Coimbra Group proposes joint amendments to the Erasmus+ proposal

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Coimbra Group proposes joint amendments to the Erasmus+ proposal

18 February 2026

On 18 February 2026, the Coimbra Group, together with a broad coalition of European higher education organisations, representing universities, students, national agencies and sector stakeholders, published a shared package of amendments to the European Commission’s proposal for the next Erasmus+ programme (2028–2034).

The proposed amendments aim to reaffirm the core missions of Erasmus+: supporting learning mobility and transnational cooperation across all fields of study; safeguarding quality and inclusiveness; ensuring transparent governance; and reinforcing its international dimension. They also underline that new priorities must complement, not dilute, the programme’s longstanding objectives.

“We are proud of this broad collaborative effort across the higher education sector. With these common amendments we aim to reinforce the Commission’s proposal for the next generation of the Erasmus+ programme. Our message as a united European higher education community is clear: let’s build on 40 years of success, ensure that Erasmus+ remains Europe’s flagship programme, and continue strengthening our education systems, our democratic values and the European Education Area, while transforming individuals’ lives”, said Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board.

The signatory organisations represent the institutions and communities that implement and sustain Erasmus+ across Europe and beyond. We are committed to supporting the co-legislators throughout the negotiations, contributing with our experience and evidence to help shape a more ambitious, inclusive and globally engaged Erasmus+ for 2028–2034.

The Coimbra Group brings together 42 long-established, research-intensive, multidisciplinary universities of outstanding international reputation, located in 22 countries across Europe. Founded in 1985, the Coimbra Group was among the initiators of the Erasmus + programme and has consistently played a leading role in its successive developments, with its member universities at the forefront of key initiatives such as Erasmus Mundus, the European Universities alliances, Erasmus Without Paper, the European Student Card Initiative or the advancement of greener international mobility. Each year, more than 16% of all Erasmus+ grants awarded across the EU involve a Coimbra Group university, either as a sending or receiving institution.

Drawing on the collective experience of the Higher Education community, the following actions are needed: