The European higher education landscape is buzzing with a unified call from leading university associations to reshape the future of the Erasmus+ programme. On February 18, 2026, seventeen prominent organisations, spearheaded by the European University Association (EUA), released a set of joint amendments to the European Commission's draft regulation for Erasmus+ 2028-2034. This collective effort underscores the programme's pivotal role in fostering student and staff mobility, transnational partnerships, and institutional cooperation across Europe.
Erasmus+, the European Union's flagship initiative for education, training, youth, and sport, has transformed higher education since its inception in 1987. The current 2021-2027 cycle, with a budget of €26.2 billion, has supported millions of participants, enabling over 16 million individuals to engage in learning mobility historically. In the higher education sector alone, it has facilitated exchanges that enhance skills, cultural understanding, and employability, contributing significantly to Europe's knowledge economy.
The Commission's proposal outlines €40.8 billion for the next period, a notable increase but deemed insufficient by the sector to match rising demands amid geopolitical tensions, digital transitions, and inclusivity goals. The joint proposal demands at least €60 billion, arguing this investment is essential to sustain and expand the programme's impact without compromising quality.
🌍 The Push for a €60 Billion Budget: Why It Matters for Universities
At the heart of the amendments is a call to elevate the Erasmus+ budget to a minimum of €60 billion for 2028-2034. This figure addresses inflation, the integration of the European Solidarity Corps, and emerging priorities like green and digital skills. The sector proposes indicative allocations, ensuring higher education receives at least 34.6% of funds—a safeguard for planning and stability.
Universities highlight that underfunding risks stalling mobility targets. For instance, the 2021-2027 programme aimed for 12 million participants but faced allocation challenges, with some countries reporting grant shortfalls. A €60 billion envelope would enable more grants for disadvantaged students, staff training, and European Universities alliances, which unite over 50 institutions in innovative transnational campuses.
- Maintain core mobility funding without dilution from new strategic scholarships.
- Support 20% more participants, focusing on inclusivity for underrepresented groups.
- Fund synergies with Horizon Europe for research-mobility links.
This budget aligns with the European Education Area's 2025-2030 goals, positioning Erasmus+ as a tool for Europe's competitiveness. EUA's announcement details the rationale.
Governance Reforms: Reintroducing the Committee Procedure
To enhance transparency and stakeholder input, the proposal urges reinstating the committee procedure, allowing member states, observers, and experts to shape implementation. Sector-specific committees would ensure priorities like higher education mobility are consistently applied across borders.
Currently, national agencies manage funds, leading to variations in grant levels and priorities. The reform would promote evidence-based decisions, drawing on data from over 500 institutions surveyed by EUA on Erasmus+ impacts, where 96% reported knowledge transfer benefits post-mobility.
European universities emphasise this as crucial for accountability, preventing ad-hoc shifts that could undermine long-term planning. For higher ed jobs in Europe, stable governance means predictable funding for international roles.
Boosting Mobility and Scholarships Without Diversion
Learning mobility remains Erasmus+'s cornerstone, with amendments reaffirming its priority across all fields. The sector opposes diverting core funds to 'strategic priority' scholarships, proposing instead co-funding from the European Competitiveness Fund for innovative, transnational programmes.
Statistics show Erasmus+ mobility yields high ROI: 92% of participants report improved soft skills, and institutions gain from internationalisation. Proposals include more blended mobility, virtual exchanges, and support for disadvantaged groups, aiming to increase participation from 1.76 million international tertiary students in the EU (2023 data).
One scholarship equals funding for 25 mobilities, so focus must remain on broad access. Examples include expanding staff weeks and traineeships, vital for higher ed career development.
International Dimension and Third-Country Associations
Allocating €6 billion from Global Europe, amendments seek expanded mobility with non-EU partners, policy dialogue, and capacity building. Clear pathways for UK and Swiss re-association are urged, given their historical contributions (UK hosted 100k+ incoming students pre-Brexit).
For universities, this means more global partnerships, enhancing rankings and research. EC's capacity building page outlines current scope, but sector wants scaling.
- Mutual interests with partners like India, Africa for talent exchange.
- Policy learning on digital education.
- Resilient supply chains via skilled graduates.
Crisis Resilience: Support for At-Risk Students and Staff
Geopolitical crises demand flexibility: amendments propose dedicated scholarships for at-risk students and permanent programmes for scholars (building on SAFE, MSCA4Ukraine). Flexible fund use in emergencies would aid institutions hosting displaced academics.
Ukraine war saw 50k+ beneficiaries; future-proofing ensures continuity. Quotes from Amanda Crowfoot (EUA): “Make Erasmus+ more impactful and inclusive.” Prof. Kurt Deketelaere (LERU): Priority on human rights defenders.
This resonates for scholarships and postdoc opportunities.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Voices from the Sector
The 17 signatories represent thousands of institutions: LERU for research unis, UNICA for capitals, DAAD for exchanges. EUA survey: 500 HEIs in 49 countries praise impact but note grant disparities.
ESU (students): “€60bn ensures access for all.” EURASHE (applied sciences): “Synergies vital for skills.” This unity amplifies voice in co-legislator talks.
Explore Europe higher ed jobs amid these changes.
Synergies and European Universities Initiative
Amendments push explicit links with Horizon Europe, ECF for alliances like 50+ European Universities. This multiplies impact: mobility feeds research, vice versa.
Examples: 230k projects 2014-2024 involved 170k orgs. Future: inter/multi-disciplinary scholarships foster resilience.
Challenges and Path Forward
Challenges: Inflation erodes grants; geopolitics strains associations. Solutions: Committee input, €60bn, resilience funds.
Outlook: Negotiations ahead; sector ready to engage. €60bn could serve 20m+ participants, boosting GDP €10bn+ via skills (past estimates).
For academics, check faculty positions; students, scholarships.
Implications for Higher Education Careers and Mobility
Enhanced Erasmus+ means more international experience, key for academic CVs. Universities gain talent pipelines; staff professional growth.
Actionable: Advocate via national bodies; prepare alliances. Track via EUA updates. Rate professors who've leveraged mobility.
Photo by Todor Andonov on Unsplash
- Boost employability 20-30% (studies).
- Increase innovation via networks.
- Support career advice in higher ed.
In conclusion, these amendments position Erasmus+ as Europe's mobility powerhouse. With €60bn, it secures higher ed's future amid challenges. Institutions, policymakers—act now. Explore higher ed jobs, university jobs, career advice, rate professors, and post jobs on AcademicJobs.com.