The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 proposal, presented by the President of the European Commission on 16th July 2025, can only be met with concern. Education, and Higher Education in particular, are not just central for ensuring the competitiveness of the continent for decades to come, but are the strongest investments in the Union’s human capital. The 50% increase in the programme budget is welcome but largely falls short of expectations in the sector and the Union’s own ambitious policy goals. When the proposed budget is adjusted to account for the increase in participation, inflation and the addition of new programme actions, the increase is significantly reduced. Considering the planned funding levels of Erasmus+ in 2026, the projected funding increase between the annual budgets of 2026 and 2028 will be non-existent if not negative.
At the very moment that defence takes centre stage among the European Commission priorities, it’s seemingly forgotten that education also plays a central role in mitigating the effects of misinformation and thwarting hybrid warfare that rests upon it, as well as supporting democracy and social cohesion, by encouraging engagement, keeping citizens informed and equipping them with the tools they need to navigate today’s complexities. The sector also plays a key role in successfully navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the green and digital transitions, in direct unison with Europe’s competitiveness priorities.
The proposed funding envelope is also not enough to reverse the dramatic budget cuts that have been affecting Higher Education cooperation for two years. If the MFF is an expression of both budgetary and political priorities, such cuts raise questions about the EU’s long-term vision and ambition for the European Education Area.
As a network, we acknowledge the efforts that have gone into securing programme funding and recognising the core value of Erasmus+, yet we fear this funding falls short of the needs and ambitions, as well as the growing demand for more inclusive, accessible and impactful mobility opportunities for learners and educators across Europe. We call upon all the European Institutions, namely the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, to recognise the societal importance of Higher Education and its foundational role in uniting Europe. Erasmus+ has been a key driver in building mutual understanding among European citizens, growing a sense of European identities and belonging, and building personal ties across countries that are of paramount importance to maintain peace in the EU and beyond. This can be achieved by ensuring that Erasmus+ is fairly and reasonably resourced, particularly to make it possible to support the participation of students from all socio-economic backgrounds. In doing so, it means upholding the very founding values that our European Union is built upon and affirming our investment in its future.
Image by Antoine Schibler on Unsplash via Canva.