garagErasmus Annual Meeting 2026: co-creating the future of mobility

garagErasmus at the OCEANS Conference in Stockholm

which took place in Stockholm on 20–21 June. It was a valuable opportunity for us to reconnect, reflect and reimagine what we can achieve as a network.

This event was more than just a formal gathering; it was a true moment of exchange and shared vision. We focused on key themes such as employability, cultural exchange and international collaboration, discussing how international experiences can boost employability, build intercultural skills and strengthen global collaboration.

The active involvement of ESAA’s sister organisations strengthened the collective message: we are building a stronger, more inclusive and impactful network.

A powerful reminder from this meeting: mobility isn’t just movement: it’s transformation.

Erasmag is officially out!

You can follow the work of our reporters on our social pages Instagram and TikTok.

The project is promoted by garagErasmus, University of Pavia and Gruppo SAE.

Our Network Manager, Carlo Bitetto, has presented ErasMAG to the EC2U Alliance, that is gathering at the University of Pavia.

The European Campus of City-Universities (EC2U) is a multi-cultural and multi-lingual Alliance consisting of eight universities from diverse regions of the European Union: the Universidade de Coimbra, the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași, the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, the Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, the Università degli Studi di Pavia, the Université de Poitiers (Coordinator), the University of Salamanca (Universidad de Salamanca) and the Turun yliopisto – University of Turku.

How to include, not only Erasmus, but also PhD students in the ErasMAG project, has been one of the topics discussed by the alliance.

Stay tuned for the press conference presenting the project, to be held at the University of Pavia on 14 October 2025!

#erasmag #erasmus #university #universityofpavia

Echo-Cultures: Tips for an Eco-Friendly Summer (Sustainable tourism edition)

Dreaming of a greener holiday? Start with these easy tips:

1. Respect culture and people

Every place has its own customs, and it’s always best to know them and show respect.

It’s a great idea to learn a few basic words in the local language.

2. Support local businesses

When you travel, choose local shops, guides and activities.

It helps the local economy while preserving the character of the place.

3. Use sustainable transports

Choose the most sustainable transport options, like public transport, whenever you can.

This reduces CO2 emissions and helps minimize the poor air quality that comes with mass tourism.

Let’s travel responsibly and leave a positive footprint this summer!

See the project

garagErasmus Participates in the EMA General Assembly 2025 in Paris

The two-day Assembly gathered representatives from across Europe and beyond for a dynamic programme of plenary discussions, thematic workshops, and collaborative strategy sessions. Topics ranged from sustainable leadership and diversity in mobility to innovative alumni engagement and cross-organizational cooperation.

garagErasmus contributed actively to the dialogue, sharing its vision for empowering the Erasmus Generation and deepening its longstanding commitment to supporting international talent. The Foundation highlighted the importance of synergy among ESAA partners and the need for strategic partnerships that can foster sustainable and inclusive mobility ecosystems.

By participating in the EMA General Assembly, garagErasmus reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for international cooperation and as a dedicated advocate for the values of Erasmus: openness, opportunity, and unity in diversity.

garagErasmus launches two new Focus Group within his network

On the occasion of the 2024 Higher Education European Networking Summit and in collaboration with the European Commission, garagErasmus established two new Focus Groups.

The first is a Policy Focus Group composed of two members from the garagErasmus Secretariat, five representatives from gE4 local communities, and five representatives from higher education institutions (HEIs). This group will be responsible for shaping, promoting, and implementing strategic initiatives that support the organization’s mission to enhance educational outcomes across Europe.

The second is a Focus Group on European Universities Alliances which will be established to explore the functioning and impact of European Universities. It’s objective is to provide the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) with reliable insights into the real-world operations of these institutions. The group will examine how mobility budgets are allocated within standard university agreements and alliances, and assess the influence of being part of a European University Alliance on funding evaluations by National Agencies (NAs). This work aims to support evidence-based decision-making and improve policy implementation across the European Higher Education landscape.

garagErasmus Participates in the EMA General Assembly 2025 in Paris

Festival d’Europa in Florence – May 9

One of the most moving moments was dedicated to the testimonies of Erasmus students: young men and women took the stage to share their adventures abroad, the challenges they faced, and the bonds they created. Each story was met with heartfelt applause, not only from the audience but also from their classmates, visibly touched and proud. There was a genuine sense of community in the air, as if each story was a piece of a bigger puzzle: that of a young, dynamic, and supportive Europe.

Making the atmosphere even more special was the incredible Erasmus Orchestra, which accompanied the event with overwhelming energy. The music spread through the streets and squares of Florence, giving rhythm to the day and turning it into something unique. It truly felt like living inside a movie, with a live soundtrack marking every emotion, every encounter, every smile.

