The European higher education community has responded with measured optimism to a draft report from the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education on the future of the Erasmus+ programme for the 2028-2034 period. The document, prepared by Polish MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski, proposes a substantial increase in funding while reinforcing the programme’s core focus on education, training, youth and sport.

Background to the Draft Report

The European Commission presented its proposal for the next Erasmus+ regulation in July 2025 as part of the broader multiannual financial framework negotiations. The Parliament’s CULT committee has since taken the lead in shaping the legislative position, with opinions expected from other committees including those dealing with budgets and employment. The draft report marks a key stage in the co-decision process that will ultimately determine the programme’s scope and resources.

Stakeholders across the sector note that the current 2021-2027 programme has already demonstrated strong results in mobility, cooperation and skills development. Higher education institutions in particular have relied on Erasmus+ to support student exchanges, staff development and transnational projects. The upcoming regulation must build on these foundations while addressing new priorities such as digital transformation, inclusion and green transitions.

Key Proposals in the CULT Draft

The draft report calls for an overall budget allocation of €47.39 billion for Erasmus+ under the next long-term EU budget. This figure represents a notable uplift compared with the Commission’s initial proposal and signals stronger parliamentary support for education and mobility initiatives. The document also advocates minimum budget shares for individual sectors and actions, aiming to provide greater predictability for beneficiaries and national agencies.

Additional elements include strengthened provisions for inclusion of learners with fewer opportunities, simplified administrative procedures and continued emphasis on European University alliances. The rapporteur’s text stresses that Erasmus+ should remain first and foremost a programme for education and training rather than being diluted across other policy areas.

Higher Education Sector Reaction

Seventeen organisations representing universities, students and higher education institutions issued a joint statement welcoming the draft while urging further adjustments. The European University Association, together with partners including EURASHE, UNIMED and the European Students’ Union, praised the proposed budget increase and the introduction of minimum allocations. At the same time, they called for a larger share of resources to be ring-fenced specifically for education and training measures.

University leaders highlight that predictable, ring-fenced funding is essential for long-term planning of mobility schemes and partnership projects. Student representatives emphasise the need to maintain broad access, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds who benefit most from international experience. The joint statement underlines that adequate resourcing will determine whether the programme can meet rising demand and deliver on its strategic objectives.

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Implications for Universities and Students

Universities across Europe are already preparing for the next programming period by reviewing their internationalisation strategies. Many institutions view the proposed budget uplift as an opportunity to expand participation in European University alliances and to increase the number of blended and short-term mobility options. Administrators note that clearer minimum allocations would help national agencies allocate resources more effectively between higher education, vocational training, youth and sport strands.

For students, the draft offers reassurance that mobility grants will remain a central feature. The emphasis on inclusion measures could translate into targeted support for learners with disabilities, those from low-income families and students from regions with lower participation rates. PhD candidates and early-career researchers stand to benefit from expanded opportunities for research stays and collaborative projects funded through the programme.

Broader European Context

The Erasmus+ debate takes place against the backdrop of the wider 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework negotiations. Member states and the Parliament must balance competing priorities including defence, green transition and social cohesion. Education stakeholders argue that investment in skills and mobility yields high returns in competitiveness and social cohesion, positioning Erasmus+ as a strategic asset rather than a discretionary expense.

National agencies responsible for programme implementation are monitoring developments closely. They stress the importance of administrative simplification so that smaller institutions and organisations can participate without excessive bureaucracy. The draft’s focus on transparency and minimum allocations is seen as a positive step in this direction.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Rectors and vice-rectors interviewed in recent weeks describe the draft as a constructive starting point that reflects many of the sector’s earlier recommendations. They particularly welcome the recognition of higher education’s role in driving innovation and European integration. Student union leaders highlight the potential for greater youth involvement in programme design and evaluation.

Representatives of applied sciences institutions underline the value of maintaining strong support for vocational and professional education strands. They note that Erasmus+ has helped bridge gaps between academic and practical training pathways across borders. Youth organisations stress the importance of preserving dedicated resources for non-formal learning and volunteering activities.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

The CULT committee is scheduled to debate and vote on the draft report in the coming weeks. Amendments tabled by members will shape the final parliamentary position before trilogue negotiations with the Council and Commission. Observers expect intense discussion around the precise budget envelope and the distribution of funds across programme strands.

Once the Parliament adopts its position, formal negotiations will begin. The outcome will determine the legal framework under which universities, colleges and other organisations will operate from 2028 onwards. Stakeholders are preparing position papers and engaging with national governments to ensure education remains a priority in the final MFF agreement.

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Future Outlook for European Higher Education

The coming months will be critical for shaping a programme that can respond to demographic shifts, technological change and geopolitical challenges. A well-resourced Erasmus+ is widely viewed as essential for maintaining Europe’s attractiveness to international talent and for fostering the next generation of European leaders and innovators.

Institutions are already exploring how to leverage the programme for deeper cooperation in areas such as micro-credentials, digital skills and sustainability. The draft report’s emphasis on predictability and sector-specific allocations provides a foundation for these ambitions, provided the final budget matches the level of ambition expressed in the parliamentary text.

Actionable Insights for Institutions

University leaders are advised to monitor the CULT committee proceedings and engage with their national representatives in the Parliament. Preparing internal strategies that align with the draft’s priorities on inclusion, digitalisation and alliances will position institutions well for the next call cycles. National agencies can use the proposed minimum allocations as a planning tool to ensure balanced support across all programme actions.

Early engagement with student organisations and partner institutions across Europe will help maximise the benefits of any eventual budget increase. Institutions that demonstrate clear plans for widening participation and measuring impact are likely to be best placed to secure funding under the strengthened programme.