU’s
EN 6 EN
competitiveness. It will help nurture, attract and retain talents, including from third
countries. By pooling expertise and resources, capacity building and transnational
cooperation supported by the Programme will foster innovation, increase quality
teaching and help tackling Europe’s skills and talent shortages in key sectors and
territories, including in the field of STEM and the twin transitions, making Europe a
more attractive education destination for global talent.
The initiative will bring people from diverse backgrounds and countries together and
support them in engaging in volunteering activities, enabling them to experience a
period abroad, facilitating intercultural understanding, fostering a collective identity
and appreciation for values such as democracy, freedom, and human rights. For
example, the mid-term evaluations of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps
highlight their significant impact on fostering a sense of European identity and
belonging, raising awareness of EU common values and in the case of Erasmus+, on
developing knowledge for European integration. By enabling the creation and
building of long-lasting networks of individuals and organisations, the Programme
will allow the rooting of European identity and EU values.
The Programme will foster the development, transfer, and implementation of
innovative and high quality practices in education, training, youth, and sport, and
increase the capacity of organisations to work transnationally. The Programme will
support reinforced collaboration with the private sector and innovation ecosystems,
leveraging investments in skills critical for EU’s competitiveness, resilience,
preparedness and social cohesion. It will as well drive policy progress and systemic
impact notably by acting as a test bed for approaches that will then inspire
national/regional schemes. By fostering cross-fertilisation between countries, the
Programme will help Member States progress and modernise their systems and
policies.
Furthermore, the Programme will include actions to widen access to smaller-sized
actors, supporting flexible formats and providing a gateway for grassroots
organisations and newcomers to access Union funds and gain experience in
transnational cooperation. It will also have a strong inclusion and diversity
dimension and will support the development of skills for jobs and life notably of
those with fewer opportunities.
1.5.3. Lessons learned from similar experiences in the past
The proposal draws on the long-standing experience of the previous programmes in
the field of education and training, youth, sport and volunteering.
Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps mid-term evaluations show that both
programmes deliver strong European added value for individuals, organisations and
policy, including in its international dimension, a result which cannot be matched at
national level alone.
The final evaluation of the 2014-2020 programme and the interim evaluation of the
2021-2027 programme found that Erasmus+ performs strongly across key evaluation
criteria and fulfils its objectives effectively. Both Programme generations have
proven successful in delivering a strong European added value, playing a key role in
the fields of education, training, youth and sport. Erasmus+ significantly surpasses
what could be achieved by individual countries at national or international levels. Its
benefits stem from the opportunities it provides to personal, educational and
professional development of learners and staff, to cross-border cooperation of
EN 7 EN
organisations and to policy development in the fields of education and training, youth
and sport, providing significant benefits to those to take part in the programme
compared to those who do not.
The final evaluation of the 2018-2020 programme and interim evaluation of the
2021-2027 European Solidarity Corps programme57
have found that the European
Solidarity Corps performs well across the five evaluation criteria (relevance,
efficiency, effectiveness, coherence, EU added value). The European Solidarity
Corps addresses European society’s crucial needs, especially in fostering civic
participation and promoting inclusion and diversity. The programme fosters a sense
of community, revitalising local initiatives and promoting a broader global
perspective. Participation contributes to improved personal, professional and study
skills and social and civic awareness.
At the same time, both evaluations point to some areas of improvement in terms of
design. These include expanding the reach of the programmes, easing access,
simplifying management, enhancing monitoring, strengthening synergies and
avoiding overlaps with other programmes, and increasing flexibility to address new
challenges. For instance, the evaluation of Erasmus+ found some overlap between
Erasmus+ Youth Participation activities and Solidarity projects funded under the
Corps, both supporting youth-led initiatives run by informal groups of young people.
1.5.4. Compatibility with the multiannual financial framework and possible synergies with
other appropriate instruments
The Programme is one of the funding instruments under the 2028-2034 Multiannual
financial framework and has a high degree of coherence and complementarity with
other key EU priorities and funding schemes.
The Programme will complement and reinforce actions financed through the Union's
external actions, to attract and retain global talent, enhance the EU's influence and
attractiveness on the world stage, and contribute to the preparedness of candidate
countries and potential candidates, including by promoting people-to-people contacts
and cooperation with third countries.
There is significant complementarity between the Programme and its transnational
cooperation facilitated by direct and indirect management and the nationally and
regionally tailored interventions supported by national envelopes. Indeed, the
transnational part under direct and indirect management provides shared learning,
networking and pooling resources in the fields of education and training, youth and
sport, supporting the development of quality teaching practices, networking and
modernisation, that are not achievable through national interventions alone, while the
pre-allocated national budgets support notably broad structural interventions to
address socioeconomic and territorial disparities, including rural and remote areas,
such as providing education and training infrastructure, equipment, and services,
supporting the upskilling of disadvantaged groups, or promoting employment and
entrepreneurship through training and initiating reforms.
