YERUN, together with other leading higher education organisations, has published a joint statement calling for an Erasmus+ budget of at least €60 billion for 2028–2034, as negotiations on the EU’s next long-term budget are ongoing. For nearly 40 years, Erasmus+ has been one of Europe’s most successful programmes, empowering millions of learners, strengthening institutional cooperation, deepening European integration, and fostering global outreach. At a time when Europe faces increasing geopolitical and economic challenges, investing in people through education, mobility and collaboration is essential to Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and prosperity.
While the proposed €40.8 billion allocation recognises the programme’s value, it would in practice only maintain current activity levels once inflation, rising costs and additional responsibilities are considered. A budget of at least €60 billion is needed to safeguard quality, expand access, especially for learners with fewer opportunities, consolidate flagship initiatives, and deliver on Europe’s ambitions for skills, innovation and talent.
YERUN and the other signatories stand ready to work with EU institutions to ensure a stronger Erasmus+ and, by extension, a stronger Europe.
The joint statement is available HERE.