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.

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 gE4Bucharest & its Summer Mentorship programme!

All three co-founders are certified eduk8ers, they were used to organizing training events, workshops and they loved in-person interactions. But… a global pandemics happened. So they had to adapt. This article is an interview with all there and it is meant to inspire and motivate other gE cites to share their knowledge and experience with their communities.

Serena: Tell us about the Mentorship Summer Program that you implemented after the COVID-19 pandemics started.

Miruna: So our idea was to organize online mentorship sessions on topics that are familiar to each of us. My month was July and my beloved topic is forever and always entrepreneurship. I went for a 1to1 format and my mentee was Francisca, an amazing ESN member from ESN Unibucharest. The sessions were very personalized so we adapted the agenda for each meeting according to the questions and curiosities that better fit Francisca’s needs. We talked about finding your ikigai, your purpose in life. Then we built together a lean canvas for Francisca’s dream job and we went deeper into real-life steps of opening a company. In the last session, we actually celebrated the progress and we had some guests to share with us their experiences and personal stories. It was an incredible adventure for me and now I will let my colleagues tell you about theirs. But let’s see also what Francisca has to say about it:

“This mentorship programme has been a great chance to do some introspection and get to grips with how to start an entrepreneurial journey. The one to one sessions were really practical and my mentor provided me valuable knowledge and insights about the main steps on how to start a business. Miruna inspired me and showed me that there are other alternatives for “9 to 6 life”. You just have to be determined, learn and work for your dream as much as possible.” (Francisca, July Mentee)

Serena: What about August? Who’s month was it?

Diana: For me, the mentoring sessions held in August were one hell of a ride. Together with Alexandra, a member of ESN Cluj-Napoca, we dove into the basics of social media and digital marketing. This mentorship is very close to my heart, as both me and Alexandra come from similar backgrounds. We discovered we’re from the exact same small town in Romania and majored in the same area at university, so for me it was easier to mentor her, since I had a similar path, both educationally and volunteering-wise. As her primary goal was to understand what marketing was all about, we started with a broad presentation of it, from social media, to content and even a bit of digital marketing. I put together a list of resources for her to use further along: courses she can take up, people she can follow or newsletters she can subscribe to. We also talked about ikigai and how to find her purpose in life and she took a personality test. We finished the mentorship sessions with an online ceremony for Alexandra, together with my gE4Bucharest team members.

Here I can quote some of Andreea’s thoughts: The mentorship with gE4Bucharest was an amazing learning opportunity that allowed me to get some insights from the digital marketing and social media world and managed to spark my interest for this field even more. I am also very grateful to have met Diana who did a great job with our sessions and with whom I discovered to have many things in common. It was definitely one of the best highlights of the summer. (Andreea, August Mentee)

Serena: Wow! It really sounds like an intense experience. I think it was an incredible experience for you as well, as much as it was for Alexandra. What about you, Dora? I heard that your format was quite different from the ones chosen by the other girls.

Dora: For me, the September month of the Mentorship Program was a learning experience as well, considering that I had the chance to also try something new. During the past years, I understood one of the most important things is to know how to ask yourself the questions that will help you find your path. I think most of the people already had, or will have a point in their career when they feel lost, whether it is right at the start or later on. I chose to focus on career mentorship, because I had the feeling that, during my experience as a trainer, I learned more about the importance of asking the right questions, of introspection and self-assessment. We’ve been 4 young people who discussed about their fears, but also about what they are proud of. We took our time to answer questions about ourselves, but also to check what is suitable for us on the job market, following the new discoveries we’ve made. Now I am just looking forward to seeing how my three mentees will reach the stars.

As one of the participants said: This mentorship program has helped me go through a challenging time in my professional life. As a student who just finished their bachelor and chose to opt out of a master’s degree, while focusing on my internship, I was going through a lot of self doubt at the time. Choosing to take the time to participate in this program has helped me understand what I am good at, why the job I have is actually fit for me and how to learn to avoid the impostor syndrome related to my professional life. It also helped me reconsider my professional course and understand what steps I should take and what options I have along the way so that I would achieve success and get a job that would allow me to have a content and peaceful living. I would like to thank Dora and gE4Bucharest for the time and dedication to the program. It has helped me a lot and I wish there will be further installments of it so that more people can benefit from this mentorship. (Stefan, September mentee)

Of course, Octavia added her perspective on this activity: After a study mobility for one year in Bratislava and a couple of months of lockdown, I was completely lost. So this mentorship programme came as a breath of fresh air. Back then I was really in doubt about my future and what I am actually good at. I think the most important thing when participating in such projects is to be as open as possible, because it’s a pity to waste such an opportunity.

I would like to stress out also that the programme not only made me discover some hidden interests of mine, but also gave me the context to hear some motivational stories. In the end, you realise that not everything has to be black or white and that you are not the only one trying to find the right shade of grey. (Octavia, September mentee)

Serena: Thank you very much for your input, girls! I can notice that both you and the participants really enjoyed the experience and it is totally a thing all gE cites should try!

