On 28 July 2022, the Commission launched a call for evidence for the interim evaluation of the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme and the final evaluation of the 2014-2020 programme. This call represents the first step in assessing whether Erasmus+ is working as intended, including in terms of its simplification processes and inclusion measures. The call for evidence will be followed by a public consultation planned for second quarter of 2023.

In accordance with the legal base, the Commission is to perform the evaluation covering actions in all sectors supported by the programme for the period 2014-2023 by 31 December 2024. The evaluation report will be delivered to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. As required by the Erasmus+ Regulation, the evaluation will assess the overall effectiveness and performance of the programme. It will also consider

• the enhanced inclusion and diversity measures in the programme; 
• the contribution of the programme to mainstreaming climate actions;
• simplifications, like the introduction of the lump-sum approach in cooperation projects;
• the participation of outermost regions and overseas countries or territories in the programme; and
• the progress of institutions pursuing an aim of European interest, which are financed under Jean Monnet actions, towards delivering on the programme objectives.

In addition, the evaluation will draw on lessons learned in the context of unforeseen events like the COVID-19 pandemic or the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Committed to further improving the programme, ACA will pull together substantial evidence to support the evaluation by

• consolidating feedback collected from its members – National Agencies for Erasmus+;
• deriving key findings and recommendations from ACA research studies on student and staff mobility (UniWeLiS, IHES, HIBlend);
• presenting conclusions and recommendations on inclusion, digitalisation, sustainability and global partnerships from the discussions in the ACA thematic peer groups; and
• providing input on the topics of impact and quality in the context of international cooperation, including the European Universities Initiative.