Erasmus+ must become more inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of young Europeans, ensuring that financial circumstances, social background or geographical location do not prevent young people from benefiting from education, mobility and international cooperation opportunities. This was the central message delivered by Roberto Pella (IT/EPP), Mayor of Valdengo and European Committee of the Regions (CoR) rapporteur for the opinion on the Erasmus+ programme for 2028–2034, during the conference “The Future of Erasmus+ Starts with Youth”, organised by the European Youth Forum at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels.
The event, which also brought together Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, provided an opportunity to discuss the future of Erasmus+ and the importance of investing in young people under the next EU long-term budget.
Addressing participants, Pella highlighted the importance of strengthening Erasmus+ at a time when younger generations face growing challenges related to education, employment, affordable housing and economic uncertainty.
“Participation should not depend on a family's financial resources, a person's geographical location, or their social background. Young people living in rural areas, small municipalities, disadvantaged communities, or regions facing particular economic challenges must also be able to benefit fully from European mobility and cooperation programmes,” Pella stressed.
As rapporteur for the CoR opinion on the future Erasmus+ programme, Pella underlined the importance of ensuring that Europe's regions and more than 100,000 municipalities contribute to shaping opportunities for young people. Local and regional authorities are often the first to identify the barriers young people face and can help ensure that European programmes reach communities that might otherwise be left behind.
He also emphasised that Erasmus+ is much more than a mobility programme. By bringing together students, apprentices, teachers, educators and young people from different backgrounds, it strengthens European identity, promotes mutual understanding and equips participants with valuable skills and experiences.
Beyond the individual benefits, Pella highlighted the positive impact of Erasmus+ on local communities. Young people returning from mobility experiences bring back new knowledge, ideas and perspectives that can contribute to local development, innovation and social cohesion.
The EPP-CoR member also called for stronger cooperation between European institutions, national governments, local and regional authorities, educational institutions and civil society to overcome barriers to participation and ensure that the next generation of Erasmus+ responds to the needs of all young Europeans.
Concluding his intervention, Pella recalled that investing in young people goes beyond education and mobility. It is also an investment in Europe's democracy, competitiveness and future.
“Because a stronger Europe begins with empowered young people. And because the future of Europe cannot be built without them,” Pella concluded.
