In the framework of the recently kicked-off Diversity and Inclusion in Erasmus+ iMplementation (DIEM) project, partners met in Brussels on 10 and 11 June to discuss how can the project contribute to the inclusion objective of the Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027, with a special focus on widening participation in student mobility, and set the ground for a reinforced inclusion strategy in its successor programme. Widening participation in Erasmus+ opportunities for students, thus making the programme more inclusive for students with fewer opportunities, is a core priority of the Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027, the European Education Area and the Strategic Framework for Cooperation in the field of Education and training.  

The DIEM project will seek to contribute to these efforts by: 

• Providing a comprehensive evidence-based evaluation of the perspectives of stakeholders and the policy changes implemented across levels, producing research reports and analysis of data and policies; 
• Improving the implementation of the different tools in Erasmus+ Higher Education incorporated in the Erasmus+ programme 2021/2027, as well information about the existing possibilities for students; 
• Building the capacity of the main stakeholders of the programme in the field of inclusive internationalisation, fostering collaboration and co-creation processes, including Higher Education Institutions and their networks, students and their representatives, and National Authorities involved in the project, through the creation of workshops, peer learning communities and training materials; 
• Supporting the transformation of inclusive internationalisation practices across the Higher Education sector, building on successfully tested models and proposing policy experimentation that can contribute to a better Erasmus+ programme. 

The project seeks to have a qualitative and quantitative impact in making Erasmus+ more inclusive, identifying barriers that make access to mobility more challenging and hamper the experience of participants, and proposing solutions that help to remove those barriers, ultimately leading to a better experience for more students.  

The project is coordinated by Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and the partners are Academic Cooperation Association (ACA), European University Foundation (EUF), University of Latvia, Humboldt University, University of Pavia and Jagiellonian University.