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gE and gE4Cities at the ESAA Annual Meeting and Training

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

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

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

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

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

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

See gallery

Call for Participants – Learning Garage: Green Skills Edition

The Ec(h)o-Cultures project promotes eco-sustainable cultural initiatives by engaging local communities in Italy, Spain, and Belgium. It addresses challenges in citizen participation and climate action, helping schools and organizations develop effective sustainability strategies.

This training is designed to mobilize young people to take action against climate change while highlighting the growing demand for green skills in the job market. As industries shift towards sustainability, these skills will be essential for career development and a greener future.

While we aim to assist as many participants as possible, we can only provide financial support for 20 out of 60 participants. Those selected for funding will receive up to €100 for travel reimbursement and access to accommodation in shared rooms for the duration of the training.

If you are interested in this training, please fill out the application form by 07/03/2025.

Call for Participants
Application Form

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!

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.

gE joined BRIGHTS partners in L’Aquila to discuss future steps towards HEIs in sustainability

to discuss the state of the project and the next steps to take this year towards promoting sustainability in Higher Education Institutions and make them protagonists in achieving the SDGs. 2024 will be the most important year for the project, with many results to be published such as open access material and courses on the SDGs for students, teachers and staff, in order to improve HEIs’s role in achieving a more sustainabile society.

See the project

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% 

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

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

garagErasmus and gE4Málaga celebrate Europe Day with Erasmus+ event in Torremolinos

The initiative aimed to bring Erasmus+ opportunities closer to the youth of Torremolinos by involving students from two local schools, Erasmus+ students from the University of Málaga, and representatives from local Erasmus+ associations. Together, they had the opportunity to enjoy the unique experience of sailing in a barca de Jábega, a traditional boat of Phoenician origin, symbolising the values of mobility, inclusion, and intercultural exchange between communities, as promoted by Erasmus+ programme. The activity was made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Club de Remo de La Carihuela.

The project, supported by ESAA, has already received great feedback for its inclusive approach.

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.

Noored Ühiskonna Heaks (NYH) joins garagErasmus as gE4Tallinn!

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

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

Capacity Building 2025: gE4Cities come together in Athens

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

Genç Zihin Derneği (GEZIDER) joins garagErasmus as gE4Istanbul!

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

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

The future is in your hands: the new multilingual digital platform for the COFOE is out

The platform will be the Conference on the Future of Europe’s central hub: a place where all the contributions to the CoFoE will be brought together and shared, including information on decentralised events, the European Citizens’ Panels, and Conference Plenaries, representing an opportunity for citizens to speak up, to say what kind of Europe they want to live in and to help to shape our common future.

Thanks to this new multilingual digital platform, citizens from across Europe will have the possibility to provide their views on any topic that they consider important for the future of the EU. This will enable citizens – for the first time at EU level – to put forward their ideas, comment on other people’s ideas, create and participate in events.

A specialised feedback mechanism will aggregate and analyse key points raised, so that they can also be taken into account during the European Citizens’ panels and Conference Plenaries.

The platform will also provide information on the Conference’s structure and work, as well as resources for event organisers including a catalog of key events through which they will be able to promote their initiatives at local, regional, national, and European levels. Citizens will easily be able to look up events in which they wish to participate thanks to an events map.

garagErasmus is contributing to success of the Conference on the Future of Europe through the EUth Pages for Europe project. Co-funded by the European Union, this project will develop a series of activities to make the Erasmus Generation have an impact on it through local events collecting youngster’s opinions and expectations and collecting them in a publication, the EUth Pages for Europe, addressed to EU policy-makers.

Visit the Platform!

The new Erasmus+ programme is here: over €28 billion to support learning for everyone!

which will fund learning mobility (70% of the allocated budget) and cross-border cooperation projects for 10M European citizens with a budget of €26.2 billion (compared to €14.7 billion for 2014-2020), complemented with about €2.2 billion from EU’s external instrument.

This date, which corresponds to the 64th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, marks also a restarting point for the most emblematic EU programme, and garagErasmus Foundation is ready to have a leading role in it, working towards a greener, more digital and more inclusive Europe.

The new Erasmus+ programme will be even more inclusive by supporting the green and digital transitions, as set out in the European Education Area, and will also contribute to the resilience of education and training systems. The new programme will offer new opportunities and hopes for all the European citizens to recover from a pandemic that especially hit their educational and professional development, particularly in the case of the Erasmus Generation.

