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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

Digital Life Learning project has been awarded as Best Practice!

The project promoted digital education for older adults through an intergenerational approach and strengthened the teaching skills of university students. Overall, the project demonstrated excellent implementation and adaptability, creating valuable tools with strong potential for replication.

Specifically, the Digital Life Learning project was founded on the premise that digital innovation and education can be an opportunity to improve the quality of life of our ageing societies. For instance, it involved the creation of macro-laboratories for senior citizens aged between 65 and 74, aiming to enhance their digital skills.

The project was implemented in four EU countries, where trainers prepared higher education students, who in turn trained older adults. Through this experience, the students could earn micro-credentials that are useful in the labor market.

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.

Europe Day with gE4Tuscany and ErasMAG Reporters

On May 8, festivities began in the evening with an informal aperitivo and open discussion. Over drinks and conversation, people shared personal reflections on European identity – what it means to belong, and how that feeling often goes beyond borders or institutions. Our ErasMAG team – Kamila, Nitsa, Francisca, and Hannah – joined the conversation, listening and contributing our own thoughts on connection, shared values, and lived experience.

The following day, on May 9, was aimed at approximately 150 Lucchesi high school students, and consisted of a showing of the movie “The Spanish Apartment”. Introductory remarks were made by Marcello Pierucci, President of the Province of Lucca, followed by Luca Menesini and Kata Tüttő, member and president of the European Committee of the Regions, respectively. Moreover, final personal remarks were brought forward by past and present ERASMUS alumni, seeking to inspire and motivate the younger generation present in the crowd – not just to eventually embark on the adventure of studying abroad but also engage in core European values.

Our team of ERASMAG reporters had the opportunity to interview some of these young students present at the event and we were delighted by their outlook. When asked about the sentiments that they associate with Europe and the European Union, words like community, closeness, unity, and family were commonly used. Similarly, when inquired about the possibility of doing ERASMUS or any type of exchange program in the future, all pupils responded positively, showing great enthusiasm for the opportunity to meet new people, get to know different cultures, and learn new languages.

Looking back, the event in Lucca served as reminder of why these conversations matter. It created space for honest dialogue between generations of ERASMUS participants – past, present, and future. And it left us hopeful that more young people will take the chance to step into something unfamiliar and grow from it.

Kamila Aipakova, Nitsa Kokoladze, Francisca Lima, Hannah Svelling – ErasMAG Reporters

EC(h)O-CULTURE MEANS EUROPEAN CULTURE!

The event, titled EC(h)O-CULTURE MEANS EUROPEAN CULTURE!, brought together over 20 participants for an open and honest discussion on sustainability, the European Green Deal, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants shared their views, experiences, and proposals in a relaxed, informal setting.

We were also glad to welcome representatives from several civil society organisations who actively contributed to the debate and supported our call for stronger citizen involvement in shaping sustainability policies.

As part of the event, we gathered policy suggestions from participants, focusing on key areas of sustainability, that will be shared with Members of the European Parliament.

 Multiplier events realized in Brussels

The two events took place at the representation of the Regione Lombardia in the morning, and at the office of the Académie d’Enseignement Supérieur (ARES) in the evening. The two occasions brought together a diverse audience representing various institutions, universities, associations, and companies coming from all over Europe.

On the occasion, Martina Altea Bellinzona showcased the results of the BRIGHTS Project to the audience. During her presentation, she gave an insight, elucidating the project’s objectives, and outlining the steps undertaken by the project partners to achieve them. Participants gained valuable insights into the methodologies employed and the research results, anticipating the forthcoming final conference of the BRIGHTS project.

See the project

garagErasmus 2024 Annual Meeting in Brussels

The event was an opportunity to strengthen the links between our engaged partners (institutions, Higher Education Institutions, partner associations, and local chapters) and institutional stakeholders, which were represented by over 50 participants.