There are strong links between Erasmus+ and the European Competitiveness Fund
and synergies are needed to help break the silos between education, research and
innovation and the labour market (and to a certain extent non-formal and informal
learning) to the ultimate benefit of competitiveness. For instance, education
57
COM(2025) 144 final, SWD(2025) 75, 1.4.2025
EN 8 EN
contributes to development of research and innovation and enables transfer of
knowledge and technology from academia to industry and business and can therefore
also support smart specialisation strategies. The upscaling and transfer of successful
practices from the educational to the research or industry domain could be facilitated
through legal provisions and implementation mechanisms ensuring flow of
knowledge among sectors with clear interlinkages.
In line with the European Preparedness Union Strategy, Erasmus+ also promotes and
preparedness, resilience, participation in democratic life and civic engagement
through a bottom-up approach, encouraging organisations and institutions to apply
for funding and foster digital and media literacy, critical thinking, engagement,
democratic citizenship learning. Volunteering is also essential in fostering a culture
of inclusive preparedness and societal resilience. The Programme is also closely
aligned and complementary to the EU instrument that contributes to address protect
fundamental rights and democracy, media and culture.
Although these programmes are supported by distinct instruments, with independent
modi operandi, different intervention logics, management modes and architecture,
their interaction can generate converging effects. Therefore, synergies will be looked
for where they are possible and bring further added value.
1.5.5. Assessment of the different available financing options, including scope for
redeployment
n/a
EN 9 EN
1.6. Duration of the proposal/initiative and of its financial impact
• Limited duration
• In effect from 01/01/2028 to 31/12/2034
• Financial impact from 2028 to 2034 for commitment appropriations and from
2028 to 2034 for payment appropriations.
1.7. Method(s) of budget implementation planned58
• Direct management by the Commission
✓ by its departments, including by its staff in the Union delegations;
✓ by the executive agencies
 Shared management with the Member States
• Indirect management by entrusting budget implementation tasks to:
✓ third countries or the bodies they have designated
–  international organisations and their agencies (to be specified)
–  the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund
–  bodies referred to in Articles 70 and 71 of the Financial Regulation
✓ public law bodies
✓ bodies governed by private law with a public service mission to the extent that
they are provided with adequate financial guarantees
–  bodies governed by the private law of a Member State that are entrusted with
the implementation of a public-private partnership and that are provided with
adequate financial guarantees
–  bodies or persons entrusted with the implementation of specific actions in the
common foreign and security policy pursuant to Title V of the Treaty on
European Union, and identified in the relevant basic act
– bodies established in a Member State, governed by the private law of a
Member State or Union law and eligible to be entrusted, in accordance with
sector-specific rules, with the implementation of Union funds or budgetary
guarantees, to the extent that such bodies are controlled by public law bodies or
by bodies governed by private law with a public service mission, and are provided
with adequate financial guarantees in the form of joint and several liability by the
controlling bodies or equivalent financial guarantees and which may be, for each
action, limited to the maximum amount of the Union support.
Comments
The Programme will be implemented through a combination of direct and indirect
management modes, an approach that has proven successful in previous Multiannual
Financial Frameworks (MFFs) and was confirmed by the Erasmus+ mid-term evaluation as a
key factor in the Programme's efficiency.
58
Details of budget implementation methods and references to the Financial Regulation may be found on
the BUDGpedia site: https://myintracomm.ec.europa.eu/corp/budget/financial-rules/budget-
implementation/Pages/implementation-methods.aspx.
EN 10 EN
2. MANAGEMENT MEASURES
2.1. Monitoring and reporting rules
1. The monitoring, reporting and evaluation rules for this Programme will follow the
requirements laid down in Regulation (EU) [XXX]* of the European Parliament and
of the Council [Performance].
The Commission shall publish an implementation report for the future Erasmus+
programme no later than four years after the start of its implementation, in order to
assess the progress made towards the achievement of their objectives.
The Commission shall carry out a retrospective evaluation in accordance with Article
34(3) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 at the latest three years after the
programming period of the future Erasmus+ programme.
The objective is to use existing arrangements to the extent possible and to simplify,
rationalise, and reduce the administrative burden for participants (individuals and
organisations), while ensuring that sufficient information is collected to assess the
results of the Programme and to safeguard accountability. Consequently, the rules for
monitoring and reporting will be systematically established in view of their
efficiency and cost-effectiveness, based on the experience gained in the current
programme, without compromising the data needs for the purposes of evaluation.
