ERASMUS+ evaluation and the plans for the future Erasmus programme

​Recently, the European Commission presented its ideas for the future of ERAMUS+ in the bigger scheme of the EU budget for 2021-2027 during an evaluation. Last week, the European Parliament reacted to these ideas. Both parties have a corresponding view on the strong added value of the Erasmus programme. Following this, the European leaders of the European Council will now decide on the new Erasmus programme for 2021 to 2027. Given the fact that both the Commission and Parliament seem to agree, it suggests that this proposal might be working closer towards the final programme.

Since the final programme might not differ drastically from this proposal, there are several recommendations that may be of interest for the AEC members and Higher Music Education Institutions. For example, “Key Action 2 on strategic partnerships should also receive more support by allocating a larger share of the budget.” Given its extensive experience with Strategic Partnerships (RENEW, METRIC, ECMA, VOX, NAIP, NXT, Opera Europa), the AEC and its members can hugely benefit from this development. There is also good news for smaller institutions. The programme wants to “allow for smaller projects to be conducted within Erasmus+, with proportionately lower administrative and eligibility requirements.” Relatively smaller organizations would get more support and new opportunities.
 

In general, emphasis is given to the youth sector by increasing the accessibility of the programme, such as by reducing administrative burden for smaller organisations and improving user friendliness of the tools that belong to Erasmus+. Also, it should be possible for projects targeting individuals from disadvantaged or remote areas to, “investigate the possibility of setting up complementary projects using European Social Investment Funds to promote development of disadvantaged regions and the inclusion of individuals living in such regions.” 

AEC is looking forward to see where these evaluations lead us and to what extent they will guide the Council in their decision on the new Erasmus programme.