The afternoon seminars, full of initiatives and European projects, focused on adults as participants in Erasmus mobility. A common theme that emerged was the desire – and at the same time the challenge – to encourage young people’s participation and their understanding of how Europe works. Through the collection of stories, sharing of knowledge, and mobility experiences at European institutions, everyone encouraged us to follow in their footsteps and reminded us what Europe really means in our daily lives.

The Festival d’Europa was not just an event: it was a collective experience, a celebration of cooperation between different cultures, and a reminder that Europe is much more than a geographic area – it is a living project, made of people, music, and stories that deserve to be told.

Souzana Maria Serveta – ErasMAG Reporter

Festival d’Europa in Florence – May 10

The morning’s main highlight was garagErasmus’ vibrant initiative, which placed children and civic engagement at the center. Among the most engaging activities was the Play with Europe game – a giant jigsaw puzzle map of Europe, tailored for kids. As they assembled the colorful pieces, children improved their geography skills and discovered the beauty and diversity of Europe. garagErasmus volunteers kept the learning going by asking fun and age-appropriate questions such as “Can you name a country where people speak Spanish?” or “Can you find an island country on the map?”. Correct answers were rewarded with small prizes, and the activity sparked joy, curiosity, and learning.

Alongside this, a suggestion box titled “The Future of Europe” invited participants of all ages to submit their dreams, ideas, and hopes for the EU. From bold policy suggestions to heartfelt personal reflections, the messages added a meaningful dimension to the day’s celebrations.

Of course, other partners contributed to the festival’s dynamic spirit. For instance, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) organized a popular speed-dating activity that encouraged spontaneous and cross-cultural exchanges with Erasmus students. Participants shared stories and cultural insights, fostering connections that often began as a quick chat and ended in genuine friendship.

Adding to the festivity, the day also featured live music and dance performances. Notably, the Erasmus Orchestra delivered captivating performances that echoed through the city’s historic heart, blending classical elegance with youthful energy. Later on, the Accademia dell’Incompiuto di Pontedera brought an energetic mix of singing and dancing, lifting the crowd with their spirited presence. These rhythmic interludes created an atmosphere of unity that drew everyone – locals, tourists, and festival-goers alike – into the celebration.

Festival d’Europa 2025 is more than just a celebration – it’s a vibrant call to action. It invites us to connect beyond our differences, celebrate our shared heritage, and co-create the future of Europe through dialogue, creativity, and joy.

As the festival concluded, one message rang loud and clear: Europe is alive, united, and full of potential – and it all starts with people coming together.

Elvin Musayev – ErasMAG Reporter

garagErasmus at the Pact for Skills webinar: Securing and retaining skilled workers to tackle skills shortages

The Pact for Skills aims to support public and private organisations in upskilling and reskilling people of working age, so they can thrive in the labour market and society, especially through the green and digital transitions. It is also the first key action of the European Skills Agenda, a five-year plan launched by the EU Commission to help individuals and businesses develop more and better skills by strengthening sustainable competitiveness, ensuring social fairness, and building resilience to face crises.

The webinar offered an overview of the Union of Skills pillar, which focuses on attracting, developing, and retaining talent. Participants had the opportunity to know more about the new Union of Skills initiative by:

Learning how the Pact for Skills can contribute to the Union of Skills;
Hearing from experts and Pact members about mobility and migration initiatives that are helping to address workforce shortages;
Exploring good practice examples and taking part in an engaging discussion on how EU-level policies are being translated into action on the ground.

The thematic webinar allowed participants to explore good practices and served as an important opportunity for sharing and discussing the obstacles faced by the EU in addressing significant labour and skills shortages across multiple sectors. The event featured contributions from experts and presented some strategies for overcoming these challenges.

garagErasmus Staff Meeting in Milan

During these two days, communication and project team members from the Milan, Vicenza, and Brussels offices came together to discuss and exchange views on the foundation’s current priorities, future strategies, and ongoing projects.

Together, we reviewed ongoing initiatives, explored new formats and ideas for social media content, and discussed how to further engage our audiences across Europe.

It was a valuable opportunity to bring together different perspectives, strengthen internal collaboration, and reinforce our vision.

Finally, the meeting included a visit to Ponte Lambro, an inspiring neighborhood in Milan, full of energy, potential, and new opportunities. It’s a place you’ll hear more about in the near future, so stay tuned, news is yet to come!

Noored Ühiskonna Heaks (NYH) joins garagErasmus as gE4Tallinn!