2.2. Management and control system(s)
2.2.1. Justification of the budget implementation method(s), the funding implementation
mechanism(s), the payment modalities and the control strategy proposed
The proposed continued combination of programme management modes (direct and
indirect) is based on the positive experience of the implementation of the current
Erasmus+ programme, which has demonstrated consistently positive results
throughout successive programming periods. It builds on the existing structures, in
compliance with the principles of subsidiarity, proportionality and efficiency. The
preservation of tried and tested modalities will allow focusing on delivery and
performance, safeguard proven efficiency gains, while minimising administrative
burden. The general principle would be maintained: as a general rule, no direct
support will be given to individual beneficiaries; support will continue to be
channelled through participating organisations, which will distribute it to individual
learners or practitioners. Indirect management via National Agencies has been
confirmed by successive evaluations as the most effective management mode for
mobility and cooperation projects seecking to build capacity across all participating
countries. Direct management in contrast is effective in transversal actions at
European level thanks to economies of scale and the ability of the executive agency
EACEA to manage actions via corporate tools and procedures.
2.2.2. Information concerning the risks identified and the internal control system(s) set up
to mitigate them
The risks identified in the implementation of the current programmes fall mainly into
the following categories:
• errors derived from the inexperience of beneficiaries with the rules. This risk is
largely mitigated by using simplified costs (lump sums, flat rates and scales of
unit costs) as permitted by the Financial Regulation;
EN 11 EN
• reliability of the control chain and maintenance of the audit trail. The proposed
programme would continue to be managed by the National Agencies, with
supervisory controls provided by an Independent Audit Body as foreseen in the
Financial Regulation, as well as operational and governance supervision by the
National Authorities. The control framework that mitigates these risks is very
well established;
• specific target participants (e.g. youth or adult sectors) may not have the
necessary financial management capacity for managing Union funds, and
would be subject to additional monitoring and checks based on risk assessment.
The main simplification to mitigate the risks and to reduce error rates resulting
from the complexity of financial rules will continue to be the wide use of
grants in the form of lump sums, flat rates and scales of unit costs, and
simplified formats of actions, making the rules easy to follow, while preserving
accountability.
All entrusted entities are always responsible for the primary level of controls in order
to ensure the protection of the Union’s financial interest, while the Commission is
responsible for supervising the overall framework. This solid control system
currently in place will be maintained to control the use of Union funds for the actions
managed under indirect management by National Agencies and as well as under
direct management, in accordance with the Financial Regulation. With regard to the
Programme funds transferred to the National Agencies, the Commission shall ensure
proper coordination of its controls with the national authorities and the national
agencies, on the basis of the single audit principle and following a risk-based
analysis. While National Agencies will be in charge of primary controls of
beneficiaries, their system of internal control and compliance will continue to be
monitored and supervised by the Member States/National Authorities and audited by
an Independent Audit Body. To ensure coherence and reliability of controls at
country level, the Commission will continue to issue frequently updated control
guidance. The control system will be set up in a manner so as to ensure efficiency
and cost-effectiveness of the controls. The Commission's supervision and
performance frameworks will ensure a high level of monitoring and feedback to
inform the policy approach. The proposed programme control framework will be
complemented by the Commission's programme of Supervisory visits, financial
audits, and monitoring and implementation visits, as well as guidance activities such
as conferences, kick-off meetings, meetings of National Agencies, training courses
and webinars.
2.2.3. Estimation and justification of the cost-effectiveness of the controls (ratio between
the control costs and the value of the related funds managed), and assessment of the
expected levels of risk of error (at payment & at closure)
Regarding cost effectiveness, the Commission makes an annual estimation of the
costs of the resources and inputs required for carrying out the controls and has
estimated, in so far as possible, their benefits in terms of the amount of errors and
irregularities prevented, detected and corrected by these controls but also in terms of
non-quantifiable errors. This approach emphasises the core financial and operational
checks of the control chain.
The control strategy is based on a single integrated control framework in order to
provide reasonable assurance throughout the project cycle. The approach taken to
assess cost-effectiveness of controls is based on the logic of building blocks of
EN 12 EN
assurance as part of a global supervision strategy. The Commission differentiates the
frequency and the intensity of the controls – in view of the different risk profiles
among its current and future transactions and of the cost-effectiveness of its existing
and alternative controls, in particular as outlined to National Agencies in the
programme implementation guidance. Executive Agencies and all entrusted entities
are always responsible for the primary level of controls in order to ensure the
protection of the Union’s financial interest, while the Commission is responsible for
supervisory controls.
The Commission's estimate using the methodology of the 2024 Annual Activity
Report is that the global cost of control is 8.21%, depending on the measure used, of
the budget managed (Executive Agency's budget excluded). These costs are
proportional and cost effective given the likely risk of error if such controls were not
in place, and the requirement to ensure an error rate below 2%. Based on the
experience with the current Erasmus+ and its predecessor programmes, which have
an error rate of around 1% on a multiannual basis, the expected risk of error is less
than 2%.
2.3. Measures to prevent fraud and irregularities
The controls aimed at preventing and detecting fraud are closely aligned with those
intended to ensure the legality and regularity of the transactions (the unintentional
errors). Each year the Commission reviews all reporting from National Agencies on
possible fraud or irregularities. These cases are mainly followed up at national level
where the National Agencies have direct access to means of legal redress and referral
of fraud cases. The Commission increasingly facilitates contacts on cross-border
cases with the European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) and European Public
Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).
