European Parliament backs a stronger Erasmus+: now it's time to deliver for young people
Last week, the European Parliament adopted its position on the next Erasmus+ Programme for 2028–2034, and there is good news for young people! With stronger protections for youth organisations, dedicated funding for youth and safeguarding volunteering, Members of the European Parliament have taken an important step towards an Erasmus+ that works for all young people. But the job is not done yet. As negotiations with EU Member States begin, we must ensure these achievements are not watered down and that the final programme leaves no young person behind.
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A step in the right direction for young people
On 22 October, the European Parliament adopted its report on the next generation of Erasmus+, with 454 votes in favour, 34 against and 93 abstentions.
The Parliament's position represents significant progress, with MEPs recognising the importance of safeguarding the youth sector, supporting volunteering and ensuring that Erasmus+ continues to promote active citizenship and solidarity. This is a step in the right direction, particularly at a time of increasing polarisation and anti-democratic tendencies in Europe.
But the Parliament's vote is not the end of the road.
The next step is the trilogues, where the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission will negotiate the final Regulation. Three important achievements must survive these negotiations.
First, the earmarking of 15% of the Erasmus+ budget for youth and volunteering.
Without guaranteed funding, youth organisations risk being pushed aside by larger institutions and competing priorities. This is particularly important given the merger of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) into Erasmus+, which risks diluting volunteering and youth work into wider education priorities.
Moreover, the youth sector is also particularly successful in reaching young people with fewer opportunities. In fact, 28% of participants in the Erasmus+ youth chapter are young people with fewer opportunities, compared to the average 15% across the wider programme, making dedicated funding essential to ensuring an inclusive programme.
Second, the recognition of youth organisations through a definition in the Regulation.
Youth organisations, often youth-led and powered by volunteers, increasingly compete for funding with large institutions and consultancies with greater administrative capacity. In the current programme, only 31% of applications under the youth chapter are successful, the lowest success rate of all sectors by far, with the rate amounting to 82% in higher education and 59% in vocational education and training.
The pressure is only increasing. For instance, applications to European Youth Together grants have grown from 47 in 2022, to 224 in 2026, while the available budget has remained unchanged. With youth civic spaces shrinking, we cannot afford an Erasmus+ that makes it harder for youth organisations to do their work. A clear definition of youth organisations is essential to ensure Erasmus+ funding genuinely reaches organisations working directly with young people.
Third, the greater prominence given to volunteering.
Volunteering is a powerful driver of solidarity, active citizenship and non-formal learning. Research from the RAY-Network shows that 65% of ESC participants report increased motivation to engage in their community, social and political life, 71% said they felt more connected to Europe, and 92% agreed they improved their ability to get along with people from different cultural backgrounds.
The integration of the European Solidarity Corps into Erasmus+ must not come at the expense of its transformational impact. The ESC has provided unique opportunities for young people to engage in solidarity activities, support their communities and gain valuable experiences through non-formal learning.
Two challenges that cannot be ignored
While the Parliament's position brings important improvements, two crucial issues still need to be addressed by the European Parliament and the Council during the trilogues.
Keeping Erasmus+ open to young people and youth organisations in Europe beyond the EU.
The proposed new model of full and partial association risks restricting opportunities for youth organisations and young people in neighbouring European countries. Erasmus+ has always been more than an EU mobility programme: it builds bridges, strengthens civil society and promotes democratic participation across borders. Partial association should be a stepping stone towards full participation, not a new barrier. The final Regulation must guarantee meaningful access for youth organisations from neighbouring countries, including to decentralised funding under the youth strand.
Safeguarding operating grants for youth organisations.
Unlike project funding, operating grants provide the structural support youth organisations need to sustain their networks, represent young people's interests and contribute to European youth policy. At a time when civic space is under increasing pressure, the EU must strengthen, not weaken, this support. The final Regulation must explicitly safeguard operating grants to ensure a strong, independent and sustainable European youth sector.
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