Under the slogan “Join the Learning Transformation,” NYH serves as a platform for personal growth, civic engagement, and community development. Focusing on education, democracy, ecology, and culture, NYH provides opportunities for young people (14-25 years old) and youth workers to participate in impactful projects, leadership initiatives, and international collaborations. While based in Tallinn, NYH operates across Estonia and around Europe through a strong network of partner organisations, reaching diverse communities and supporting youth engagement at local, national, and international levels.

garagErasmus is excited to welcome NYH into its network and looks forward to the future initiatives we will develop together.

gE and gE4Cities at the ESAA Annual Meeting and Training

A delegation of garagErasmus, led by gE Network Manager Carlon Bitetto, joined three-day events in Brussels with the Erasmus Student and Alumni Alliance (ESAA) as protagonist. The delegation included: Sillian Ferrari from gE4Verona, Paula Molina Del Cid from gE4Malaga , Gevorg Harutyunyan from gE4Yerevan, Marina Ageeb from gE4Tuscany, Joanna Ludzien from gE4Katowice, and Oscar Fernandez Gonzalez from gE4Ourense.

After 8 years, the ESAA Annual Meeting, organized by the Erasmus+ Support Service, took place on 3 February with renovated spirit to make the Alliance stronger and more impactful on the life of Erasmus students and alumni of Erasmus all over the world. This is exactly the potential strength of ESAA, which, thanks to the cooperation among garagErasmus Foundation, Erasmus Student Network (ESN), OCEANS Network and Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA), can cover all the crucial aspects of future challenges for the mobile population. This, and the fact that ESAA can now count on the contribution of the Western Balkans Alumni Association (WBAA) and of the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF), will make the future of the alliance even brighter.

Several workshops and panels have been presented during the Annual Meeting. garagErasmus managed a panel on “Strategies for future collaborations”, with the aim of
submitting, in the next weeks, a joint activity, according to ESAA and EACEA priorities, among the organizations.

On the 4 February the ESAA training took place, focusing on the new figure of the “Erasmus Ambassadors”, that will have, in the framework of ESAA, a key role and a
growing responsibility in the future, also considering the new priority of the EC which considers Erasmus as a Global Gateway to the Whole World.

The last day of this event saw the participation of an ESAA delegation to the NEO – ICP – ENFP meeting, that tried to answer, as central debate, the question: “Where do we stand on international mobility?”. ESAA members actively interacted during sessions dedicated to Building Skills Through Erasmus+ and Boosting the Impact of
Erasmus+ Projects and had the precious opportunity to network with European Delegations and Erasmus National Focal Points of third Countries. This represented a
precious chance for garagErasmus to understand how Erasmus is moving outside of Europe and what are the scenarios and opportunities for new initiatives in unexplored
territories.

This intense but meaningful three-day programme gave new ideas and inputs to garagErasmus members, that, in the next months will bring the best ideas from the network to ESAA to maximise the cooperation with other organizations and transform ideas into concrete activities.

See gallery

Meet our new gE4City: gE4 Leipzig

Dreaming OPEnly e.V. is a youth organization based in Leipzig, Germany, dedicated to offering transformative developmental experiences through non-formal learning and mobility opportunities for young people both locally and internationally. Founded in 2020 as an informal group of youth workers, it officially became an association in early 2023.

Dreaming OPEnly team is united by a shared passion for non-formal education and the belief in the power of innovative learning methods to address the needs of younger generations. They strive to use contemporary youth culture and creative approaches to foster critical thinking, personal growth, and active citizenship.

The association’s mission is to facilitate transformative change through non-formal education, critical thinking and artistic expression. The team dedicates itsef to crafting innovative projects to promote awareness and disseminate values aligned with the socio-environmental transition they hope for. They are advocates of the role of individuals in bringing about social change which can lead to fairer and more sustainable societies.

Dreaming OPEnly members actively contribute to their local communities through youth work, political activism, and social initiatives such as vegan and feminist movements, assembly debates, and community actions. This engagement has solidified their understanding of art as a powerful tool for social transformation and inspired them to integrate these values into our projects.

In total, Dreaming OPEnly has directly involved over 200 young people from across Europe in its programs and engaged more than 1,000 locals in Leipzig through events and initiatives. They are now implementing their first KA210 project, #SolaRPG: Sustainable Orientation of Learning Activities through Roleplaying Games, which focuses on gamified pedagogic tools to develop green skills among youth. As a sending organization, Dreaming OPEnly has partnered in over 70 international projects, giving around 500 young people the opportunity to participate in European mobility programs abroad.

garagErasmus is excited to welcome Dreaming OPEnly into its network and looks forward to the future initiatives we will develop together.

