The Erasmus+ Program has published a call for proposals for projects supporting mobility and cooperation in education, training, youth and sport for 2020. The total budget for the year will be in excess of €3 billion, an increase of 12% over 2019.
Both public and private bodies working in the fields of education, training, youth and sport can apply for Erasmus+ funding, as can groups of young people who are active in youth work but not formally established as youth organisations.
“I am very pleased that in 2020 the European Union is set to invest more than €3 billion in Erasmus+,” said Tibor Navracsics, the commissioner for education, culture, youth and sport.
“[The funding] will allow us to open up more opportunities for young Europeans to study or train abroad, enabling them to learn and develop a European identity.”
Nine million people have participated in the Erasmus+ program since it was launched 30 years ago, with 800,000 having taken part in 2017 alone.
According to the European Commission, five years after graduation young people who have studied or trained abroad have a 23% lower unemployment rate than non-mobile peers.
The EC pledged earlier this year to double funding for Erasmus+ for the 2021-27 cycle after budgeting €14.7 million for 2014-2020.
However, some have voiced concerns that this is not enough to ensure the program remains inclusive and open to all.
“Tripling the funding is crucial to ensure more equal access for a larger group of beneficiaries… especially those from disadvantaged groups who still struggle to access and be successful in the current program,” Sebastian Berger, vice president of the European Students’ Union, told The PIE News.
“Erasmus+ needs to benefit the many, not only the few. Increased accessibility and a focus on creating an inclusive program need to be at the heart of all policy considerations.”
According to the proposal guidelines, UK applicants are still eligible to apply but will be at risk of losing funding if the UK leaves the EU within the period of the project.