Invest in mobility to boost skills in Europe
On behalf of the Dutch knowledge community, Neth-ER presents its reaction to the European Commission’s proposal for the next Erasmus+ programme: 'Invest in mobility to boost skills in Europe'. Neth-ER makes concrete recommendations for changes to the proposal in five areas: budget, mobility, inclusion, partnerships and simplification.
Double the budget & preserve 50% for mobility
In line with Neth-ER’s campaign ‘Double Knowledge’, we call for a doubled Erasmus+ budget of at least €60 billion. A doubled budget should maintain the current proportional distribution across all education sectors. At least 50% of the budget should remain dedicated to mobility, consistent with the Erasmus+ programmes 2024-2020 and 2021-2027. In line with calls by Draghi and Letta, increased investment in education and skills are indispensable to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and resilience.
Balance between education and skills
The regulation should put more emphasis on the personal development of students to create a more equal balance between education and skills. Quality education is the programme’s core mission and must not be overshadowed by a disproportionate focus on skills for the labour market. Prioritising mobility as a transformative learning experience in itself fosters development of soft skills and promotes democratic principles which are essential for long-term European competitiveness.
More mobility opportunities for all learners
The upcoming Erasmus+ programme must allocate adequate funding for mobility, inclusion and accessibility in every sector to ensure equal opportunities for all learners. Learning mobility remains well below the 2030 targets, making increased resources essential to sustain and expand the programme’s impact. The regulation must also include detailed measures to support students with fewer opportunities, with particular attention to targeted support for VET learners, to ensure equal access and opportunities across all pathways, sectors, and levels. Furthermore, recognition of qualifications requires additional attention. Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) provide a suitable framework to test and scale up initiatives that improve the transferability of skills, particularly in border regions.
Structural investment in sustainable partnerships
The Regulation must ensure stable, equitable, and long-term funding pathways for European University Alliances and CoVEs. To secure their long-term viability, both initiatives need structural financing that enables institutions to plan beyond short term project cycles. Project partnerships and networks may develop at varying pace and meaningful, lasting results take time. As both University Alliances and CoVEs are important partnerships within the European knowledge ecosystem, both require explicit and equal acknowledgement in the Regulation.
Real simplification for institutions and individuals
Neth-ER urges the Commission to introduce concrete simplification measures to ease the administrative burden. Standardised rules and procedures would limit diverging applications by national agencies and encourage uniformity and digitalisation. The Commission should structurally simplify grants and calls and user-friendly digital tools. Real simplification requires reducing the amount of participant data requested, critically reviewing the necessity and format of documents. Finally, the Commission must support implementing institutions by offering adequate training opportunities.
Context
This reaction was drafted in collaboration with Neth-ER’s members: ISO, JOBmbo, KNAW, LsVb, Nuffic, NWO, MBO Raad, TNO, UNL, UMCNL and the VH. In the summer of 2025 the Commission published the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework. At the time, Neth-ER issued a statement where it highlighted the need for a doubling of the budget to expand learning mobility and inclusion for all. Negotiations are ongoing between the Council and Parliament with regards to the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework.
Co-authored by Laura van der Vleuten.