As stated by the Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, “the fact that the Erasmus+ budget for the next seven years has almost doubled shows the importance given to education, lifelong learning and youth in Europe. Erasmus+ remains a unique programme in terms of its size, scope and global recognition, covering 33 countries, and accessible to the rest of the world through its international activities”.

What will be the features of the new Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme?

1. Inclusive Erasmus+

It will provide enhanced opportunities to people with fewer opportunities, including those ones with diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds, and people living in rural and remote areas. Novelties include…
– Small-scale partnerships and use of simplified grants: it will be easier for smaller organisations, such as schools, youth associations and sports clubs to apply.
– The programme will also be more international at the time of cooperating with third countries, building on the successes of the previous programme with exchanges and cooperation projects around the world, now also expanding to sport and the vocational education and training sector.
– Individual and class exchanges for school pupils and mobility for adult learners.

2. Digital Erasmus+

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to accelerate the digital transition of education and training systems.

– The European Student Card will simplify & digitalise the implementation of the programme.
– Erasmus+ will support the development of digital skills, in line with the Digital Education Action Plan, providing high-quality digital training and exchanges via platforms such as eTwinning, School Education Gateway and the European Youth Portal, and it will encourage traineeships in the digital sector.
– New formats, such as blended intensive programmes, will allow short-term physical mobility abroad to be complemented with online learning and teamwork.

3. Green Erasmus+

The new programme will offer financial incentives to participants using sustainable modes of transport in line with the European Green Deal. Furthermore, it will also invest in projects promoting awareness of environmental issues and facilitate exchanges related to mitigating the climate crisis.

4. Erasmus+ for young people:

Erasmus+ will also support exchange and cooperation opportunities through new youth participation activities, to help young people engage and learn to participate in democratic life, raising awareness about shared European values and fundamental rights; and bringing young people and decision-makers together at local, national and European level. DiscoverEU now becomes an integral part of Erasmus+ and gives 18 year-olds the possibility to get a rail pass to travel across Europe, learn from other cultures and meet fellow Europeans.

Known as Erasmus+ since 2014, when it enlarged its scope of activities, this emblematic programme is ranked by Europeans as the EU’s third most positive result, just after free movement and peace. Over the last three decades, more than 10 million people have participated in the programme in 33 countries (EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey).

Coronavirus is causing a “shecession”: stand up for women’s rights!

The consequences of the pandemic are threatening the enormous efforts carried out during the last few years to achieve equality in the job market, particularly among young professionals, and as the professional hub of the Erasmus Generation garagErasmus feels particularly concerned for young women’s opportunities.

Whereas the COVID-19 outbreak in Spring 2020 has been an opportunity for many companies and institutions to make giant strides towards digitalisation & remote working -changes that would have taken years have been implemented in just a few weeks-, female workers have suffered setbacks that have called into question the results of huge efforts over the last few years to achieve equality in the labour market.

In words of garagErasmus President Francesco Cappè , “The pandemia heavily tested our systems at all levels. The weakest elements of our society have been particularly affected. The mobility, which represented the essence of Erasmus’ existence has been interrupted and its culture with it. Today, on behalf of the garagErasmus Foundation, I would like to express our deep hope that the renaissance, that historically follows the darkest moments of our humanity, will be an occasion to reduce inequality of our societies, make our systems working smoother and fairer, and stop ignoring the disparity of treatments that women worldwide are receiving. We can not get back where we were simply because covid 19 highlighted, once for all, the inequality and unsustainability of our societies”.

The Erasmus Generation is peculiarly feeling the effects of the Corona crisis, which is especially devastating between young women, who are facing a double discrimination in this sense. EU institutions and national governments should devote particular efforts to support their employability through targeted policies, and the EU recovery plan must live up to its name by working for the Next Generation of Europeans.

According to the ILO-OECD paper “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on jobs and incomes in G20 economies”, “Early evidences confirm that, contraty to the 2008-2012 crisis, the COVID-19 economic crisis have negatively affected the job market prospects of women disproportionally”. In OECD countries, the rise of unemployment was superior among women (+3’7%) than among men (3’2%).

Furthermore, as reported by the 2020 Women in Work Index Report conducted by the consultancy firm PwC, the pandemic is causing a “shecession”, and estimates that progress for female workers could be back at 2017 levels by the 2021, and that in order to undo the damage caused by COVID-19 to women in work – even by 2030 progress towards gender equality needs to be twice as fast as its historical rate.

