The European Commission published 2020 Erasmus + General Call for proposals on 5 November 2019. This is the final year of the EU programme for mobility and cooperation in education, training, youth and sport. The estimated budget exceeds EUR 3 billion, which is by 12% higher compared to 2019. For young Europeans, this means even more opportunities to study, train or gain professional experience abroad. Within the framework of the 2020 General Call for Proposals the European Commission will start the second European Universities pilot initiative. The EU also wishes to enable participation in the programme for 35 000 African pupils, students and teachers within the framework of the Africa – Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs.
All public and private bodies operating in the field of education, training, youth and sport are eligible to apply for financing under the new call for proposals. Apart from them, youth groups that are not official youth organizations, but are active in the work with the young can also apply. In addition to the Call for Proposals, the European Commission today published the Erasmus+ Programme Guide which is available in all official EU languages. The Guide offers information on all opportunities offered by Erasmus + in 2020 in the field of higher education, vocational education and training, school education, adult education, youth education and sport.
The first 17 European universities were selected in June 2019 and they are preparing for the start of activities. The second call for proposals is based on the first test phase. The initiative will be the main topic of an event to be held by the European Commission on 7 November 2019. The event will gather all previously selected European universities for the first time to exchange information and discuss future steps with students, rectors and competent ministries. Other universities will also participate in the discussions on the future of higher education in Europe.
Erasmus+ is an EU programme for mobility and transnational cooperation in the field of education, training, youth and sport for 2014–2020. The current and the next programme to commence in 2021 have a key role in ensuring the European Education Area by 2025. The goal of Erasmus + programme is to ensure access to all participants, especially the participants who are socially, economically, physically or geographically disadvantaged.
In May 2018, the European Commission proposed to double the funding for Erasmus to €30 billion for the period 2021-2027. It will make it possible to support up to 12 million people.