The Commission services contribute to ongoing European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF)
and European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) investigations and organise the
follow-up to completed European Anti-fraud Office investigations. Financial
prejudice to the Union's budget resulting from fraud established in final European
Anti-fraud Office case reports concerning programmes with similar funding rules
and stakeholders is relatively low. Cases are referred to European Anti-fraud Office
and to the Investigation and disciplinary Office (IDOC) as appropriate, but a
significant number of cases are followed up during the year directly with National
Agencies and National Authorities, who have direct access to the relevant judicial
and anti-fraud entities.
Commission services implementing the action have developed and implemented their
own anti-fraud strategy (AFS) since 2014, elaborated on the basis of the
methodology provided by the European Anti-fraud Office. Regularly updated, it is
supplemented with (most recently 2024), where appropriate, lower-level procedural
documents, covering how cases are referred and followed up, e.g. for exclusions and
detections in the Commission Early-detection and Exclusion System (EDES).
Given the fact that the scale of fraud within the Programme remains limited and is
largely restricted to cases of multiple project application submissions or project
leaders failing to honour their obligations, the measures in place are considered both
appropriate and proportionate.
Considering the level of fraud impact potentially faced by the proposed programme,
in particular the financial prejudice recorded by the European Anti-fraud Office, the
EN 13 EN
residual risk of fraud does not justify additional measures beyond those in the anti-
fraud strategy, and corporate initiatives such as ARACHNE+ under the 2024 recast
of the Financial Regulation. Commission services maintain close cooperation with
the European Anti-fraud Office and the European Public Prosecutor and follow the
ongoing cases closely. It is therefore possible to conclude positively on assurance in
respect of fraud risk related to the proposed programme.
EN 14 EN
3. ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE
3.1. Heading(s) of the multiannual financial framework and expenditure budget line(s) affected
New budget lines requested
In order of multiannual financial framework headings and budget lines.
Heading of
multiannual
financial
framework
Budget line
Type of
expenditure
Contribution
Number Diff./Non-
diff.
from
EFTA
countries
from
candidate
countries
and
potential
candidates
from
other
third
countries
other assigned
revenue
2 06 01 01 Support expenditure for
Erasmus+
Non-diff. YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
2
06 02 01 Education and Training
Diff. YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
2
06 02 02 Youth and Sport
Diff. YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
EN 15 EN
3.2. Estimated financial impact of the proposal on appropriations
3.2.1. Summary of estimated impact on operational appropriations
 The proposal/initiative does not require the use of operational appropriations
• The proposal/initiative requires the use of operational appropriations, as explained below
3.2.1.1. Appropriations from voted budget
EUR million (to three decimal places)
Heading of multiannual financial framework Number 2
DG EAC
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year TOTAL
MFF 2028-
2034
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
Operational appropriations
Budget line
06 02 01 Education and Training
Commitments (1a) pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Payments (2a) pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Budget line
06 02 02 Youth and Sport
Commitments (1b) pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Payments (2b) pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Appropriations of an administrative nature financed from the envelope of specific programmes
Budget line
06 01 01 support expenditure for
Erasmus+
(3) pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
TOTAL appropriations Commitments =1a+1b+3 5,261 5,440 5,625 5,819 6,019 6,224 6,439 40,827
for DG EAC Payments =2a+2b+3 pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
EN 16 EN
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year TOTAL
MFF 2028-
2034
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
TOTAL operational
appropriations
Commitments (4) pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Payments (5) pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
TOTAL appropriations of an
administrative nature financed from the
envelope for specific programmes
(6) pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
TOTAL
appropriations
under HEADING 2
Commitments =4+6 5,261 5,440 5,625 5,819 6,019 6,224 6,439 40,827
of the multiannual
financial framework
Payments =5+6 pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
EN 17 EN
Heading of multiannual financial framework 4 ‘Administrative expenditure’59
DG: EAC
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year TOTAL
MFF
2028-2034
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
 Human resources 76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 533,323
 Other administrative expenditure 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 5.201
TOTAL DG EAC 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 538,526
TOTAL appropriations under HEADING 4 of
the multiannual financial framework
(Total
commitments =
Total payments)
76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 538,526
59
The necessary appropriations should be determined using the annual average cost figures available on the appropriate BUDGpedia webpage.