Check Dreaming OPEnly wesite

gE Capacity Building 2024 in Milan

gathering participants coming from Europe and beyond: Italy, Spain, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Nigeria, France, Poland, and more! This gathering of gE4Cities representatives was marked by a shared enthusiasm for networking and acquiring impactful skills to benefit their organization and professional path.

This year, over thirty participants joined the garagErasmus Learning Garage – Capacity Building. Across the two days, participants had the opportunity to learn the art of videomaking, find out about the communication strategies and campaigns used to promote the European Elections and learn techniques to pitch to the press and institutions to promote their multiplier events and more.

27th of June: the art of videomaking, gE4Cities and gE ongoing and upcoming projects

The first-day kicked-off with a short presentation provided by Carlo Bitetto, Network Manager at garagErasmus, which shared an insight about current and future projects implemented by the Foundation.

Later on, the event continued with the insightful training “The Art of Videomaking” provided by Marco Cassini, Italian movie director and actor. During his three-hour workshops, he trained the participants on how to direct a movie, sharing various movie-directing techniques, and then guiding them to create a one-minute video to tell a story of their choice. Through this workshop, the participants learned more about the importance of storytelling and motivation, while the exercise provided by the trainer encouraged active participation and team building.

The first day concluded with a short presentation of the ongoing and next projects of the gE4Cities organizations, offering participants insights about the roles of different organizations, to facilitate networking.

28th of June: communication strategies and how to reach the press

Day two began with the “Before and after the European Elections: how to move forward” panel hosted by Maurizio Molinari, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Milan. Through his presentation and dynamic Q&A session, participants gained valuable insights into the EU and Italy’s communication strategies to promote the European Elections. Moreover, Molinari discussed how the conversation around the elections will continue in Italy, in order to let citizens know more about the European Union. He also initiated a discussion on democracy and voting, encouraging participants to reflect and ask questions.

The last panel of the day, “Local event promotion: effective pitching to institutions and press” was hosted by Emanuele Pilloni, PR and Media Relations Manager. During his two-hour workshop, Pilloni explained his job responsibilities and shared relevant case studies with the audience. He provided valuable insights on how to effectively reach local press, HEIs, and to promote organizations’ events to reach a wider audience.

We are grateful for everyone who took part in the event, reaffirming our commitment to collaborating to empower the Erasmus Generation!

Check out the gallery!

Find out more about the Capacity Building

gE4Silesia organizes the 6th edition of Katowice International World Cup

In this 6th edition, twenty-four national football teams clashed to win the International Katowice World Cup. Those teams were composed of expats living in Katowice, coming from different countries all over the world, reunited in the Stadium Asnyka 27 with the same goal: taking home the Katowice World Cup prize.

This year, the lucky and well-deserved winner was the Colombian team, who managed to beat Palestine during the penalty kicks. Palestine took home the second prize, while Uzbekistan the third one.

This 6th edition was a complete blast, and we want once again to congratulate the winners, the volunteers, and everyone who took part in this wonderful and international event!

Check out the video on TVP3 Katowice

See the gallery

gE Director of Secretariat Valentina Presa attends the event Inspiring Young Europeans organized by Fondation Hippocrène

The event was held at the Paris City Hall, and during the event our director of Secretariat assisted to the cerimony awards of the three winners of the Prix IYE. The contest aim is to support French associations in their expansion process, in order to increase their impact, their visibility, their financing and their creativity. The three associations which won the contest now have the opportunity to meet and exchange best practices with different members and partners from Fondation Hippocrène.

We are grateful to have been invited to the cerimony award and to have had the opportunity to represent garagErasmus Foundation.

Learning Garage Capacity Building 2024: call to gE4Cities

this two-day event aims to bolster the skills and capabilities of gE4Cities local groups. It will offer a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration among gE4s. To apply, please send an email to info@garagerasmus.org.

garagErasmus’ Annual Meeting 2024 to take place on 13-14 May

As every year, the event represents the perfect opportunity to strengthen the links between our partner foundations (universities, companies and local associations), to promote our work to our institutional stakeholders (National Agencies, European Parliament and European Commission) and to build new perspectives for the future of international students, trainees and young professionals.

Together with the National Agency for Erasmus+ en Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles and ESN Belgium, we will also celebrate the end of the European Year of Skills, gathering professionals and testimonies by Erasmus+ students alike in a public conference, discussing the importance of soft skills and the new but impending need to properly validate them in today’s job market.

