In 2023, the European Student Card Initiative (ESCI) recorded major progress, with around 200,000 additional digital Learning Agreements (LAs) and inter‑institutional agreements (IIAs) completed through the Erasmus Without Paper (EWP) network. As 2024 begins, the focus is on consolidating last year’s achievements and addressing the remaining challenges to ensure that all institutions can use EWP effectively.
Strengthening Collaboration Across the Higher Education Community
Collaboration with the higher education sector strengthened throughout 2023. EWP Champions were selected to promote best practices, and a first meeting was held in Brussels. The project team also developed new guides based on input from 500 institutions and expanded support through the launch of an EWP newsletter and active peer exchange in user groups. Technical developments continued as well, including improvements to the Erasmus+ App and updates to the EWP network based on user feedback.
Growing Use of Digital Agreements and Student Tools
Usage increased significantly by the end of 2023, reaching 145,500 completed IIAs and 174,000 LAs. About 40% of all digital Learning Agreements now move through EWP, and the Erasmus+ App saw around 30,000 new downloads.
2024 Priorities: From Consolidation to Wider Adoption
For 2024, priorities include introducing new functionalities for IIAs, updating standards in line with user input, and later shifting focus to Learning Agreements and factsheet updates. Another App update will enhance student support, including accommodation search. Targeted support remains essential, especially for institutions not yet exchanging data via EWP. Efforts will focus on increasing the share of digital LAs, as each non‑participating institution impacts large numbers of students and staff. Institutions needing assistance can rely on materials and services available through the ESCI portal.
For more details see: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/news/erasmus-without-paper-reflecting-on-2023-setting-2024-priorities