EN 18 EN
EUR million (to three decimal places)
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year TOTAL
MFF 2028-
2034
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
TOTAL
appropriations under
HEADINGS 1 to 4
Commitments 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
of the multiannual
financial framework
Payments 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year TOTAL
MFF 2028-
2034
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
TOTAL operational
appropriations
Commitments (4) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Payments (5) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL appropriations of an
administrative nature financed from the
envelope for specific programmes
(6) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL
appropriations
under HEADING
<….>
Commitments =4+6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
of the multiannual
financial framework
Payments =5+6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
EN 19 EN
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year TOTAL
MFF 2028-
2034
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
TOTAL operational
appropriations
Commitments (4) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Payments (5) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL appropriations of an
administrative nature financed from the
envelope for specific programmes
(6) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL
appropriations
under HEADING
<….>
Commitments =4+6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
of the multiannual
financial framework
Payments =5+6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year TOTAL
MFF
2028-2034
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
• TOTAL
operational
appropriations (all
operational
headings)
Commitments (4) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Payments (5) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
• TOTAL appropriations of an
administrative nature financed from
the envelope for specific programmes
(all operational headings)
-(6) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL
appropriations
under Headings 1
to 3
Commitments =4+6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
of the multiannual
financial framework
(Reference amount)
Payments =5+6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
EN 20 EN
Heading of multiannual financial framework 4 ‘Administrative expenditure’60
EUR million (to three decimal places)
DG EAC
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year TOTAL
MFF
2028-2034
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
• Human resources 76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 533,323
• Other administrative expenditure 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 5.201
TOTAL DG EAC Appropriations 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 538,526
TOTAL appropriations under
HEADING 4 of the multiannual
financial framework
(Total
commitments
= Total
payments)
76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 538,526
EUR million (to three decimal places)
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year TOTAL
MFF 2028-
2034
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
TOTAL
appropriations under
HEADINGS 1 to 4
Commitments 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
of the multiannual
financial framework
Payments 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
60
The necessary appropriations should be determined using the annual average cost figures available on the appropriate BUDGpedia webpage.
EN 21 EN
EN 22 EN
3.2.2. Estimated output funded from operational appropriations (not to be completed for decentralised agencies)
Commitment appropriations in EUR million (to three decimal places)
The output and result indicators for the purpose of monitoring progress and achievements of this programme will correspond to the common
indicators provided under Regulation xxx [Performance Regulation].
Indicate
objectives and
outputs

Year
2028
Year
2029
Year
2030
Year
2031
Enter as many years as necessary to show
the duration of the impact (see Section1.6)
TOTAL
OUTPUTS
Type
61
Aver
age
cost
No
Cost
No
Cost
No
Cost
No
Cost
No
Cost
No
Cost
No
Cost
Total
No
Total
cost
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE No
162
…
- Output
- Output
- Output
Subtotal for specific objective No
1
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE No 2 ...
- Output
Subtotal for specific objective
No 2
TOTALS
61
Outputs are products and services to be supplied (e.g. number of student exchanges financed, number of km of roads built, etc.).
62
As described in Section 1.3.2. ‘Specific objective(s)’.
EN 23 EN
3.2.3. Summary of estimated impact on administrative appropriations
 The proposal/initiative does not require the use of appropriations of an administrative nature
• The proposal/initiative requires the use of appropriations of an administrative nature, as explained below
3.2.3.1. Appropriations from voted budget
VOTED APPROPRIATIONS
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year TOTAL
2028 -
2034
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
HEADING 4
Human resources
76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 76,189 533,323
Other administrative expenditure 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 0.743 5.201
Subtotal HEADING 4
76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 76,932 538,526
Outside HEADING 4
Human resources p.m p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m p.m. p.m p.m.
Other expenditure of an administrative nature* 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Subtotal outside HEADING 4
TOTAL
*Appropriations related to other expenditure of an administrative nature (ex-BA line) will be determined when the financial envelope will be disclosed
3.2.4. Estimated requirements of human resources
 The proposal/initiative does not require the use of human resources
• The proposal/initiative requires the use of human resources, as explained below
EN 24 EN
3.2.4.1. Financed from voted budget
Estimate to be expressed in full-time equivalent units (FTEs)63
VOTED APPROPRIATIONS
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
 Establishment plan posts (officials and temporary staff)
20 01 02 01 (Headquarters and Commission’s Representation Offices) 36864
368 368 368 368 368 368
20 01 02 03 (EU Delegations) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
01 01 01 01 (Indirect research) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
01 01 01 11 (Direct research) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other budget lines (specify) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
• External staff (in Full Time Equivalent unit: FTE)
20 02 01 (AC, END from the ‘global envelope’) 69 69 69 69 69 69 69
20 02 03 (AC, AL, END and JPD in the EU Delegations) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Admin. Support line
[XX.01.YY.YY] [2]
- at Headquarters 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
- in EU Delegations 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
01 01 01 02 (AC, END - Indirect research) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
01 01 01 12 (AC, END - Direct research) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other budget lines (specify) - Heading 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other budget lines (Support administrative line of the programme) -
Outside Heading 4
20 20 20 20 20 20 20
TOTAL 457 457 457 457 457 457 457
The staff required to implement the proposal (in FTEs):
63
Please specify below the table how many FTEs within the number indicated are already assigned to the management of the action and/or can be redeployed within your DG
and what are your net needs.
