Leipzig, Germany · 2–5 June 2026

The Erasmus+ Future Forum

The Erasmus+ Future Forum gathered representatives of international networks, associations, education professionals and trainers in Leipzig to discuss the next Erasmus+ Programme, explore the proposal currently on the table, and turn key priorities into a shared voice.

What we're asking for

The demands

01

A budget that matches the ambition

Raise the overall budget to at least €60 billion — towards €80 billion with Agora EU — indexed for inflation, and distribute it fairly, with higher recognition for Erasmus+ Youth and defined earmarks for every sector.

02

Skills for everyone, not a pipeline for the few

Embed the Union of Skills as a cross-cutting priority, not a standalone pillar, so employability never overrides civic education — and ring-fence at least 25% of the Erasmus+ Youth budget for inclusion, participation and intercultural dialogue.

03

A standalone European Solidarity Corps

Keep the ESC as a distinct programme with its own objectives, governance and visibility. Simplify access through shared digital tools and coordination — not by merging it into Erasmus+.

04

From participation to recognition

Strengthen the recognition of non-formal learning: reinforce Youthpass, integrate it with Europass, standardise it, and build a flexible, multi-level recognition system across exchanges, volunteering, training and VET.

Forum participants selected these four areas as key points to address in the current proposal for the next Erasmus+. Check the full position paper for the reasoning and demands behind each one.

About the event

The forum

Two working days in Leipzig, eight facilitated sessions, and one shared goal: map the field of networks active in Erasmus+, find common ground across very different organisations, and turn field experience into concrete recommendations.

See who took part, how the days were structured, and the materials that came out of it.

Forum participants networking and talking in groups during a break in Leipzig.

The main output

The position paper

A single document, co-authored by every participating network, addressed to the European Commission, EACEA and policymakers. It holds a plurality of perspectives behind a set of clear, shared messages about the future of Erasmus+.

A participant presenting the position paper template on a flip chart to the group.