Committee Backed Increased Erasmus+ Budget
The European Parliament committee voted to expand funding for the upcoming 2028-2034 Erasmus+ programme.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Scholarships
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The Culture and Education Committee has voted to increase the proposed 2028-2034 budget for the Erasmus+ programme to €47.39 billion. This decision marks a significant increase over the European Commission's original proposal of €40.8 billion.
Why it matters
Lawmakers are pushing for higher funding levels and simplified management to ensure the programme reaches its full potential. The committee also aims to prioritize inclusion by setting a target for at least 20% of participants to have limited access to opportunities.
The committee proposed allocating 74.6% of the budget to education and training, 15% to youth and volunteering, and 4.1% to sport. Since 1987, the Erasmus+ programme has seen 17 million total participants.
The players
Culture and Education Committee
This body within the European Parliament is responsible for policy areas concerning education, youth, and cultural affairs.
European Commission
This executive branch of the European Union is responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions.
Council of the EU
This institution represents the member states of the European Union and acts as one of the primary legislative bodies.
The details
The proposal incorporates best practices from the European Solidarity Corps into the broader Erasmus+ framework to streamline operations. The committee vote in the European Parliament passed with 24 votes in favor, one against, and one abstention.
Timeline
1987: The Erasmus+ programme was created.
16 July 2025: The European Commission proposed the new Erasmus+ regulation.
May 2026: The Council of the EU agreed on its position for the programme.
September 29, 2026: The committee voted to amend the Commission proposal.
2027: The Erasmus+ programme will celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Culture Shift
This proposal reflects a broader shift toward integrating volunteerism and inclusion goals into traditional academic exchange frameworks. The push for a larger budget follows the 2028-2034 Erasmus+ programme's aim to expand accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.
Proposed funding levels directly dictate the availability of future grants for international exchange and volunteer projects. Students and organizations should track these budgetary negotiations to understand potential future access to program opportunities.
The takeaway
The move to increase the Erasmus+ budget signals a clear priority for international academic and cultural exchange in the coming decade. Prospective participants should monitor the final budget outcome to gauge the volume of grants available in their respective fields.
What happens next
The full European Parliament will hold a vote on the committee position during an upcoming plenary session, followed by formal negotiations with the Council of the EU.
Further reading
For more on educational funding and opportunities, see our Scholarships section.
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