Following the European Commission’s publication of the Erasmus+ annual work programme last month (for more details, see ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, October 2024), the Erasmus+ 2025 Call for Proposals has been officially launched. This announcement comes with a significant budget increase, reflecting the EU’s commitment to education, training, youth, and sport. Following tough negotiations, the Erasmus+ budget will rise to nearly EUR 5 billion in 2025, up from EUR 4.3 billion in 2024. This increase ensures that the programme can continue its mission of fostering inclusion, innovation, and cross-border cooperation across Europe and beyond. 

The Erasmus+ 2025 Programme introduces updates in alignment with key EU priorities: 

• Inclusion and diversity: A renewed focus on supporting individuals with fewer opportunities, such as those facing economic, cultural, or geographic barriers. National Agencies will lead the implementation of robust inclusion and diversity plans to enhance accessibility. 
• Digital transformation: Expanded support for digital skills through initiatives like the European Digital Education Hub. These efforts aim to equip participants with the tools needed to thrive in a digital enhanced world. 
• Green and climate action: In line with the European Green Deal, Erasmus+ will provide funding for projects focused on environmental sustainability, including areas like sustainable farming and bio-agriculture. 
• Youth participation: The Youth Participation Strategy is strengthened with tools like the Youth Participation Toolkit, empowering young people to engage more actively in democracy and civic life. 
• Support for Ukraine: Continued efforts to integrate and support Ukrainian learners and educators, including the delivery of educational resources to Ukrainian schools. 
• Improved mobility opportunities: The DiscoverEU Inclusion Action is a new initiative designed to provide disadvantaged youth with the chance to explore Europe. Enhanced formats for virtual exchanges and blended mobilities will further increase flexibility and access. 

The 2025 Call for Proposals supports a wide range of initiatives, from cooperation partnerships to individual learning mobility opportunities. Applications are now open, and the detailed Erasmus+ Programme Guide is available to help individuals and organisations navigate the funding process. 

Alongside the 2025 Call for Proposals, the Commission also released the 2023 Erasmus+ Annual Report, highlighting a year of impressive progress. With a total budget of €4.5 billion — 12.5% more than in 2022 — the programme supported nearly 32,000 projects, involving over 84,500 organisations. More than 1.3 million participants took part in learning mobility actions, including students, educators, youth workers, and sport coaches. 

Key 2023 achievements include: 

• Support for disadvantaged groups: Over 200,000 Erasmus+ participants came from underrepresented groups, including migrants, people with disabilities, and those from remote areas or socioeconomically challenged backgrounds. 
• Green mobility:  23% of participants used low-emission transport, such as buses, trains, or carpooling, for their Erasmus+ journeys. 
• Digital skills development: Nearly 32,000 participants undertook mobility and training activities to acquire crucial digital competencies. 

Erasmus+ also played a key role in addressing challenges stemming from the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Among other, in 2023, the programme funded the delivery of 1 million Ukrainian-language textbooks, ensuring continued education for displaced learners. This commitment will extend into 2025-2026 with further educational support foreseen.