Fabrizio Bitetto nominated as new President of garagErasmus

On 8 September in Malta, during the Annual Meeting 2023 of garagErasmus Foundation, Fabrizio Bitetto has been announced to be the next Board President of garagErasmus Foundation. Graduated in Urban Planning and Policy Design at the Polytechnic University in Milan in 2013, he was an Erasmus Student in Madrid in 2008.

Mr Bitetto has been Chief Executive Officer of garagErasmus Foundation since August 2017. During this period the Foundation has grown a lot, with more than 25 Universities Foundation members and 30 local associations all over the world.

Over the years he has played various important roles; for the 30 years of the Erasmus project he was appointed as Italy’s representative for the preparation of the “Erasmus + Generation Declaration” at European level. He launched many of the initiatives that today represent the Foundation at European level.

Another important appointment has gone to Carl Björkman, the new Chairman of the High Level Council of garagErasmus, an advisory forum that supports the development and promotion of the initiatives of the Foundation. Mr Björkman, already a member of garagErasmus board, is Head of Nordics at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Prior to that, he worked with the World Economic Forum, where he was Director and Head of International Organisations and Government Affairs. He has also worked for Bloomberg, Waterberry Development Organisation, the United Nations, and the European Commission.

garagErasmus XI Annual Meeting 2023: more mobility for a better Europe

The garagErasmus XI Annual Meeting, held at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) University, kicked off with an insightful public conference in line with the European Year of Skills. Moderated by Carlo Bitetto, Network Manager of garagErasmus Foundation, the conference set the stage for a series of keynote presentations.

Francesco Cappè, President of garagErasmus Foundation, took the audience through the history of the organisation, underlining its commitment to promoting greater mobility, supporting a more open and integrated Europe, and introduced Fabrizio Bitetto as the next President of the Board.

Hon. Clifton Grima, Minister for Education and Sport, Malta, led a profound discussion on competences, emphasising the need for both practical competences and ethical values to be European citizens. He stressed that Erasmus and garagErasmus have a crucial role to play in developing these competences and values.

Charles Zammit, Chairman of Education Malta, spoke about Malta’s role as a prominent Erasmus destination and its commitment to supporting international education. He spoke about the Year of Skills and the opportunities it offers young people.

Tatjana Chircop, Deputy Principal Administration, MCAST, presented MCAST’s ambitious growth and wide range of courses.

David Fernandez Puyana, Permanent Observer of the United Nations University for Peace, spoke about the role of education in promoting mutual respect, understanding and peace. He stressed that Erasmus opens up new opportunities and plays a crucial role in conflict prevention.

Rose Anne Cuschieri, CEO of Malta Further & Higher Education Authority, presented guidelines for the recognition of non-formal education in Malta, the expansion and quality assurance of higher education in Malta and the value of informal learning. Both her organisation and garagErasmus share a common goal: the recognition of non-formal and work-based learning.

The conference concluded with the signing of an important Memorandum of Understanding between garagErasmus and the SAE Group, represented by Alberto Leonardis, head of the SAE Group, which marks a joint effort to give voice to the Erasmus generation through an ambitious editorial project.

Another important MoU was signed shortly after, when garagErasmus Foundation was pleased to welcome the city of Baku in its network of gE4Cities with the representative Elmar Guliyev, marking the creation of gE4Baku.

The day also included the presentation of the garagErasmus Annual Report and Work Plan, followed by an interactive Q&A session. Discussions focused on strengthening the network and shaping the future of garagErasmus, including a thought-provoking discussion with Mr Evarist Bartolo, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Minister of Education, Malta. Mr Bartolo emphasised that addressing the skills gap should include a focus on values and ethics, as a narrow definition of skills is insufficient to address the significant challenges facing the EU.

Day 2 Friday, 8 September

The second day of the garagErasmus XI Annual Meeting started with the presentation of garagErasmus guests and gE4s, and continued with discussions on ErasmusCity and student housing. gE’s new president Fabrizio Bitetto and Maria Teresa Gullace, Researcher at Politecnico di Milano and project manager of Home Of Mobile Europeans project, looked at the challenges and opportunities associated with student accommodation, an often underestimated but crucial aspect of international student life.

Maria Teresa highlighted the fundamental need for affordable and quality housing solutions for mobile students and stressed the importance of policies and regulations as the first approach to consider when addressing student accommodation. The role of universities in bridging the gap between students and the housing market was a key point of discussion. Participants also explored ways in which universities can work with associations that help students find suitable accommodation. The day concluded with discussions on gE’s mission, upcoming campaigns, sharing of best practice and plans for future meetings.