64
Of which 24 FTEs for DG EMPL (same for the following years).
EN 25 EN
To be covered by current
staff available in the
Commission services
Exceptional additional staff*
To be financed under
Heading 4 or Research
To be financed from BA line To be financed from fees
Establishment plan posts 29565
73 N/A p.m
External staff (CA, SNEs,
INT)
63 6 20 p.m
Description of tasks to be carried out by:
Officials and temporary staff
External staff
65
Of which 24 FTEs for DG EMPL.
EN 26 EN
3.2.5. Overview of estimated impact on digital technology-related investments
TOTAL Digital and IT
appropriations
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year TOTAL MFF
2028 - 2034
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
HEADING 4
IT expenditure (corporate) 3,747 3,747 3,747 3,747 3,747 3,747 3,747 26,232
Subtotal HEADING 4 3,747 3,747 3,747 3,747 3,747 3,747 3,747 26,232
Outside HEADING 4
Policy IT expenditure on
operational programmes
57,000 57,0000 57,0000 57,0000 57,0000 57,0000 57,0000 399,0000
Subtotal outside HEADING 4 57,000 57,000 57,0000 57,0000 57,0000 57,0000 57,0000 399,000
TOTAL 60,747 60, 60,747 60 60,747 60 60,747 60 60,747 60 60,747 60 60,747 425,232
3.2.6. Compatibility with the current multiannual financial framework
The initiative is consistent with the proposal for the MFF 2028-2034.
The proposal/initiative:
 can be fully financed through redeployment within the relevant heading of the multiannual financial framework (MFF)
Explain what reprogramming is required, specifying the budget lines concerned and the corresponding amounts. Please provide an excel table
in the case of major reprogramming.
 requires use of the unallocated margin under the relevant heading of the MFF and/or use of the special instruments as defined in the MFF
Regulation
EN 27 EN
Explain what is required, specifying the headings and budget lines concerned, the corresponding amounts, and the instruments proposed to be
used.
 requires a revision of the MFF
Explain what is required, specifying the headings and budget lines concerned and the corresponding amounts.
3.2.7. Third-party contributions
The proposal/initiative:
• does not provide for co-financing by third parties
 provides for the co-financing by third parties estimated below:
Appropriations in EUR million (to three decimal places)
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year
Total
2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
Specify the co-financing
body
TOTAL appropriations
co-financed
3.3. Estimated impact on revenue
• The proposal/initiative has no financial impact on revenue.
 The proposal/initiative has the following financial impact:
–  on own resources
–  on other revenue
EN 28 EN
–  please indicate, if the revenue is assigned to expenditure lines
EUR million (to three decimal places)
Budget revenue line:
Appropriations available
for the current financial
year
Impact of the proposal/initiative66
Year 2028 Year 2029 Year 2030 Year 2031 Year 2032 Year 2033 Year 2034
Article ………….
For assigned revenue, specify the budget expenditure line(s) affected.
[…]
Other remarks (e.g. method/formula used for calculating the impact on revenue or any other information).
[…]
66
As regards traditional own resources (customs duties, sugar levies), the amounts indicated must be net amounts, i.e. gross amounts after deduction of 20% for collection
costs.
EN 29 EN
4. DIGITAL DIMENSIONS
4.1. Requirements of digital relevance
Reference to the
requirement
Requirement description
Actors affected or
concerned by the
requirement
High-level
Processes
Categories
Article 20.9
The Commission shall deliver the necessary
information technology systems to support
the implementation of the Programme
objectives laid down in Article 3, including
for indirect management.
European Commission,
National Authorities,
National Agencies;
Beneficiaries;
Participants
Programme
Support;
Indirect Grant
Management
Digital solutions
Recital 33
User-friendly online platforms and tools for
virtual cooperation can play an important
role in supporting the delivery of education
and training and youth policy in Europe and
beyond. To increase the use of virtual
cooperation activities, the Programme
should support more systematic and
coherent use of online platforms. It should
as well facilitate and support mobility
processes through digitalisation.
