Erasmus+: €47bn, Hungary back in and Parliament in control

The next Erasmus+ programme must be bigger, fairer and more firmly under Parliament's control, according to a draft report by Parliament’s negotiator, Bogdan Zdrojewski MEP, which was debated in the Culture and Education Committee today, Wednesday.

The report proposes increasing the Erasmus+ budget for 2028-2034 from the €40.8 billion proposed by the European Commission to €47.39 billion. The aim is to ensure that Europe's flagship mobility programme can reach more young people, particularly those with fewer opportunities, while supporting education, training, youth, volunteering and sport.

"Erasmus+ is one of Europe's greatest success stories, but success cannot be taken for granted. If we want more young people to benefit from studying, training and volunteering abroad, we need a budget that matches our ambitions," Zdrojewski said.

The report also pushes back against plans that would give the Commission greater discretion over spending decisions. Instead, it calls for clear budget earmarking across the programme's key sectors to ensure predictability for beneficiaries and proper democratic oversight.

"Flexibility must not become a blank cheque. Parliament must retain a meaningful say over how Erasmus+ money is spent," Zdrojewski insisted.

The debate comes as Hungary prepares to rejoin Erasmus+ following an agreement between the Hungarian government and the European Commission. 

"I am delighted that Hungarian students as well as British ones will once again be able to enjoy all the opportunities Erasmus+ offers. Erasmus+ brings Europeans together, builds lifelong connections and strengthens our shared European future," Zdrojewski said.

As Erasmus+ approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027, the EPP Group’s message is clear: invest more, protect democratic oversight and expand opportunities for European students, educators, young professionals or athletes across the Union.