This year, we saw the presence of representatives from the European Commission. Vito Borrelli, DG EAC Team Leader – Higher Education / Erasmus+, discussed the ongoing evaluation process of the Erasmus+ programme and its potential future implications. Hélène Banegas, Project Adviser – Erasmus+ International Alumni, introduced the discussion on the future of the ESAA network, of which garagErasmus is a founder. Céline Jambon, policy officer in the “Skills Agenda” Unit of the European Commission (DG for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion), closed the European Year of Skills and discussed future action points.

Day 1 – Monday, 13th of May

The event kicked off with a presentation by Fabrizio Bitetto, CEO and President of the garagErasmus Foundation, that gave an overview of the year’s activities, highlighting the addition of new gE4s, as well as the engagement of existing gE4s in various initiatives. He discusses key events and projects, including the Learning Garage and the Annual Meeting, along with participation in prominent events.

Vito Borrelli, DG EAC Team Leader – Higher Education / Erasmus+ from the European Commission discussed the ongoing evaluation of the Erasmus+ programme, highlighting efforts to improve its effectiveness and address emerging challenges. He elaborated on budgetary considerations, mobility initiatives, and strategies for promoting inclusion. Attendees engaged in a dialogue, raising questions and sharing insights on topics such as accommodation and support for disadvantaged groups.

Carlo Bitetto, gE Network Manager, introduced ErasMag, a new online platform designed for the Erasmus Generation. This platform will enable students to write articles about their experiences abroad, effectively becoming “Erasmus correspondents.” The project, developed in collaboration with Gruppo SAE, is set to launch in the coming months.

Later on, representatives from gE4Orense, gE4Cordoba and gE4Varna highlighted their activities and initiatives, showcasing successful practices within the garagErasmus network.

Participants shared proposals for enhancing collaboration and communication within the garagErasmus community, emphasizing strategic planning, resource sharing, and the creation of operational teams.

Day 2 – Tuesday, 14th of May

 The day started with a presentation by Toñi Caro, Chair of the Quality Assurance Board, which provided insights into the 2023 Quality Assurance Report, detailing gE’s objectives, financial allocations, and ongoing initiatives. She outlined the board’s tasks for the year and presented key performance indicators.

After her presentation, Martina Altea Bellinzona and Nunzia Di Francesco highlighted two projects, BRIGHTS and Digital Life Learning, showcasing their objectives, methodologies, and outcomes. Attendees engaged in discussions and posed questions about project implementation.

Later, participants discussed new project proposals, focusing on collaboration opportunities, outreach strategies, and operational planning. Ideas were exchanged for enhancing gE’s impact and expanding its network.

Carlo Bitetto presented upcoming meetings and events organized by garagErasmus, including capacity-building sessions and networking summits. He encouraged participation and engagement in future activities.

Representants members of ESAA (garagErasmus, OCEANS, ASAF, ESN and EMA) started a discussion about the alliance’s future, focusing on different topics, such as collaboration possibilities, benefits of being part of the network, and possible improvements.

The garagErasmus Annual Meeting was a unique opportunity for gE members and stakeholders to connect, fostering dialogue and collaboration. It also served as a reminder to all attendees of the importance of being active within the network and maintaining enthusiasm for its current opportunities.

Further information about 2024 Annual Meeting
2024 Annual Meeting Gallery

The final report for strategic up-skilling and reskilling has been published!

Due to its engagement in lifelong learning and in education, the garagErasmus foundation is pleased to share the report with you.

The report gives an insight into the significance of strategic investments in human capital to drive economic growth, achieve sustainability goals, and mitigate social disparities, focusing on up-skilling and reskilling actions to build a European skills economy.

Through a comprehensive study conducted during one year across 39 countries, the report identifies common partners and trends in skills and highlights different approaches for up-skilling and reskilling, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors, lifelong learning, and green skills’ integration.

Read the “Pact for Skills”

BRIGHTS guidelines on sustainability education are out!

highlighting the critical importance of implementing innovative approaches across European universities. The project partners collaboratively developed these guidelines, analyzing data obtained from a comprehensive questionnaire distributed among various EU member states, and subsequently through a workshop held at the University of Pavia. The combined research methodology allowed for obtaining a holistic view of current teaching practices, evaluating readiness for innovation, and identifying major challenges, obstacles, and opportunities within European higher education institutions.

