An Erasmus Momentum: Key Updates from AEC on the Digitisation of Erasmus+ and Swiss Re-entry in the Programme

As we approach the end of the calendar year, we would like to recap some pivotal developments regarding the Erasmus Programme with direct relevance to AEC members across Europe:

1. AEC Position Paper on Digital Erasmus

We are delighted to report the publication of the AEC’s Position Paper on Digital Erasmus which was also presented during a dedicated opening brainstorming session at our Congress in Salzburg. The AEC submitted this Position Paper in October 2025 to inform the European Commission’s 2025 large consultation on the Digitisation of Erasmus+ Procedures. Drawing on a decade of experience with the digitisation of the Erasmus processes in higher music education and on the 2025 Survey among AEC members on the Digitisation of Erasmus, this paper outlines the opportunities, challenges, and sector-specific needs related to the Erasmus Without Paper (EWP) ecosystem, advocating for inclusive and tailored digital solutions for HMEIs.

2. EWP Digital Nominations Now Live

Finally, an important digitalisation milestone has been accomplished: the Erasmus Without Paper (EWP) initiative’s digital nominations module is now in stable release. The student nomination process (where an institution notifies another institution of a student selected for mobility) can now be standardized and performed digitally via EWP, replacing many fragmented institutional tools and processes. The AEC has addressed this topic in its Position Paper and will implement Digital Nominations in EASY MO in the coming future.

3. EASY MO System – Internal Institutions List for the New Consortium 2026

The list of 70 internal institutions participating in the 2026 EASY MO system consortium has been finalised. Institutions part of the consortium will join a network of peer institutions committed to use and develop together shared tools and workflows for mobility management. We look forward to the practical rollout in the coming months.

4. EASY Online Consultation (21 November) – In-person Training & Manual Update Ahead

On 21 November, an online consultation session was held with the new consortium members of the EASY MO system. The session addressed several foundational topics:

• Basic settings to kick-start application workflows for the new academic year.
• An overview of the logic of the system
• Updates on improved and new functions in the system (DLA and BIPs processes)
• Discussion of how the consortium collaboration will function (communication channels, ticketing system, call for new members of the task force)
• Clarification on system updates versus individual customisations (opt in and opt out options)

Looking ahead:

• An in-person training is scheduled to take place at the end of January at Conservatorio L. Marenzio in Brescia. We’ll share full details in December.
• Also in December, we will publish an updated EASY manual for users. We strongly encourage internal institutions to engage with the manual (and training) early in order to be ready for the academic year.

 For any further information regarding EASY MO please contact Sara Primiterra at events@aec-music.eu. 

5. AEC Mobility Portal – Institutions Invited to Submit Data

The new AEC Mobility Information Portal, hosted on the EASY Mobility Online System and available to everyone, includes crucial information for the smooth management of exchanges:  institution’s incoming mobility coordinator name and email, the link to the application platform, application and nomination deadlines, and links to course catalogues for international students. Institutions that have not yet provided information on their institution are warmly invited to submit their data to events@aec-music.eu so the portal can become a fully comprehensive reference tool for all AEC members.

5. Switzerland’s Re-Entry into Erasmus+ in 2027

In broader mobility news, the Switzerland-European Commission programmes agreement signed on 10 November 2025 paves the way for Switzerland’s rejoining the Erasmus+ Programme. Specifically, association to Erasmus+ is planned for 2027 (pending approval, funding, ratification).
What this means for higher music education institutions in Europe:

• Swiss institutions will, once associated, be able to participate in Erasmus+ mobility on equal footing with other programme countries (opening up staff / student mobility, joint programmes, etc.).
• Conversely, institutions in other countries will have renewed access to Swiss partner institutions under Erasmus+.
• While the formal start is anticipated in 2027, preparations already underway mean it’s wise to keep the Swiss option in mind when designing future mobility partnerships, agreements and calls.

This is a welcome development for the whole European higher-music-education ecosystem and may open new opportunities for cross-border collaboration, exchanges and joint programmes.