European university groups call for €60bn budget for next Erasmus+ programme

Seventeen higher education organisations, representing European universities, alliances and networks, are calling on the European Parliament and the European Commission to allocate "at least €60 billion" for the EU mobility programme Erasmus+ from 2028 to 2034, in a joint statement published on 07/01/2025.

The programme's budget is currently being negotiated between the EU's member states and MEPs as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The proposed budget for Erasmus+ is €40.8bn for 2028-2034, compared to €26.2bn for 2021-2027. This represents a 56% increase compared to the previous period.

The organisations, which include the European University Association (EUA), the Guild, the League of European Research Universities (LERU), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), as well as several alliances of networks and universities, say that "Europe needs to significantly enhance its competitiveness and resilience. This is central to Europe’s future prosperity, and requires investing in people, skills and talent - in particular through higher education exchange and…