How can we ensure that digital transformation in higher education is not only innovative but also green, inclusive, and participatory? This was the central question driving the recent TCA event “Erasmus+ digitalisation: Why green, inclusive and participatory inputs are needed”, held in Frankfurt and jointly organised by ACA members, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Dutch Organisation for Internationalisation in Education (Nuffic). 

Copyright photo: Alex Becker/DAAD 

Bringing together over 120 participants from across Europe, including representatives from higher education institutions, national agencies, student and policy organisations, the event offered a much-needed space to explore the critical intersections between Erasmus+ horizontal priorities. The focus was clear: digitalisation cannot be viewed in isolation. Instead, it must be approached as a strategic enabler that supports environmental sustainability, inclusion, and democratic participation. 

Representing ACA, Angeliki Psychogyiou, Policy and Project Coordinator, played a central role. She moderated the expert panel “Opportunities and Areas of Tension: How the Horizontal Priorities Work Together”, held in collaboration with colleagues from the SALTO Resource Centres. The session unpacked how the Erasmus+ priorities — green transition, inclusion, and participation — sometimes align, and at times, compete, and how thoughtful digitalisation can harmonise these aims. 

Angeliki also facilitated the workshop “From Carbon Footprint to Digital Handprint: Greening Erasmus+ Blended Mobility”, offering a hands-on exploration of embedding sustainability in blended mobility formats. The workshop featured insights from the Sustainability Squad Report: Sustainability in Online Education, developed within the European Digital Education Hub (for more details, see ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, December 2024).  

More than a discussion of tools and technologies, the event highlighted a shared understanding: digital transformation is not a goal in itself. When aligned with broader values, it becomes a powerful enabler of a more connected, equitable, and sustainable Erasmus+ programme. As the programme evolves, the lessons provide a timely reminder — a human-centred, integrated approach is key to meaningful digital transformation in international higher education.