Read the guidelines
See the project

Digital Life Learning: student trainings continue in Athens with People Behind

The training was in collaboration with a vocational center in Athens – SVIE – with whom People Behind had already collaborated in the past. Through innovative exercises and games, trainers were able to understand how younger people perceive old age, and in turn, were able to teach techniques and methods to better approach individuals aged 65 and above, delve into their needs and integrate them into the digital world.

Throughout the training sessions, People Behind gathered useful information and experiences, that will go to the other partners of the project to improve the level of education for trainers of older individuals at a European level.

The training will be followed by the training for older people by the young students, which will take place in the next few weeks in Kypseli Municipal Market. 

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.

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

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 2026: co-creating the future of mobility

Genç Zihin Derneği (GEZIDER) joins garagErasmus as gE4Istanbul!

a Turkish youth organization founded in 2016 with the mission of empowering and supporting young people while making a positive impact in their communities. 

GEZIDER was established to support young people in conducting studies in the social, cultural, artistic, educational, and health fields. Its aims include encouraging experienced youth to mentor and guide other young people, contributing to the development of youth policies, and encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit among young people. The association also seeks to provide knowledge, skills, and attitudes in these areas, to reach out to young people across Turkey,  especially in provinces with limited opportunities, and to promote the sharing of experiences and life stories, ensuring that this knowledge and these skills are actively applied.

Moreover, the association carries out scientific, social and cultural studies in the fields of culture, arts, sports, science, individual and social development, tourism and employment at the local, national and international levels. 

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

Group of the European Youth for Change (GEYC) joins garagErasmus as gE4Bucharest!

a Romanian youth organization founded in 2010 with the mission of empowering young people to create positive change in their communities. 

Although based in Romania, GEYC is active at the European level. It is the initiator and coordinating organization of the PRISMA European Network, a European wide coalition aimed at raising the quality of youth projects. Since 2023, GEYC has also held Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

With a focus on entrepreneurship and engagement, democracy and human rights, digital and sustainability, GEYC provides opportunities through educational projects primarily targeting young people aged 14–35, as well as youth workers and teachers.

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

ESAA Representatives Debate the Future Erasmus at gE Annual Meeting

representatives of the organisations that form the Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Alliance (ESAA) gathered for a panel discussion under the theme “Erasmus at a Crossroads: Towards and Beyond 2027.”

This exchange brought together voices from across the Erasmus+ ecosystem to reflect on the future of the programme, as Europe prepares for the next multiannual financial framework and considers how Erasmus+ can continue evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The panel was moderated by Toñi Caro, representing EO&H for Good, and featured contributions from Carlo Bitetto (garagErasmus Foundation), Rajon Bhuijan (Erasmus Mundus Association), Vitoria Cabral (OCEANS Network), Roshan Halkhoree (ASAF – Africa), and Nikolina Adzic (Western Balkans Alumni Association). Together, they offered diverse perspectives on the impact of mobility, alumni engagement, and the importance of inclusive, sustainable approaches to European and international cooperation.

This conference was one of many initiatives organised throughout the year to reinforce the ESAA network and to support the Erasmus Generation in shaping a stronger, more united Europe. It underlined the vital role that former Erasmus+ participants continue to play in driving civic engagement, promoting European values, and contributing to the long-term vision of the programme.

garagErasmus Annual Meeting 2025: building the next five years

bringing together participants from across Europe for a two-day working session titled “5 Years Ahead.” The event served as a strategic platform for evaluating the Foundation’s progress and collectively designing its direction for the coming years, with a focus on international mobility, skills development, policy engagement, and innovation across the network. This edition was suppoerted by the Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Alliance (ESAA).

