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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.

Capacity Building 2025: gE4Cities come together in Athens

A brief recap of these days: the two-day training was designed to bring together representatives of our gE4Cities network to deepen advocacy and lobbying strategies, focusing on building self-funding capacities and long-term sustainability at the local level.

The training sessions included interactive workshops on effective communication, techniques, and practical approaches to developing strategies. Participants also engaged in case studies and group discussions that helped enhance their skills.

It was a training that saw active participation from our network. These were intense days full of idea exchange, discussions, and personal and professional development.

A big thank you to our trainer, Adéla Smejkalová, for her professionalism and expertise. Special thanks also to all participants and collaborators from all over Europe!

A big thank you also goes to Fabrizio Bitetto, President of garagErasmus, who took part in the event to introduce the garagErasmus organization and the next steps in our agenda, including the launch of garagErasmus’s new social media campaign, Fighting EuroApathy, designed to fight apathy towards European Institutions and reconnect citizens with the European Union.

This event was co-funded by Erasmus+ and the Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Alliance.

Let’s join forces for new challenges!

At garagErasmus we strongly believe in joining forces for mutual learning and sharing of best practices. That’s why we would be thrilled to cooperate with you in the preparation and handling of your EU project applications.

Choose garagErasmus because of…

  • Our long expertise in designing and managing EU projects: our 10 years’ experience in EU projects taught us a lot about EU calls and the importance of always being up to date.
  • Our willingness to help you find new partnerships and opportunities: being garagErasmus a network of HEIs, no-profit organisations and companies, you’ll have access to dozens of organisations collaborating with us.
  • Our link to the Erasmus Generation: as we have direct contact with students involved in the Erasmus+ mobility programmes willing to get involved in new experiences.
  • Our support in dissemination and communication: during the project, we will be there to highlight the project results at our best online and offline because we care about the impact of EU projects and their replicability.

Remember that garagErasmus is based both in Italy and Belgium!
We can be Italian and/or Belgian partner!

Click here to see our PIF

garagErasmus can also contact its many members and partners to work on projects with you! See them below:

gE at the stakeholder conference for the future of Erasmus+

The “Stakeholders’ Conference on the Preparation of the Post-2027 Programming Period” took place in Brussels, bringing together experts, policymakers, and representatives from various European countries. They gathered with a shared goal of creating a sustainable, inclusive, and digital European future, focusing on how to promote lifelong learning, social inclusion, and educational mobility—key elements in building a more cohesive and resilient society.

For the occasion, gE sent its Director of Secretariat Valentina Presa as representative.

One of the central themes discussed at the conference was the importance of strengthening synergies between various European initiatives to ensure that every participant, regardless of their background, has access to opportunities for growth and personal development.

During the plenary sessions, key speakers highlighted the importance of Erasmus+ for Europe’s future. Roxana Mințatu, EU Commissioner, emphasized the need for skills, leadership, and European values like democracy and minority protection. Glen Micallef, Commissioner for Sport and Youth, stressed that Erasmus+ empowers individuals to develop their potential and contribute to society, making it a vital program. Michael Teutsch, Head of the Education Unit, pointed out the need to strengthen all forms of education and active participation to address Europe’s challenges, with Erasmus+ playing a key role in building an inclusive, sustainable, and democratic society.

The following workshops allowed participants from across Europe and various sectors to discuss and propose ideas for improvement. The goal was to shape a program that not only meets current needs but also looks ahead with a visionary and sustainable approach for future generations.

Rethinking Student Housing at HOME² European Conference

Held at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels, this full-day conference gathered a diverse range of stakeholders—from EU policy-makers and university leaders to housing providers and student organisations.

Organised by the Erasmus Student Network in partnership with the Politecnico di Milano and the HOME² consortium, the event tackled one of the most pressing challenges for students studying abroad: access to quality, affordable, and reliable housing.

Throughout the day, participants took part in high-level discussions on housing accessibility, quality standards, and affordability. The sessions explored how digital tools and quality labels can help create a more inclusive and trustworthy student housing market, and shared policy recommendations aimed at supporting students, higher education institutions, and housing providers across Europe.

garagErasmus was there to represent the voice of the Erasmus Generation and contribute to building fairer, student-centred solutions. The conference also provided an excellent opportunity to present and develop ideas on a project currently in development: a garagErasmus-led initiative to offer affordable and community-driven accommodation for Erasmus students.

Stay tuned for more updates soon!

President von der Leyen on the new EU budget proposal: Erasmus+ funding increased by 50% 

A key highlight for the fields of youth, civil society and rights is the 50% increase in funding for the Erasmus+ programme. This decision is intended to further enhance the education, mobility and active participation of young Europeans.

The increased budget for Erasmus+ reflects the desire to strengthen one of the Union’s flagship programmes, making it more inclusive and accessible. The key objectives of this enhancement are to:

– extend mobility opportunities to students, trainees, teachers, trainers and young people;

– involve more participants, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with fewer opportunities;
– promote social inclusion, active citizenship and a sense of European belonging;
– foster educational innovation through digital tools, new teaching methodologies and international cooperation projects between institutions.

Following this relaunch, Erasmus+ will continue to play a key role in education and civic participation at a European level, further consolidating its impact on shaping future generations.

Strengthening the programme is part of the Commission’s broader vision of building a more competitive, inclusive and resilient Europe that is better equipped to face the future.

Fighting EuroApathy: the new garagErasmus campaign to fight indifference towards the EU

These are the questions that inspired Fighting EuroApathy, the new campaign by garagErasmus designed to listen, understand and share citizens’ stories, with the aim to counter the growing indifference toward European institutions, especially among younger generations.

