In a press release published on Friday, 18 July, the European University Association (EUA) welcomed the European Commission’s proposal for the next multiannual financial framework (2028–2034) on maintaining Horizon Europe (see EUROPE 13683/7) and Erasmus+ (see EUROPE 13683/5) as stand-alone programmes. According to the EUA, it is a choice that recognises the major role that education, research, and innovation play in the EU’s prosperity and competitiveness.
Nevertheless, the EUA expressed reservations about Erasmus+, whose budget would increase from €26.5 billion to €40.8 billion.
Indeed, despite this 54% increase, the association believes that there is still uncertainty about the programme’s ability to cover all of its priorities—both past and future—while inflation persists, so it is calling for a further increase.
The EUA is also concerned about generalising the use of lump-sum funding, which is based on predefined fixed amounts—irrespective of the costs incurred. According to the association, this does not suit the diversity of higher education and research establishments in Europe. It would thus be necessary to maintain more flexible funding in order to respond to the realities on the ground. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)