The Erasmus+ programme is a milestone of European integration and spirit. It opened up connections and possibilities for young people to explore Europe and brought them closer together while fostering mutual understanding, friendships as well as invaluable skills. It is one of the greatest initiatives to connect young people through non-formal education. JEF Europe has always advocated for and practised the Erasmus spirit, through exchanges, trainings and campaigns for young people to participate and experience what it means to be European.

In light of the Erasmus+ proposal in the next long-term EU budget (2028-2034), JEF Europe is concerned about changes that could lead to higher competition for youth organisations when applying for grants, and about a focus on competitiveness more broadly. 

As a member of the Erasmus+ coalition led by the European Youth Forum, we seek to highlight the following points of improvement for the current proposal: 

• • A dedicated Youth Chapter and a minimum 15% earmarking for youth
  • Protection of non-formal education, volunteering and youth work
  • A distinct and safeguarded European Solidarity Corps
  • Clear definitions of youth organisations, and special recognition to youth-led participatory governance, and the provision of operating grants to organisations active at European level
  • Inclusion of EU candidate countries in the programme

By implementing these improvements, the programme will guarantee the non formal mobility of young people all over Europe and access to quality non formal education and volunteer work. It will help secure the financial stability of youth organisations in that sector and allow them to provide quality democratic and civic education and the strengthening of European values towards the youth. Without these,youth organisations would struggle to keep their work, even cease to exist and with them not only a pillar of civic education, but also a part of the European spirit and history.

We therefore remind policy makers in the institutions of their responsibility towards the future of young people and of Europe and amend this Erasmus+ proposal.

For any questions on this, please contact Moritz Hergl.