Erasmus+ is the European Union's programme for education, training, youth, and sport, running from 2021 to 2027. These fields are crucial in helping individuals grow both personally and professionally. The programme aims to provide high-quality, inclusive education and training, as well as opportunities for informal and non-formal learning. These opportunities prepare people of all ages to actively participate in democratic society, embrace intercultural understanding, and successfully enter the workforce.
Building on the success of the 2014–2020 phase, Erasmus+ is expanding its reach, offering more opportunities to a wider range of participants and organizations. The focus is onmaking societies more inclusive, cohesive, environmentally sustainable, and digitally advanced.
As European society becomes increasingly mobile, multicultural, and digital, it is essential for citizens to develop the knowledge and skills required for this dynamic environment. Erasmus+ encourages students and professionals to spend time in other countries, learning new languages and gaining international experience. The programme supports key EU initiatives, such as the European Education Area and the Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027), while also contributing to recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic by promoting equal access to education for all.
Erasmus+ is committed to inclusivity, providing opportunities for people from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. The programme targets those with fewer opportunities, such as individuals with disabilities, migrants, or those living in remote areas. By supporting these groups, Erasmus+ helps foster participation in civic life and raises awareness about shared European values.
The programme also aims to empower young people by encouraging active participation in democracy, particularly through activities linked to the European Year of Youth 2022. Erasmus+ also emphasizes the development of digital skills, as well as expertise in areas like climate change, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and robotics. This focus on forward-looking fields is crucial for Europe's sustainable growth.
In recent years, Europe has faced challenges in terms of low participation in democratic life and limited awareness of European matters. Many citizens find it difficult to engage with their communities or the EU’s political processes. Erasmus+ helps address this by promoting non-formal learning activities, which enhance civic participation and strengthen European identity, particularly among young people.
In line with the EU’s sustainability goals, Erasmus+ encourages eco-friendly practices in all aspects of its projects. Participants and organizations are urged to consider environmental issues and seek greener ways to implement their activities.
A core goal of Erasmus+ is to promote cooperation between organizations across Europe and beyond in education, training, youth, and sport. This transnational cooperation helps individuals develop key skills, reduces early school leaving, and recognizes competencies gained through both formal and informal learning. The programme facilitates the exchange of ideas, best practices, and expertise, while enhancing digital capabilities and promoting social cohesion.
With over 30 years of success, Erasmus+ has made a lasting impact on education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. The programme remains one of the EU’s most visible and effective tools for fostering international cooperation and improving the quality of education.
General Objective
The Erasmus+ programme aims to support lifelong learning by promoting the educational, professional, and personal development of individuals. By doing so, it contributes to sustainable growth, high-quality jobs, social cohesion, innovation, and stronger European identity and active citizenship. Erasmus+ plays a key role in building the European Education Area and advancing youth policy under the EU Youth Strategy (2019–2027), while also developing the European dimension in sport.
Specific Objectives
The programme has three specific objectives:
Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC)
15, Graf Ignatiev Street, 3th floor
1000, Sofia
Bulgaria
Tel: 00359 2 91 550 10
Web: www.hrdc.bg
eMail: hrdc@hrdc.bg
The Official Erasmus+ Website
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/