opinion parliamentary committee draft, 20 February 2026
On the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028-2034, and repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and (EU) 2021/888
Document DEVE-PA-782335 · (COM(2025)0549 – C100170/2025 – 2025/0222(COD))
Committee on Development · Rapporteur: Carolina Morace
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Short justification 146 paragraphs
Your rapporteur considers that Erasmus+ should remain a transformative instrument supporting inclusive education, youth empowerment and sustainable international partnerships, with particular relevance for cooperation with developing countries. The Programme’s international dimension should be implemented on the basis of reciprocity, mutual benefit and policy coherence for development, contributing to the strengthening of local education and training systems in partner countries while mitigating risks of structural human capital depletion.
Your rapporteur further underlines that persistent structural inequalities continue to limit equitable participation. Greater attention should therefore be paid to participants facing socio-economic disadvantage, disability, territorial isolation and other vulnerabilities, supported by a clearer definition of “people with fewer opportunities”, improved inclusion indicators and reinforced monitoring and reporting arrangements. The recognition and mutual validation of non-formal and informal learning outcomes are essential to maximise the Programme’s lifelong learning dimension and social impact.
Moreover, your rapporteur emphasises that democratic literacy, critical thinking and youth civic participation constitute intrinsic objectives of Erasmus+ alongside employability outcomes. The Programme should also preserve and reinforce its humanitarian dimension, including through support for volunteering and solidarity actions in fragile contexts.
Finally, improved accessibility for small NGOs and grassroots organisations and stronger support for local institutional capacity-building are necessary to ensure balanced partnerships and equitable development outcomes.
AMENDMENT
The Committee on Development submits the following to the Committee on Culture and Education, as the committee responsible:
Amendment 1
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11) In line with the EU Youth Strategy7 , the European Youth Work Agenda8 and the 2024 Communication on the legacy of the European Year of Youth 20229 , the Programme should support meaningful participation of young people and youth organisations in decision and policy making, youth mainstreaming across policy fields, the validation of non-formal and informal learning, high-quality youth work and competence development of youth workers. The programme will continue to support all young people to participate in learning mobility and non-formal learning mobility, including youth exchanges and youth participation activities, with the objective to engage and empower young people to acquire and develop competences for life and their professional future, to become active citizens and participate in economic, social, cultural, democratic and political life, and to connect them to the European project and contribute to building an inclusive, competitive and resilient Union. | (11) In line with the EU Youth Strategy7 , the European Youth Work Agenda8 and the 2024 Communication on the legacy of the European Year of Youth 20229 , the Programme should support meaningful participation of young people and youth organisations in decision and policy making, youth mainstreaming across policy fields, the validation of non-formal and informal learning, high-quality youth work and competence development of youth workers. The programme will not be limited to labour market integration objectives and will continue to support all young people to participate in learning mobility and non-formal learning mobility, including youth exchanges and youth participation activities, with the objective to engage and empower young people to acquire and develop competences for life and their professional future, such as civic engagement, critical thinking and media literacy, to become active citizens and participate in economic, social, cultural, democratic and political life, and to connect them to the European project and contribute to building an inclusive, competitive and resilient Union. |
| 7 Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field: The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (OJ C 456, ST/14944/2018/INIT, 18.12.2018). | 7 Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field: The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (OJ C 456, ST/14944/2018/INIT, 18.12.2018). |
| 8 Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the Framework for establishing a European Youth Work Agenda 2020/C 415/01 (OJ C 415, 1.12.2020). | 8 Resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the Framework for establishing a European Youth Work Agenda 2020/C 415/01 (OJ C 415, 1.12.2020). |
| 9 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the European Year of Youth 2022 (COM/2024/1 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/txt/?uri=celex:52024dc0001) | 9 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the European Year of Youth 2022 (COM/2024/1 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/txt/?uri=celex:52024dc0001) |
Or. en
Justification
Read the rest (134 paragraphs)
Erasmus+ must not be reduced to a labour-market instrument. At a time of democratic backsliding and disinformation, civic engagement, critical thinking and media literacy are essential for the resilience of European democracy.
Amendment 2
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15) The international dimension of the Programme should aim to offer opportunities for learning mobility, cooperation and policy dialogue with third countries not associated to the Programme, building on the experience of predecessor programmes, including to contribute to competitiveness of the Union, while ensuring protection of the Union’s economic security interests. To increase the impact of those activities, it is important to enhance synergies between the Programme and Global Europe, taking into account the enlargement of the Union, the Global Gateway Strategy and the education and training, youth and sport policy frameworks. | (15) The international dimension of the Programme should aim to offer opportunities for learning mobility, cooperation and policy dialogue with third countries not associated to the Programme, based on principles of mutual benefit, horizontality and the right to education, building on the experience of predecessor programmes, including to contribute to competitiveness of the Union, while ensuring protection of the Union’s economic security interests, avoiding extractive models or structural imbalances, including brain drain effects, and prioritising the strengthening of local education and training systems in partner countries. To increase the impact of those activities, it is important to enhance synergies between the Programme and Global Europe, taking into account the enlargement of the Union, the Global Gateway Strategy and the education and training, youth and sport policy frameworks. |
Or. en
Justification
The Programme’s international dimension must be based on reciprocity and solidarity. Addressing brain drain risks and strengthening local systems ensures policy coherence and avoids extractive mobility patterns.
Amendment 3
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20 a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (20a) The integration of the European Solidarity Corps into the Programme should preserve the distinct identity, visibility and dedicated budgetary allocation of the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps. |
Or. en
Justification
The humanitarian identity and visibility of the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps must be preserved through dedicated funding and clear institutional recognition.
Amendment 4
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (33) The Programme should be designed to promote inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities by widening access to mobility, volunteering and learning across the Union and beyond, thereby enabling all people to fully benefit from a transformative experience. | (33) The Programme should be designed to promote inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities by widening access to mobility, volunteering and learning across the Union and beyond, thereby enabling all people to fully benefit from a transformative experience, with particular attention to structural inequalities linked to socio-economic background, geographic location, including rural and remote areas, disability, care responsibilities and economic barriers. |
Or. en
Justification
Inclusion requires addressing structural inequalities such as poverty, territorial isolation and care responsibilities. Explicit recognition strengthens the Programme’s social justice dimension.
Amendment 5
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34 a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (34a) In order to ensure effective inclusion, binding minimum financial allocations should be established for participants with fewer opportunities, including those facing socio-economic disadvantage, disability or geographic isolation, and for outreach activities targeting rural, remote and non-metropolitan areas. |
Or. en
Justification
Binding minimum allocations ensure that inclusion commitments are translated into measurable financial priorities rather than remaining purely declaratory.
Amendment 6
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (42) In line with Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the Programme should take into account the specific situation of the outermost regions referred to in that Article, including measures to facilitate their participation to the Programme. | (42) In line with Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the Programme should take into account the specific situation of the outermost regions referred to in that Article, including measures to facilitate their participation to the Programme. Activities should prioritise sustainable transport modes and include systematic carbon footprint assessment. |
Or. en
Justification
Support for outermost regions must align with climate objectives. Promoting sustainable transport and carbon assessment ensures policy coherence.
Amendment 7
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2) ‘adult learning’ means any form of formal, non-formal or informal learning for adults, encompassing opportunities for skills development, upskilling and reskilling for competitiveness, enhancing social cohesion and supporting active participation in society; | (2) ‘adult learning’ means any form of formal, non-formal or informal learning for adults, encompassing opportunities for skills development, upskilling and reskilling for competitiveness, enhancing social cohesion and supporting active participation in society, with explicit recognition of non-formal and informal learning outcomes; |
Or. en
Justification
Explicit recognition of non-formal and informal learning outcomes strengthens lifelong learning and supports social cohesion.
