On 8 November, the European Commission published the Erasmus+ work programme for 2022, with the overall budget of EUR 3.895 billion. This number does not account for the latest increase of EUR 35 million negotiated by the European Parliament (for more details, see ACA Newsletter – Higher Education in Europe, November 2021).
The work programme outlines the policy background and key priorities for different sectors. Four overarching transversal priorities underpin the Erasmus+ implementation in 2022:
- Inclusive Erasmus+, in line with an Erasmus+ strategy for inclusion and diversity
- Green Erasmus+
- Digital Erasmus+, in close alignment with the Digital Education Action Plan
- Participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement
Related to the higher education field, in 2022, the programme will aim at:
- Promoting inter-connected higher education systems
- Stimulating innovative teaching and learning approaches to tackle societal challenges
- Rewarding excellence in learning, teaching and skills development
- Supporting green higher education systems
- Building inclusive higher education systems
- Supporting digital capabilities of the higher education sector
- Fostering effective, efficient and sustainable system-level funding and governance models
Following the adoption of the 2022 annual work programme, the Commission launched on 24 November the calls for proposals under Erasmus+ call for 2022. In addition to the general call, the annual work programme also includes other actions to be launched separately, such as the European Universities initiative.
The main novelties introduced in the calls in the field of higher education are:
- Forward-looking projects: New large-scale projects (with a larger budget and minimum three-year duration) will support high-quality and inclusive digital education adapted to the green transition, with innovative outcomes on a European scale.
- More exchanges with third countries: Thanks to funds from EU's external instruments, third countries will have the possibility to participate in targeted projects and exchanges.
- Simpler financing of cooperation projects: Erasmus+ introduces the possibility for project beneficiaries in cooperation partnerships to apply for a lump sum for implementing their projects to reduce the administrative burden at the application, management and reporting stage.
More information
European Commission