The meeting opened with a plenary session led by President and CEO Fabrizio Bitetto, who presented the Foundation’s 2024 Annual Report along with the strategic work plan for 2025. His remarks emphasized the importance of broadening the impact of mobility programmes, fostering a more inclusive Erasmus ecosystem, and strengthening the visibility and effectiveness of garagErasmus initiatives. Following this, Toñi Caro González of Eoh For Good, independent evaluator and head of the Quality Assurance Board, presented the 2024 Quality Assurance Report. 

The programme continued with the presentation of network members. Carlo Bitetto introduced the new representatives of the gE4 network, who each presented themselves and shared updates on their local initiatives. Among them, Dr. Oleg Fetisov from the Czech Technical University in Prague announced that the next Higher Education European Networking Summit conference will be hosted in Prague in November 2025. Marco Santos from gE4Tallinn outlined projects involving youth centres, Erasmus+ exchanges, and VET partnerships. Andrei Dodea from gE4Bucharest presented activities coordinated by GEYC, while Muhammat Ali Uslu from gE4Istanbul discussed mental health and arts-focused initiatives developed by the GZ Association. Rajon Bhuiyan from gE4Luxembourg introduced a new digital platform aimed at improving connectivity across the garagErasmus network.

Later in the day, Carlo Bitetto, Network Manager of garagErasmus and Francesca Ferri, journalist of Gruppo SAE, presented ErasMAG, the Foundation’s newly launched online magazine written by Erasmus students for Erasmus students. The platform aims to amplify the voices and experiences of the Erasmus community and was developed following a storytelling training held in Pavia from 31 March to 1 April 2025. The training, organised by garagErasmus and Gruppo SAE and hosted by the University of Pavia, introduced participants to storytelling techniques tailored to the context of European mobility.

A central component of the Annual Meeting were the working group sessions, which began in the afternoon and continued into the second day. Facilitated by gE co-founder and board member Marco Mazzini, these sessions brought together participants in six groups, each focusing on key themes such as mobility, policy advocacy, skill recognition, professional development, European citizenship, and strategic initiatives. The format was designed to foster collaborative planning and to co-develop concrete project ideas informed by the Foundation’s previous work. On the second day, these working groups reconvened to refine their proposals and presented their work in a plenary session. The presentations reflected the diversity of the network and underscored the value of participatory design in shaping garagErasmus’ next steps.

A high-level panel discussion followed, bringing together representatives from Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA), OCEANS network, African Student Alumni Alliance (ASAF), Western Balkans Alumni Association (WBAA), and garagErasmus to discuss the future of Erasmus+ under the theme “Erasmus at a Crossroads: Towards and Beyond 2027.” The discussion addressed the need to increase access for underrepresented regions, promote intercontinental alumni networks, and leverage mobility as a tool for intercultural exchange and socio-economic development.

The meeting also marked the establishment of two new focus groups announced by Valentina Presa, Director of the Secretariat. One group will concentrate on policy development, while the other will explore European Universities alliances, focusing on collaboration models and resource management within inter-university mobility partnerships.

The programme concluded with the presentation of several projects supported by ESAA and developed by members of the garagErasmus network. These included Sailing Together from gE4Malaga (University of Malaga), Rural Roots, European Wings from gE4Ourense  (Bregal Association), gE4s: Empowering through the Net from gE4Verona (Oriel Association), and EUinaDay from gE4Tuscany (Lime Up). Each initiative reflected the commitment of the network to inclusive participation, sustainability, and local innovation.

Looking ahead, participants were invited to contribute ideas for the upcoming Capacity Building event scheduled in Athens on 10 and 11 July 2025. Suggested themes included design thinking, ecological strategies, professionalisation of youth organisations, digital communication, innovation, institutional advocacy, European citizenship education, mentoring methodologies, entrepreneurship models, and resource and HR management.

The Annual Meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to the values of the Erasmus programme and the collaborative spirit of garagErasmus, as well as an official welcoming to new members.  Through reflection, dialogue, and practical planning, the event reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission to advance European mobility, support the personal and professional development of young Europeans, and strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation across the continent.

Gallery – Day 1
Gallery – Day 2
Material Annual Meeting

garagErasmus 2024 Annual Meeting in Brussels

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 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!

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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