Amendment 8
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) ‘people with fewer opportunities’ means people who, for economic, social, cultural, geographical or health reasons or due to their migrant background, or for reasons such as disability or educational difficulties or for any other reason, including a reason that could constitute discrimination under Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, face obstacles that prevent them from having effective access to opportunities under the Programme; | (12) ‘people with fewer opportunities’ means people who, due to structural inequalities linked to poverty, care responsibilities, rural or remote residence, housing insecurity or other forms of economic vulnerability, social, cultural, geographical or health reasons or due to their migrant background or their socio-economic background, or for reasons such as disability or educational difficulties or for any other reason, including a reason that could constitute discrimination under Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, face obstacles that prevent them from having effective access to opportunities under the Programme; |
Or. en
Justification
A broader definition of “people with fewer opportunities” improves targeting of structural disadvantages and ensures consistent implementation.
Amendment 9
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ga) foster democratic literacy, critical thinking, media literacy and youth-led civic participation as intrinsic objectives independent of labour market outcomes. |
Or. en
Justification
Democratic literacy and youth civic participation are intrinsic objectives of Erasmus+ and must be recognised independently of employability outcomes.
Amendment 10
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. All actions under the Programme shall comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and relevant international human rights standards. |
Or. en
Justification
Explicit reference to the Charter of Fundamental Rights ensures legal clarity and alignment with Union values.
Amendment 11
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4a. The Programme shall strengthen validation and mutual recognition mechanisms for non-formal and informal learning, including micro-credentials across Member States. |
Or. en
Justification
Strengthening validation and mutual recognition mechanisms removes barriers and enhances the transformative impact of mobility.
Amendment 12
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ba) mutual recognition of learning outcomes, qualifications and micro-credentials obtained under the Programme, in accordance with existing Union frameworks; |
Or. en
Justification
Embedding mutual recognition within existing Union frameworks guarantees portability and legal certainty of learning outcomes.
Amendment 13
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. At least 30 % of the Programme’s overall financial envelope shall be allocated to actions directly benefiting people with fewer opportunities. |
Or. en
Justification
A minimum 30% allocation structurally embeds inclusion within the Programme and reflects Parliament’s commitment to widening participation.
Amendment 14
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 7 a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 7a. The Commission shall establish binding inclusion indicators and require annual reporting by national agencies. |
Or. en
Justification
Binding inclusion indicators and annual reporting enhance transparency, accountability and effective implementation.
Amendment 15
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The indicative financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2028-2034 is set at EUR 40 827 000 000 in current prices. | 1. The indicative financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2028-2034 is set at EUR 60 000 000 000 in current prices. |
Or. en
Justification
The increased financial envelope reflects expanded objectives, inflationary pressures and persistent oversubscription.
Amendment 16
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. A separate and identifiable budget line shall be maintained within the Programme for the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps. |
Or. en
Justification
A separate budget line ensures transparency and safeguards the distinct humanitarian dimension.
Amendment 17
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. Beneficiaries shall prioritise low-carbon transport. Financial incentives may be granted for sustainable travel. Carbon reporting shall be mandatory for learning mobility exceeding two weeks. |
Or. en
Justification
Prioritising low-carbon transport and carbon reporting aligns mobility actions with the Union’s climate commitments.
Amendment 18
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Actions implemented with developing countries shall promote local institutional capacity and avoid structural depletion of human capital. |
Or. en
Justification
Cooperation with developing countries must strengthen local capacity and avoid structural human capital depletion.
Amendment 19
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 4 a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4a. Simplified cost options, lighter reporting obligations and dedicated technical assistance shall be introduced for small non-governmental organisations and grassroots organisations. |
Or. en
Justification
Simplified cost options and lighter reporting improve access for small NGOs and grassroots organisations.
Amendment 20
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. The Commission shall establish measurable indicators covering: | |
| (i) the socio-economic background of participants; | |
| (ii) the participation of persons from rural and remote areas; | |
| (iii) geographic balance; | |
| (iv) the environmental impact of mobility; and | |
| (v) the participation of small organisations. | |
| Annual public reports shall be published in disaggregated format. |
Or. en
Justification
Disaggregated indicators and public reporting are essential for democratic oversight and evidence-based policymaking.