Erasmus+ is a bargain: at least 47.4 billion for all our progress
22 October 2026
The Erasmus+ Coalition’s letter, “Erasmus+ is a bargain: at least €47.4 billion for all our progress,” calls on EU Ministers of Finance and Foreign/European Affairs to protect and increase investment in Erasmus+ under the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework.
Representing 88 EU-level organisations and more than 6,200 member organisations across Europe, the Coalition argues that Erasmus+ is one of the EU’s most impactful programmes despite accounting for only around 2% of the EU budget. It calls for a minimum budget of €47.4 billion, in line with the European Parliament’s position, warning that cuts would undermine opportunities for future generations.
The letter highlights the programme’s contribution to education and skills, youth empowerment, volunteering and sport, as well as its role in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, democratic participation, social cohesion and resilience in the face of global challenges. It points to the contrast between the 33% of young people who do not reach basic literacy according to PISA and the 96% of Erasmus+ participants who report improved key competences. It also emphasises the programme’s economic case, citing an estimated tenfold return on investment.
The Coalition’s central message is that investing in Erasmus+ is an investment in Europe’s future. At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, technological transformation and growing social and economic pressures, the EU should protect the programme’s funding rather than reduce one of the instruments that helps citizens develop the skills, critical thinking and democratic engagement needed to address these challenges.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.