New report measures the EU youth programme’s success, but not everyone benefits
A new report by the European Youth Forum measures the support of the European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme to youth civil society, while identifying critical barriers that prevent it from reaching its full potential. Erasmus+ is the European Union's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe, with an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. According to the report, 95% of surveyed youth organisations confirmed that the programme has enabled them to support young people’s participation in civil society. More than half also emphasised that Erasmus+ has improved the quality of youth work in their organisation. However, more must be done to ensure Erasmus+ is accessible to all, especially young people with fewer opportunities.
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According to the research authors, many interviewees welcomed the programme’s effectiveness in helping them reach young people with fewer opportunities. However, two thirds of the surveyed organisations also identified structural challenges in the programme’s rules that prevented them from improving their outreach. For example, the rules on transport costs often did not fully cover travel costs for young people in rural or remote areas. Similarly, participants identified barriers to resourcing the funds necessary to ensure that events were accessible for people with disabilities. The authors conclude that organisations led by young people with fewer opportunities are often left shortchanged by the European Union’s support.
In response to the findings, Caillum Hedderman, Board Member of the European Youth Forum, said:
“Erasmus+ plays a crucial role in creating opportunities for millions of young Europeans, but we need to make sure no one is left behind. This means an increase in funding and simpler rules. Youth organisations which often rely on young volunteers and their dedication, depend on funding that is accessible and comes without unnecessary administrative burdens”.
Since 2021, the share of youth organisations that have secured Erasmus+ funding has decreased, even if the programme’s overall budget increased in comparison to the previous seven year cycle. The programme’s complexity disproportionately affects smaller, volunteer-driven organisations – especially those led by people with fewer opportunities. The authors highlight that this growing complexity tends to favour professionalised, well-staffed organisations, leaving volunteer-driven initiatives at a disadvantage. These structural barriers are making it harder to navigate applications, secure grants and keep up with the reporting requirements. Eventually, risking sidelining the very organisations best placed to reach young people across Europe.
The report also contextualises these challenges within the broader societal landscape across Europe, where rising authoritarianism threatens democratic values. Erasmus+ plays a vital role in fostering civic space and empowering young people to become active citizens.
As negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) continue, the European Youth Forum calls the EU to increase Erasmus+ funding fivefold and improve accessibility for all youth organisations.
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