In conclusion, the garagErasmus XI annual meeting served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, cooperation and sharing of best practices in international education. It brought together gE members, educators, policy makers and Erasmus alumni who are committed to promoting international education and fostering a more integrated Europe. As garagErasmus looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower the Erasmus generation and shape the future of international education.

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garagErasmus’ next Annual Meeting will be in Malta

Together with our members from all over Europe, we’ll celebrate the Year of Skills 2023.

On 7-8 September, we will give the opportunity to discuss the importance of this Alliance in the lives of young working people.

The event is the perfect opportunity to strengthen the links between our partner organisations (universities, companies and local organisations) and to present our work to our institutional stakeholders (NAs, European Parliament and European Commission).

To find out more

garagErasmus Annual Meeting 2022 in Florence

The annual meeting of garagErasmus took place in Florence from the 8th to the 10th of May 2022, during the occasion we also celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Erasmus+ programme and the 10 years of the Foundation!
Almost 100 people representing institutions, universities, partner associations, local chapters and Erasmus students and Alumni gathered to celebrate the 10 years of the garagErasmus Foundation.

Annual Meeting 2022

May 08th – 10th

Florence, Italy.

The festival of Europe offered the perfect scenario to grow and showcase garagErasmus network activities, to present its annual work to institutional interest groups and to create new opportunities for the future of the Erasmus Generation.

In fact, the aim of the event was to create stronger ties among our partners and share ideas and information about ongoing projects. garagErasmus’ annual report highlighted both the flagship projects, such as the plus of Erasmus and the EU funded projects garagErasmus is currently working on, such as Handshake, SustainEu, Brights and EDU2030: Youth in Transition. Moreover, garagErasmus team was also glad to share with its members the developments of its new flagship project gEcity currently under construction in Milan and its ambitious plan to scale up the project by opening 5 new gEcity in the next decade.

Special attention was drawn to the final conference of the Euthpages for Europe project funded by the European Parliament where gE hosted EU representatives and young ambassadors to present the results of 25 local events held all around Europe and to discuss how to give continuity to the impact of the Cofoe and to keep shaping the future of Europe together.

During the open discussion, participants stressed the importance of strengthening synergies among our network to actively involve universities and existing local chapters and to reach out to new potential members.

We therefore decided to open a space for cooperation and collaboration organised in three working groups that will work together in the following months on three core European issues such as Youth civic Engagement, the future of EU Job Market and the Digital Transformation of EU Education. The working groups will allow our members to meet regularly and exchange expertise and knowledge to eventually create future projects together.

Furthermore, some of the most motivated youngsters of the Erasmus students and Alumni Incubator volunteered to open new g4s in Europe and beyond. gE4 Budapest, gE4 Tiblisi, gE4 Wroclaw and gE4Tirana will soon enter garagErasmus members network!

The attendees could also share some ideas on garagErasmus’ role within the Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Alliance (ESAA) in order to work together on grants and EU projects and. Friends of gE and partner organisations such as Centro Studi Internazionali (CSI), Europiamo, Scambi Europei, Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and Organisation for Cooperation and Exchange And Networking among Students (OCEANS) also shared their work and plans for future cooperation.

The annual meeting was also the occasion to celebrate, together with the Italian national agency INDIRE, the 35th anniversary of the Erasmus+ programme. Throughout Sunday we welcomed several students and children to our stand in Piazza della Repubblica promoting the Erasmus Programme and its exchange opportunities. On Monday morning we attended INDIRE’s Conference on the success stories of the Erasmus programme.

The conference has been a success for garagErasmus as well, as the Major of Firenze Dario Nardella directly engaged in a long and inspiring conversation with our Erasmus students and alumni.

Annual Meeting Gallery

Our EUTH Pages project will be officially closed on May 9th in the framework of the celebration of the Festival of Europe.

Join us and get to know the ideas and experiences of our young people to build together the future of Europe.

We are happy to announce that from the 8th to the 10th of May, a group of successful Erasmus students will have the chance meet highly qualified Erasmus Alumni and young professionals within a 3-day training incubator.

The project is supported by the European Commission through The Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Alliance.

garagErasmus holds its Annual Meeting 2019 in Malaga

During the event Orsolya Réka Süli was recognised as the best talent of the Erasmus Generation (Golden Laissez-Passer). Her project, seeking to address the climate impact of our daily purchases, will develop a database gathering information on the environmental impact of a wide range of food products.

During the Annual meeting participants stressed the importance of synergies between universities, companies, cities and associations to improve the career of young professionals. Furthermore, it was the perfect scenario to strengthen links among garagErasmus network members, to present its annual work to institutional interest groups (National Agencies and European institutions) and to create new opportunities for the future of the Erasmus Generation.

