Coimbra Group calls for a €60 billion Erasmus+ budget for 2028-2034
07 January 2026
The Coimbra Group has joined forces with other European higher education organisations to issue a joint statement calling for an Erasmus+ budget of at least €60 billion for 2028–2034. With negotiations on the EU’s next long-term budget currently under way, the statement, published today (7 January), urges the European Parliament and Member States to significantly strengthen Erasmus+ funding so it can meet the programme’s growing objectives.
Prof. Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Executive Board of the Coimbra Group, highlighted Erasmus+ unique role in European integration: “Investing in Erasmus+ means investing in the European project itself. The programme embodies the idea of ‘united in diversity’ by fostering intercultural understanding, inclusion, multilingualism and academic cooperation across borders. It creates a strong sense of belonging and shared European identity, connecting generations of learners and institutions.”
Coimbra Group universities are deeply embedded in the success of Erasmus+. More than 16% of all Erasmus+ grants awarded across the EU involve a Coimbra Group institution as a sending or receiving partner. Ensuring a robust and ambitious Erasmus+ budget is essential not only to maintain mobility and cooperation at scale, but also to broaden access, enhance inclusion, and strengthen democratic values and long-term societal cohesion on the continent.
Signed by 17 organisations, the statement “A stronger Europe needs a properly funded Erasmus+” reflects a broad consensus across the higher education sector: the expanding scope and responsibilities of Erasmus+ in the next funding period require a budget that is commensurate with ambitions.