Would you like to know more about gE4Bucharest? Watch the video below!

RUDN University interviews garagErasmus Director Carlo Bitetto

Watch this online discussion between Carlo Bitetto, Director of the garagErasmus Foundation and the Erasmus+ project coordinator at RUDN University (Moscow) Mario de Martino on the occasion of the #ErasmusDays2020.

gE4Silesia organises the Katowice Internationals World Cup 2020

The Katowice Internationals World Cup is the flagship event of the Katowice Internationals Foundation. This yearly event has the goal of promoting social inclusion and diversity through sport and multicultural integration in Silesia and Poland.

As a novelty this year, participants will have the chance to know the 20 participating countries a little bit better before the game. Their teams have made themselves known through their captains with a series of personal interviews to each one and with the objective to promote this big event that will have place on 17-18 October.

You will find these videos on Katowice Internationals Foundation Facebook page. In addition as another novelty, we will celebrate this beautiful party in the amazing Stadion Śląski. Therefore, there is not excuse to not come this year!

The event is co-founded by ESAA and European Commission, with patronage by garagErasmus Foundation and Save The Dream.

garagErasmus moves to a new office in Brussels

The new office is easily accessible by metro (Maelbeek station) and bus (Trêves stop, lines 21, 27 & 64). Feel free to drop by our office, we will be pleased to welcome you & have a coffee.

Konstantinos Maragkos (gE4Athens): “My community is the world”

he spoke passionately about the unique circumstances in which his garagErasmus story began. Konstantinos was the inaugural winner of the garagErasmus Laissez-Passer- a prize of 3000€ which can be invested into international projects. “How could my place within the garagErasmus community have started better?” he exclaimed.

Konstantinos used the money to develop the WeAfriHug project with his team. The project, born from interacting with the inspiring people Konstantinos met on his travels across Sub-Saharan Africa, works by providing opportunities and resources to improve the lives of young African people. “Passion was there, willingness was there, potential was there…but opportunities and information were not!” he explained. For the past 2 years, his team has worked endlessly to deliver life skills seminars, an educational camp, and civil organisation training sessions across eight African countries.

Through education, WeAfriHug successfully fosters the relationship between Europe and Africa. They have created eight partnerships between African and European universities and six between African and European NGOs. Additionally, they have already organised multiple Erasmus+ mobility opportunities for young African people in Greece.  

So, what can we expect from gE4 Athens in the new year? On top of further developments of the We AfriHug project, gE4 Athens are cooperating with ESAA organisations to implement a new project, #MindtheGap, which aims to empower the Greek youth to act as advocates for the European Union. The key objectives of this ambitious project are…

To raise awareness of Erasmus+ and to inform youth about mobility opportunities,
To boost the capabilities of youth by providing the necessary tools for the 21st century,
To engage policy makers to support Youth Action.

Speaking as a true global citizen, Konstantinos explained: ‘My community is the world. I am not only concerned about the place that I was born and raised but for the world as a whole.”

Well done gE4 Athens! Keep up the good work. We could not be prouder!

Interview with Gev Harutyunyan

Gev spoke very fondly about the beginning of his garagErasmus story; “the day I became part of garagErasmus is very crucial to me; it opened up many opportunities. I soon realised there is a long way ahead with gE.” Gev was a finalist in the first edition of the Laissez-Passer. Although his proposal did not win, he was encouraged to establish the first gECity beyond EU borders and aim to implement his project anyway.

gE4Yerevan’s primary mission is to empower youths to achieve new professional and educational heights. They support young people by providing the necessary information about professional, cultural and educational development opportunities on both local and international scales.

This project, the Edu VanHub, was inspired by what Gev noticed during a separate outreach project carried out across rural Armenia. “I found out that young people living in rural areas are pretty much isolated; they are unaware of many opportunities which exist in education, art and culture” he explained. On returning home, Gev was determined to transform this bleak reality and, so, the Edu VanHub was born.

During the pilot phase of the project, 20 media workshops were conducted across 10 villages in rural Armenia. These workshops allow gE4 Yerevan to raise awareness of the mobility opportunities available and teach new skills. The results have been fantastic: seven participants now create video blogs; four were able to access a photography course for free; four now write media articles; and two have volunteered in gE4 Yerevan’s partner organisations. Now, they also work online to maintain contact with those they have met and update them on new opportunities. 

In order to disseminate the vision, story and ideology of the Edu VanHub, gE4 Yerevan have so far travelled to six European countries. Now, gE4 Yerevan are implementing the Edu VanHub international phase in Ukraine; “We are super motivated to continue expanding the scale of the Edu VanHub project. The source of our motivation is the constant stream of positive feedback we receive from participants, parents, local authorities and the media.” They also plan to get involved in Erasmus+ youth exchange and ESC projects in the future.

Excellent work gE4 Yerevan! We wish you the best of luck for 2020!

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

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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