In fact, the aim of the event was to create stronger links among our partners and share ideas and information about ongoing projects. Participants to the meeting were mainly representatives of European universities, young entrepreneurs and members of our network.

garagErasmus’ annual report and last year’s flagship projects, such as the International Talents Match or Laissez-Passer of the Erasmus Generation, were presented during the meeting, as well as the funded projects by the European Commission garagErasmus is currently working on, such as Erasmus Vote Power, SEND, EYVOL or IYE-LABS.

The attendees could also share some ideas on garagErasmus’ role as Erasmus Alumni network in order to work together on grants and EU projects and the next generation of the Erasmus+ programme.

The work of Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Alliance (ESAA) member organisations -Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA), Erasmus Student Network (ESN), Organisation for Cooperation and Exchange And Networking among Students (OCEANS)- and EuGen, among others, was also analysed.

The Golden Laissez-Passer award

The Laissez Passer award recognises with a symbolic passport European talents who have relevant mobility experiences – study or work -. Its winners are provided with benefits and opportunities in their professional careers.

On this occasion, Orsolya Réka Süli was the winner of the Golden Laissez Passer 2019 among all the 600 projects presented on our platform. She will receive €3,000 to develop her idea.

Her project seeks to address the climate impact of our daily purchases by developing a database that will gather information on the environmental impact of a wide range of food products.

Orsolya also wants to develop a consumer solution to provide actionable information to consumers. She strongly believes that this experience will further equip her with necessary research experience in environmental issues, as well as grow my network of researchers.

These were the other 5 finalists who attended the meeting. We would like to congratulate them all for their outstanding projects:

Ioannis Ladeas, with his idea is to implement the project “Traveling for change” and create a short documentary film (documentary) focusing on how the EU, and particularly the Erasmus+ programme, is empowering refugees living in Europe.
Mahsa Samadi’s “Uccello” project seeks to create a unique platform for students who study abroad can meet the inquirires from local citizens in order to get some jobs.
Carolle Audrey Madiesse Lafo’s project to create a platform to facilitating Erasmus students to access a well-defined Learning Agreement. This platform will include the departments and courses studied in Erasmus countries divided into semesters, credits and if possible a timetable and the availability of the course.
Roberto Luca Saldi’s project to organize a campaign involving the Erasmus generation over the fight against Climate change with a two-day training: including debates with key stakeholders, to shape an Erasmus Green Act. 27 Erasmus talent will be selected, to build the Act and then spread it.
Federica La Mastra’s project is to create an online community to empower artists and create opportunities for theis success, a specialised platform for artists to connect with each other and showcase their work to others.

About garagErasmus Foundation

garagErasmus Foundation was founded in 2012 as the creative hub of the Erasmus Generation with the mission of improving the lives of people who had international study or work experiences by enabling them to access opportunities that can make their careers more impactful for the European Community. garagErasmus currently has 18 local associations (gE4Cities) and 30 member universities.

During its seven years of life garagErasmus has promoted initiatives such as the aforementioned Laissez Passer, speed networking sessions (“Talents Match”) or the online platform weTipp, where former Erasmus students, companies, universities, local authorities and associations can meet to share opportunities and promote joint initiatives.

garagErasmus is supported by the main institutions in Europe. Every year the European Commission invites 250,000 former Erasmus students to register on its online platform.

garagErasmus launches two new Focus Group within his network

garagErasmus Staff Meeting in Milan

garagErasmus joins Pact of Skills initiative

This partnership strengthens the Foundation’s mission to support upskilling and reskilling, helping individuals and organizations navigate the green and digital transitions.

The Pact for Skills connects public and private entities, providing access to valuable resources such as insights into skill development needs, funding guidance, and networking opportunities. As a member, garagEasmus commits to fostering lifelong learning, building partnerships, aligning training with market demands, and promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Through this collaboration, the Foundation will benefit from EU-supported platforms like the Networking Hub, Knowledge Hub, and Guidance Hub, ensuring access to tools, best practices, and funding opportunities. This marks a significant step in garagEasmus’ ongoing efforts to enhance education, mobility, and career development across Europe.

garagErasmus Foundation welcomes the European Commission’s initiatives towards a european degree

This momentous stride towards the conception of a European degree represents a significant leap forward in our collective European educational journey, building on the solid foundation laid by the Erasmus program—the pioneering European Union project that recognized studies abroad and facilitated a common framework for higher education.