Sometimes, European affairs are perceived as distant from the everyday language of citizens, particularly the youngsters. Yet, the potential of young people studying, working, and living within the European Union is immense: energies, ideas and values such as solidarity, sustainability and rights are deeply generational.

The Fighting EuroApathy campaign is driven by a simple but ambitious goal: to understand in order to actively participate. Not a “top-down” campaign, but a journey that starts from social media, people’s opinions and stories.

Fighting EuroApathy aims to be all of this: a narrative, a survey, a meme, an open mic, a form to fill out. It’s an open, collaborative, horizontal campaign.

Follow us on our social media if you want to know more and stay updated, and don’t forget to fill out and share the first official campaign survey (here’s the link: https://forms.gle/swXTJvSTkcmTVBrT9).

We are waiting to know your opinions!

Meet our local chapter gE4Verona!

volunteering and democratic participation of young people by organizing cultural events, youth exchanges, training courses and workshops.

Oriel is also active in promoting social, economic and environmental sustainability.

To achieve its goals, Oriel works primarily with the European Union’s ErasmusPlus and European Solidarity Corps programs.

We are very pleased to have Oriel on board and look forward to working with them for the betterment of Europe!

gE4Cities gather in Bologna for gE Capacity Building

The Capacity Building aimed to strengthen and improve the skills of the gE4Cities local groups on “Networking and Project Implementation and Communication”, while providing a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration among gE4Cities. 

The two-day event, attended by many participants from different parts of Europe and beyond, was the occasion for Fabrizio Bitetto, CEO of the garagErasmus Foundation, to welcome the new local associations and introduce them to the garagErasmus network.

On the first day, thanks to a poster session dedicated to gE4Cities, the participants had the opportunity to get to know each other and the network by presenting their organisations and ongoing projects. They also had their say on the future strategy and membership of garagErasmus, suggesting valuable starting points for next year’s work. 

The following day, two activities were organised around the theme of capacity building: an interactive session led by Lia Chiara Miccichè, one of the initiators of the garagErasmus Foundation and now co-founder of LimeUp, on the best ways to develop and manage a project; a workshop led by Arianna Ioli, Director of Europa Business School, on how to use storytelling to communicate projects involving participants in a peer-to-peer activity. Participants were also able to get an overview of the next funding opportunities and garagErasmus projects for 2023, including activities related to the European Year of Skills, Erasmus Days, the European Digital Education Hub and the gE4women entrepreneurship platform – presented for the first time during the event – as well as other plans for 2024. 

We are very grateful to our gE4Cities for their productive engagement and contribution to the sessions, workshops and discussions that took place. This capacity building was a great step forward towards a more united and effective network for the Erasmus generation.

Special thanks to Stefano Campanari, CEO of Scambieuropei and gE4Bologna, and to the staff of Scambieuropei for hosting the event.

See the gallery!

gE4Cities Capacity Building event confirmed in Bologna

It will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among gE4s. The overall topic will be “NETWORKING AND PROJECTS”.

As we celebrate the European Year of Skills, these events hold great importance in fostering talent and professional development within the Erasmus Generation. The participation of garagErasmus’ gE4Cities representatives will be crucial in shaping the future of international students, trainees, and young professionals.

See oyr gE4Cities

Call for gE4Cities to host Capacity Building event

The event will take place in the span of two days, on 27-28 July 2023, and aims to strengthen and enhance the abilities of gE4Cities local groups. It will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among gE4s. The topic, as suggested in the whatsapp group, will be “NETWORKING AND PROJECTS”.

Please send an email to info@garagerasmus.org to apply. 

Erasmus+ commemorates its 35 years in Paris!

This event will give the floor to those who make Erasmus+ happen: pupils, apprentices, students, teachers and trainers, professionals, volunteers and members of associations. All of them will share their Erasmus+ experience and how it has been a determining factor in their lives. Ministers, Commissioners and elected representatives will then join the discussion, which will count with the intervention of the French President Emmanuel Macron.

Erasmus+ Citizens’ Forum: 35 proposals
Towards a right to learning mobility for everyone in Europe

Young people will defend their proposals for making the Erasmus+ programme more accessible to all, in front of the national and European political decision-makers present at the event. This work is the result of a consultation initiated during a citizen forum on October 1st and 2nd.

Our local chapter in Paris Fondation Hippocrène is associated with the 35th anniversary of Erasmus+ and proposes the musical sequences with Tatiana Probst (soprano), Dominique Probst (cymbals), Guillaume Vincent (piano), Lucienne Renaudin Vary (trumpet).

Read the programme
Register for the event!

A Ball Can Change Everything: the third Katowice Internationals World Cup is held again in Silesia

Its aim is, since the very beginning, to promote social inclusion and diversity through a simple yet extraordinary action, such as a football match. Multicultural interaction and inclusivity are the values our Foundation believes in and promotes every day.

The whole draw of the tournament was composed by 20 different national teams from nearly every continent: Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. Each team was composed of internationals living in Poland and coming not only from Katowice or Silesia, but also Kraków or Gdánsk: the only requirement to play is being born in the country you are playing for.

The first day started with a parade of the 20 national teams to present themselves to the supporters. The pitch was divided in 4 different pitches where all the matches were being played at the same time, to make the show more exciting. Soon enough we could see some teams already getting favourites for the Cup after some astonishing matches.

These two intense days culminated in a thrilling and deserved victory for the Egyptian team and an earned second place for the Portuguese one, but our greatest achievement is to have marched under the same flag! Looking forward to the next chapter.

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

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

garagErasmus launches two new Focus Group within his network

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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