GENERAL INFORMATION ON ERASMUS+
| Erasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport for the period 2021-2027. Education, training, youth and sport are key areas that support citizens in their personal and professional development. High-quality and inclusive education and training, as well as informal and non-formal learning, will ultimately equip young people and participants of all ages with the qualifications and skills they need for meaningful participation in a democratic society, intercultural understanding and a successful transition to the labour market. Building on the success of the programme in 2014-2020, Erasmus+ is stepping up its efforts to extend the opportunities offered to more participants and a wider range of organisations, focusing on its qualitative impact and contributing to creating more inclusive, cohesive and greener societies that are better adapted to the demands of digitalisation. Europe's citizens must be better equipped with the knowledge, skills and competences needed in a dynamically changing society that is increasingly mobile, multicultural and digital. Spending time in another country to study, learn and work should be normal and everyone should be offered the opportunity to learn two languages in addition to their mother tongue. The programme is a key element supporting the objectives of the European Education Area, the Digital Agenda for Education 2021-2027, the European Union Youth Strategy and the European Union Work Plan for Sport (2021-2024). As demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, access to education is essential to ensure a rapid recovery while promoting equal opportunities for all. As part of this recovery process, the inclusive dimension of Erasmus+ is given a new perspective by promoting opportunities for personal, socio-educational and professional development for people in Europe and beyond, so that no one is left behind. In order to increase the qualitative impact of the measures and to ensure equal opportunities, the programme will focus more extensively and carefully on people of different ages and from different cultural, social and economic backgrounds. A central element of the programme is to reach out to those with fewer opportunities, including people with disabilities and migrants, as well as EU citizens living in remote areas or facing socio-economic challenges. The programme will also encourage its participants, especially young people, to get involved and learn to engage in civil society, raising awareness of the common values of the European Union. The programme will continue to empower young people and encourage them to participate in democratic life, notably through supporting activities in the context of the European Year of Youth 2022, announced in the State of the Union address in September 2021. The development of digital skills and competences and skills in future-oriented fields such as the fight against climate change, clean energy, artificial intelligence, robotics, big data analytics, etc. is crucial for the future sustainable growth and cohesion of Europe. The programme can make a significant contribution by stimulating innovation and bridging the gaps that exist in Europe in terms of knowledge, skills and competences. EU companies need to harness talent and innovation to strengthen their competitiveness. This investment in knowledge, skills and competences will benefit individuals, institutions and organisations, as well as society as a whole, by contributing to sustainable growth, equity, prosperity and social inclusion in Europe and elsewhere. Another challenge relates to Europe-wide trends of limited participation in democratic life and low levels of knowledge and awareness of European issues and their impact on the lives of all European citizens. Many people are reluctant or find it difficult to actively engage and participate in their communities or in the political and social life of the European Union. Strengthening young people's European identity and participation in democratic processes is of paramount importance for the future of the European Union. This can also be achieved through non-formal learning that focuses on enriching young people's skills and competences and on their active participation in society. In line with the European Union's priorities of ensuring the sustainability of its economy, projects should be designed in an environmentally friendly manner and should incorporate green practices in all aspects. The organisations and participants involved should take an environmentally friendly approach to the design of their projects, encouraging them to discuss and learn about environmental issues, encouraging them to reflect on what they can do at their level and helping them to implement alternative and greener methods of implementing their activities. Encouraging and facilitating transnational and international cooperation between organisations in the fields of education, training, youth and sport is essential for empowering people with key competences, reducing early school leaving rates and recognising competences acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning. It facilitates the dissemination of ideas and the transfer of best practices and expertise and the development of digital competences, thus contributing to high quality education and at the same time to strengthening social cohesion. Erasmus+ is one of the European Union's most visible achievements. It builds on what has been achieved in more than thirty years of European programmes in education, training, youth and sport. It involves both European and international partnerships |
The Erasmus+ Handbook is produced in accordance with the Erasmus+ Annual Work Programme adopted by the European Commission. It is therefore likely to undergo further adaptations in the future to reflect the priorities and lines of action set out in the work programmes to be adopted in the coming years. The application of the guidelines set out in this guide is also subject to the availability of the appropriations set out in the draft budget following the adoption of the budget for the year by the EU Budgetary Authority or under the system of provisional twelfths.