This International Women’s Day should especially pay tribute to women’s efforts at the forefront directly dealing with the pandemic. In Europe, women are more likely than men to be in occupations where there is a high risk of COVID-19 infection. Probably the best example is the health & social care sector, where nearly 80% of workers are women according to the 2019 edition of Eurostat. Medical doctors, nurses, personal care workers and other health professionals and their associates deserve special recognition, as well as female workers in the informal sector. Not to mention students & recent graduates with precarious jobs working in the service sector (such as tourism, education or childcare).

On the other hand, childcare facilities and schools closures likely amplified their unpaid work burden at home, where segregation of duties remains clearly unequal. Single parents, most of whom are women, are particularly vulnerable. Not to mention women suffering gender violence in their households. Therefore, garagErasmus considers that this day should be a reminder of the vital necessity to fight for gender equality, and invites the Erasmus Generation to stand up for women’s right to fully develop their professional potential.

Would you like to know more about this topic? We invite you to read “The gendered impact of the COVID-19 crisis and post-crisis period” report, carried out by the European Parliament in September 2020.

GARAGERASMUS FOUNDATION WELCOMES THE NOMINATION OF PROFESSOR MESSA AS NEW ITALIAN MINISTER OF UNIVERSITY AND RESEARCH

Professor Cristina Messa, former Rector of University of Milano-Bicocca, garagErasmus Foundation member, will be the Italian Minister of University and Research.

GaragErasmus Foundation is glad that a person of such great value has been chosen in this very delicate moment for Italy and for all Europe.

Good luck with your mandate!

_________________

La Fondazione garagErasmus accoglie con favore la notizia annunciata dal Primo Ministro, il professor Mario Draghi.
La professoressa Cristina Messa, ex rettrice dell’Università di Milano-Bicocca, membro della Fondazione garagErasmus, sarà il Ministro Italiano dell’Università e della Ricerca.

La Fondazione garagErasmus è lieta che sia stata scelta una persona di così grande valore in questo momento così delicato per l’Italia e per tutta l’Europa.

In bocca al lupo per il Suo mandato!

The new Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027 will be more inclusive, digital and greener

The new Erasmus+ programme will be more inclusive, more international, more digital and greener, and will intend at mobilising all sectors for economic recovery and growth.

There will be no structural changes with regards to the previous term, keeping the same division into key actions ans sectors. The new programme aims at these major milestones:

• New opportunities for European learners, starting at school; with greater accessibility and more flexible mobility formats, the new Erasmus+ will provide opportunities for a more diverse group of learners, including those with disadvantages;
• The possibility for students in VET to have experiences outside Europe;
• The introduction of “mixed” mobility, in particular through the use of innovative and high-performance digital tools;
• Green incentives for participants who choose to travel by train or bus rather than by plane and higher participation targets for non-EU countries;
• Promoting innovation in curriculum design, learning and teaching practices
• Promoting green and digital competences
Supporting new flagship initiatives, such as European Universities, Erasmus Teacher Academies, Centres of Professional Excellence and much much more!

The future programme will also focus on inclusion through increased financial support to raise accessibility and awareness among participants with fewer opportunities. Furthermore, it will also promote the incorporation of green practices in all its co-funded projects.

As a next step, the legal adoption of the MFF package along with the ratification of the Own Resources Decision is now urgently needed. Once adopted, the EU’s long-term budget, coupled with the NextGenerationEU initiative, will be the largest stimulus package ever financed through the EU budget. A total of €1.8 trillion* will help rebuild a post-COVID19 Europe.

Stay tuned for concrete updates soon!

Erasmus+ Coalition joint statement on the revised proposal for EU MFF 2021-2027

The strong commitment to European cooperation and public investment demonstrated by its proposed allocation of 1.1 trillion euros, along with 750 billion euros for recovery instrument NextGenerationEU, is a positive sign for the future of Europe. Addressing the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, as well as the green and digital transitions, certainly requires ambitious public investment. In this regard, Europe cannot afford to leave people behind by failing to adequately channel such investment into funding programmes which have a tangible and positive impact on their lives while also helping to tackle the above challenges and contribute to the EU’s recovery. However, compared to the Commission’s original proposal from 2018, the revision surprisingly reduces the allocation to such programmes.

Set up in 2015 by the Lifelong Learning Platform and European Youth Forum, the Erasmus+ Coalition is an informal alliance of civil society and stakeholder organisations -including garagErasmus- with extensive experience in working with Erasmus+ and previous generations of the programme. Both organisations, together representing all categories of programme beneficiaries, coordinate dialogue between the EU institutions and civil society organisations across Europe. The Coalition meets regularly to discuss issues of common concern in the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme.

Read the whole Erasmus+ Coalition Statement
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