European Commission,
National Authorities,
National Agencies;
Beneficiaries;
Participants
Programme
Support
Digital solutions
Article 7, footnote 45 The Programme shall support […]
Programme implementation including
synergies with, and support to other Union
policies and programmes, online platforms,
tools for virtual cooperation and tools to
facilitate learning mobility (including
European Commission,
National Authorities,
National Europass
Centres, European
Qualifications
Framework National
Programme
support
Digital solutions
and data
EN 30 EN
support to the common framework and tools
for the provision of better services for skills
and qualifications (Europass))
Coordination Points;
Euroguidance;
Participants; Individuals
4.2. Data
High-level description of the data in scope and any related standards/specifications
Type of data Reference(s) to the requirement Standard and/or specification (if applicable)
Countries, organisations,
budget, participants and
priorities per project (where
applicable per key Action)
Article 20.9 Commission monitoring and reporting tools including eGrants for
the centralised management
Countries, organisations,
budget, participants and
priorities per project (where
applicable per key Action)
Article 20.9 Commission monitoring and reporting tools including eGrants for
the centralised management
Countries, organisations,
budget, participants and
priorities per project (where
applicable per key Action)
Performance Regulation
Chapter XX: Article XX
Countries, organisations,
budget, participants and
priorities per project (where
applicable per key Action)
Performance regulation:
Chapter XX: Article XX
Europass registered user
profiles, related to careers
and skills (incl. skills self-
Article 7, footnote 35 European Learning Model (ELM)
Europass candidate profile
EN 31 EN
assessments, libraries,
wallets, digital credentials
for learning…), learning
opportunities, accreditations
of educational institutions
Alignment with the European Data Strategy
Explain how the requirement(s) are aligned with the European Data Strategy
Quality of data to be established through a dedicated quality dashboard to ensure single version of the truth.
As regards Europass: all data published in the Qualification Dataset Register (QDR) is published on the Open Data portal: ELM (European
Learning Model), Learning opportunities, Accredited organisations and Qualifications.
Alignment with the once-only principle
Explain how the once-only principle has been considered how the possibility to reuse existing data explored
Dashboards established are the source of traceability and re-usability of the data available from the programme implementation. Data comes from
the project lifecycle tools/documents (eg application forms, final reports, participant surveys)
Explain how newly created data is findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable, and meets high-quality standards
Traceability and re-usability of the data available from the programme implementation will be ensured. The data will be recorded via the project
lifecycle documents and made accessible, including through the visualisation capacity of the Single Gateway portal to be established under the
Performance Regulation.
Europass data on learning opportunities, qualifications and accreditation will be available as open data on the open data portal of the European
Union.
EN 32 EN
Data flows
Type of data Reference(s)
to the
requirement
(s)
Actor who
provides the
data
Actor who
receives the
data
Trigger for the data
exchange
Frequency (if applicable)
Countries, organisations,
budget, participants and
priorities per project, project
results (where applicable per
key Action)
Article 13
and
Preamble
paragraph 56
Performance
Regulation
Article XX
and article
XX
Beneficiaries
, Programme
Desk
General public
Commission
European
Parliament
Council of the
European
Union
Performance Regulation
Article XX and article XX.
(monitoring ) and article XX
(implementation report and
retrospective evaluations).
Expenditure tracking,
programme performance
reporting and monitoring of
implementation and results
Performance Regulation
Article XX (monitoring) and
article XX (implementation
report and retrospective
evaluations).
Annual reporting
Europass registered user
profiles (ePortfolio IT
module)
Article 7,
footnote 35
Individuals Individuals Registration of users on
Europass (ePortfolio)
Upon users’ needs
Learning opportunities,
accreditations of educational
institutions (Qualification
Dataset Register IT module)
Article 7,
footnote 35
National
authorities
National
Authorities,
Education and
Training
Providers,
Individuals
Proposals during Europass
Advisory Group meetings,
trigger upon national
authorities update
ad-hoc basis (requested at
least once a year)
EN 33 EN
4.3. Digital solutions
Digital
solution
Reference(s)
to the
requirement(s)
Main mandated
functionalities
Responsible
body
How is
accessibility
catered for?
How is
reusability
considered?
Use of AI technologies (if
applicable)
Digital
solution #1 -
Indirect Grant
Management
Platform
Article 20.9 Management of
the indirect grants
European
Commission
In accordance with
common
accessibility
principles.
// The platform shall leverage
the use artificial intelligence
where relevant and adhering
with the precautionary
principle.
Digital
solution #2-
Platform(s) to
support the
programme
Article 20.9
and Recital 33
Programme
Support
NB: Such
platform(s) will be
identified or
confirmed during
the
implementation of
the programme
European
Commission
In accordance with
common
accessibility
principles.
// The platform shall leverage
the use artificial intelligence
where relevant and adhering
with the precautionary
principle
Digital
Solution #3 –
Programme
Analytics -
Data and AI
Platform
Article 20.9
and Recital 33
Programme
Support
European
Commission
In accordance with
common
accessibility
principles.
// The platform shall leverage
the use artificial intelligence
where relevant and adhering
with the precautionary
principle
Digital
Solution #4 –
Article 7,
footnote 35
Labour mobility
programme
support: user
European
Commission
In accordance with
common
accessibility
Europass
(ePortfolio) is
an
The platform shall leverage
the use of artificial
intelligence where relevant
EN 34 EN
Europass profiles incl. skills
assessment and
career
management,
learning
opportunities,
accreditation of
institutions
principles. interoperability
platform for
European CV
format
and adhering with the
precautionary principle
EN 35 EN
Digital solution #1 - Indirect Grant Management Platform
Digital and/or sectorial policy (when these are
applicable)
Explanation on how it aligns
AI Act When leveraging AI, the European Commission will ensure the compliance with
the AI Act.