As an organization deeply committed to promoting study mobility and its profound impact on the workforce and job market within Europe, garagErasmus Foundation has been an advocate for such advancements from the very beginning of its story. The introduction of a European degree is a crucial development that we believe will greatly facilitate worker mobility across Europe, meeting the evolving demands of the labour market and making graduates more attractive to prospective employers. This initiative will not only enhance the competitiveness of European higher education on the global stage but also significantly improve the learning mobility and transversal skills of students within the EU.

garagErasmus Foundation is particularly enthused by the proposed European degree policy lab supported by the Erasmus+ programme, set to be established in 2025. This initiative will play a pivotal role in engaging Member States and the higher education community in developing guidelines towards the realization of a European degree, facilitating seamless cooperation between institutions across borders.

We commend the European Commission’s commitment to simplifying and improving quality assurance processes and practices, and to automatic recognition of university degrees across the EU. These steps are essential for fostering trust, accountability, and the performance of universities, making the European degree a reality.

As garagErasmus Foundation, we remain steadfast in our dedication to supporting all European policies aimed at enhancing study mobility and workforce integration within Europe. We will continue to work diligently towards making the vision of a European degree a reality, contributing to a more integrated, innovative, and inclusive European higher education area.

The European Education Area: leading the EU to educational excellence!

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, the EU is resetting its growth strategy, based on sustainability, and the green and digital transitions as transformative drivers. But… How can educational institutions & governments act as levers for a change?

The European Education Area aims at structuring collaboration between Member States and stakeholders to build more resilient and inclusive national education systems. Nevertheless, unlike its direct predecessor (the Bologna Process), it is limited to European Union Member States and covers different levels and sectors of education to support lifelong learning. You can visit its official website here.

Its development & current state

In September 2020, the European Commission presented its vision for the creation of a European Education Area by 2025 and proposed concrete measures to achieve it on the basis of 6 dimensions: quality, inclusion and gender equality, green and digital transition, teachers, higher education & geopolitical dimension.

Some months later, in February 2021, the Council of the EU responded with a Resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training for the period 2021-2030 providing the essential structure for collaboration between all the EU Member States and key stakeholders. Its key objectives are:

Supporting EU Member States in their reforms of education and training systems
Enhancing synergies with other policy areas such as research and innovation, social policy, employment or youth, and with EU funding instruments to better support national reforms.
Following a holistic approach is key in order to effectively implement the EEA: efforts to establish the European Education Area are working in synergy with the European Skills Agenda, the renewed Vocational Education and Training policy and the European Research Area.
Identifying targets and indicators to guide work and monitor progress: a reporting and analysis structure to encourage and track reforms.

All these measures are supported by the NextGenerationEU and the Erasmus+ Programme.

What are the targets to achieve the European Education Area?

Together with Member States, the European Commission wants to set two different targets to achieve the European Education Area.

By 2025:

60% of vocational education and training students should take part in work-based learning
At least 47% of adults aged 25-64 should have participated in learning in the previous 12 months

By 2030:

The share of low-achieving 15 year-olds in mathematics, reading and science should be less than 15%
The share of low-achieving students in their eighth year of schooling in computer and information literacy should be less than 15%
96 % of children aged between three and the compulsory school age should participate in early childhood education
The share of early school leavers should be less than 9%
The share of 25-34-year-olds with tertiary education attainment should be at least 45 %

Would you like to add your contributions to the European Education Area?

The first step to making your voice heard is registering on the Conference on the Future of Europe platform: http://futureu.europa.eu. Once you log in, it’s time to share your ideas on how to build a healthier Europe for everyone. You are entitled to 1500 characters to present your idea, and approve or comment on those of others, in any of the 24 EU official languages.

Presented in April 2021, the multilingual digital platform of the Conference is playing a key role, enabling all the EU citizens -but also public actors & all kinds of organisations from civil society- to provide their views & opinions on any relevant topic for the future of Europe.

The European Parliament adopts the new Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme

Erasmus+, which has demonstrated that it plays a significant role in fostering European identity, will have almost double the funding in 2021-2027 (over €28bn from different sources) when compared to the previous seven years (€14.7bn). MEPs managed to secure an additional €2,2bn during the final stages of negotiations with the Council.

In the plenary debate ahead of the approval of the programme, most speakers said that young peoples’ lives have been affected by COVID-19 and stressed the importance of Erasmus+, evaluated by citizens as the most successful EU programme, for Europe’s future generations. You can watch the debate again here.

In order to ensure a smooth transition from the previous programme period, retroactivity provisions in the regulation ensure that the new Erasmus+ enters into effect from 1 January 2021. Application processes and calls for proposals have already been set in motion by the Commission and in many member states.

Find out more about the new programme!

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