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DRAFT REPORT (2023/2002(INI))

On the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027

CULT-PR-752792

Committee on Culture and Education · Rapporteur: Milan Zver

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The draft report assesses how the Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027 has been implemented over its first two and a half years, based on surveys of National Agencies and stakeholders, studies and meetings. It finds high demand for mobility and cooperation, but insufficient grants, delays in payments, low credit recognition, weak uptake of adult learning, and slow development of IT tools. The rapporteur asks the Commission to simplify the programme at all levels, improve digital tools, boost inclusion and civic engagement, and better link centralised and decentralised actions. It calls for more gradual and predictable budget increases in the next multiannual financial framework, with funding from 2028 not below the 2027 level, and a substantial increase for 2028-2033.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes that Parliament call for a more inclusive, simplified and better-funded Erasmus+, with improved IT tools, stronger synergies and a substantial budget increase for 2028-2033.

Key points

  1. The report assesses the programme's first two and a half years and aims to feed into the Commission's mid-term evaluation due by the end of 2024.
  2. Demand for mobility and cooperation activities is much higher than the opportunities available, except in adult education.
  3. Almost a third of students in higher education mobility reported they did not receive full credit recognition, far from the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education objectives.
  4. Insufficient grants to cover mobility costs and delays in payments are the biggest deterrents to participants.
  5. The rapporteur asks the Commission to remove financial and administrative barriers and to devise proportionate registration and application processes.
  6. The report regrets that complicated processes hinder small-scale organisations in the school and youth sectors, and calls for simplification at all levels.
  7. It deplores the slow and incomplete development of IT infrastructure and tools, which increases workload, discourages newcomers and affects data availability.
  8. The report welcomes the lump sum approach but notes that 'continuous reporting' is a burden, especially for smaller organisations.
  9. It calls on the Commission to reconsider its adult learning strategy, given the target of 60% of adults participating in adult learning and education by 2030.
  10. It urges the Commission to step up digital transformation, including 'Erasmus Without Paper' and the 'European Student Card', and to ensure the next IT infrastructure is fully operational from day one.
  11. It calls for better synergies between Erasmus+ and other programmes such as Horizon Europe and the European Social Fund Plus, and with the 2020-2025 anti-racism action plan.
  12. It calls for more gradual and predictable budget increases in the next multiannual financial framework, with 2028 funding not less than 2027, and a substantial increase for 2028-2033.

Who is affected

  • Students, pupils, apprentices, adult learners and teaching staff, who face insufficient grants and credit recognition problems.
  • Small-scale organisations and informal youth groups, who face administrative barriers to applying.
  • National Agencies, which need better coordination and support from the Commission and EACEA.
  • The sport sector, which has very limited funds constraining mobility and cooperation.
  • Adult learning and education, which depends heavily on EU project funding and has unpredictable budgets.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 26.51 billion, the estimated overall budget for 2021-2027.
  • EUR 24.57 billion at current prices, part of the overall budget.
  • EUR 1.938 billion in current prices, a 'top-up' from Commission revenues from fines.
  • Up to 83%, the share of the budget earmarked for education and training.
  • 5.8%, the share of the total education and training budget for adult learning and education.
  • 60%, the target for adult participation in adult learning and education by 2030.
  • Up to 12 million participants, the programme's aim for 2021-2027.
  • 2028, the start of the next multiannual financial framework programming period.

Legal basis: Articles 165 and 166 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.