EU Cybersecurity framework Without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2016/679, the European Commission shall
ensure the security, integrity, authenticity and confidentiality of the data collected
and stored for the purpose of this regulation.
eIDAS When appropriate, the authentication will rely on EU login which implements
eIDAS regulation.
Single Digital Gateway and IMI Not Applicable
Digital solution #2- Platform(s) to support the programme
Digital and/or sectorial policy (when these are
applicable)
Explanation on how it aligns
AI Act When leveraging AI, the European Commission will ensure the compliance with
the AI Act.
EU Cybersecurity framework Without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2016/679, the European Commission shall
ensure the security, integrity, authenticity and confidentiality of the data collected
and stored for the purpose of this regulation.
EN 36 EN
eIDAS When appropriate, the authentication will rely on EU login which implements
eIDAS regulation.
Single Digital Gateway and IMI Not Applicable
EN 37 EN
Digital solution #3- Programme Analytics - Data and AI Platform
Digital and/or sectorial policy (when these are
applicable)
Explanation on how it aligns
AI Act When leveraging AI, the European Commission will ensure the compliance with
the AI Act.
EU Cybersecurity framework Without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2016/679, the European Commission shall
ensure the security, integrity, authenticity and confidentiality of the data collected
and stored for the purpose of this regulation.
eIDAS When appropriate, the authentication will rely on EU login which implements
eIDAS regulation.
Single Digital Gateway and IMI Not Applicable
Digital solution #4 - EUROPASS
Digital and/or sectorial policy (when these are
applicable)
Explanation on how it aligns
AI Act When leveraging AI, the European Commission will ensure the compliance with
the AI Act.
EU Cybersecurity framework Without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2016/679, the European Commission shall
ensure the security, integrity, authenticity and confidentiality of the data collected
and stored for the purpose of this regulation.
EN 38 EN
eIDAS Europass uses EU login authentication, which implements eIDAS regulation.
Single Digital Gateway and IMI N/A
Others N/A
4.4. Interoperability assessment
Digital public
service or category
of digital public
services
Description Reference(s) to the
requirement(s)
Other interoperability solution(s)
Europass registered
user profiles, related
to careers and skills
(incl. skills self-
assessments,
libraries, wallets,
digital credentials
for learning…)
Supports users to create a profile based on the European
Europass profile format.
Helps users identify, document, and present their skills
and competences using structured tools, based on the
European Classification for Skills and Occupations
(ESCO)
Offers self-assessment tools for languages and other
soft skills.
Article 7, footnote
35
Euraxess, EURES, HR transformation
program tools
Job & learning
opportunity
recommender
Provides access to job and course listings across
Europe. Interoperability with EURES platform: Jobs are
provided through the EURES platform.
Europass profiles can be exported to the EURES
Article 7, footnote
35
EURES
EN 39 EN
platform to be found by EURES advisors and
employers.
Creation and storage
of Digital
Credentials for
Learning (e.g.
Europass mobility
certificates)
Enables education and training institutions to issue
credentials related to learning in a standardised, trusted
format, implementing the European Learning Model
(ELM).
Receiving and sharing digital credentials in the field of
learning that are verifiable and interoperable across
countries.
Article 7, footnote
35
EU Digital Identity Wallet
W3C Verifiable Credential standard
Transparency of
qualifications
Supports transparency of qualifications and skills across
EU Member States, EEA countries, candidates
countries, potential candidates countries
Eases mobility of learners, jobseekers, and volunteers
by providing transparent, comparable information.
Article 7, footnote
35
Digital public service #1 - Europass
Assessment Measure(s) Potential remaining barriers (if applicable)
Alignment with existing digital and
sectorial policies
Please list the applicable digital and
sectorial policies identified
Europass Decision - 2018/646 N/A
Organisational measures for a
smooth cross-border digital public
Europass and EQF networks:
- Europass Advisory Group
N/A
EN 40 EN
services delivery
Please list the governance measures
foreseen
- National Europass Centres
- EQF Advisory Group
Measures taken to ensure a shared
understanding of the data
Please list such measures
Publication of datasets:
- ELM browser
- Open Data portal
N/A
Use of commonly agreed open
technical specifications and
standards
Please list such measures
Data models:
- Europass CV format
- ELM (European Learning model)
- ESCO (European Classification for Skills
and Occupations)
- EFSS (EURES Functional Standards and
Specifications)
N/A
4.5. Measures to support digital implementation
High-level description of measures supporting digital implementation
Description of the measure Reference(s) to the
requirement(s)
Commission
role
(if applicable)
Actors to be
involved
(if applicable)
Expected timeline
(if applicable)
Europass Decision - 2018/646 Article 7 footnote 35 Solution
Supplier,
Management
and Chairing of
Europass
Advisory
Group, Europass
national centres
Already implemented
EN 41 EN
the Europass
Advisory Group