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EARLALL Calls for Strengthened Regional Partnership at European Parliament Stakeholder Consultation on Erasmus+ 2028-2034

29/01/2026

EARLALL participated yesterday in a crucial stakeholder consultation at the European Parliament on the future of the Erasmus+ programme for 2028-2034, presenting a focused set of amendments designed to strengthen the role of regional and local authorities in Europe’s flagship education programme.

The event, chaired by rapporteur MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski (EPP), brought together representatives from European education networks, associations, and civil society organisations to provide input on the draft Erasmus+ Regulation. EARLALL was represented by Director Noelia Cantero and Astrid Burhoi, representing the Presidency from Region Västra Götaland (EU Office).

Regional Perspectives on Skills and Competitiveness

Opening EARLALL’s intervention, Astrid Burhoi provided a regional perspective from Vastra Gotaland, emphasising the dual challenges facing European regions. “While addressing skills gaps and mismatches remains crucial for our regions,” she noted, “we must not lose sight of the broader picture. Personal growth, developing life competences, and fostering the right attitudes are equally key for Europe’s competitiveness.” She also mentioned that regional and local authorities are “not merely implementers – they are the indispensable bridge between EU policy objectives and local realities.”

Evolution, Not Revolution

EARLALL outlined its position: “evolution, not revolution.” The network supports the current priorities of Erasmus+ but proposes targeted amendments that are “legally light yet politically meaningful.”

“These amendments address one structural gap: regional and local authorities are consistently overlooked in the Regulation, despite their legal competences in education across many Member States,” Cantero explained. “We’re not creating new layers – we’re correcting an underrepresentation.”

The proposed adaptations focus on three key themes:

  • Recognition & Governance: Ensuring regional and local authorities are explicitly recognized as partners in policy dialogue and governance structures, not just Member States.
  • Territorial Cohesion: Implementing a proximity-based approach to reach rural, remote, and peri-urban areas effectively, while ensuring flagship initiatives like Centres of Vocational Excellence are embedded in local ecosystems rather than becoming disconnected “islands of excellence.”
  • Funding Stability & Synergies: Establishing predictable multi-annual funding for VET providers, adult learning centers, and schools, alongside stronger coordination between Erasmus+ and other EU funds managed by DG EMPL, DG REGIO, and DG GROW for instance.

Open Dialogue and Commitment to Collaboration

The consultation demonstrated a strong openness to dialogue from both European Parliament and Commission representatives. Director General Ms. D. Jablonska from the European Commission expressed her willingness to continue discussions with European networks and associations, acknowledging the vital work these organizations do in shaping EU policies and bringing initiatives to Europe’s most remote places.

Rapporteur MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski showed particular openness to considering stakeholder input, with several MEPs and political groups also present throughout the afternoon session. The event underscored the recognition across institutions of the essential bridge that European associations provide between EU-level policy ambitions and territorial implementation.

Next Steps

EARLALL will submit its comments and proposed amendments in writing to the rapporteur, as well as to the MEPs and European Commission representatives who attended the consultation. These written contributions will elaborate on the organization’s position that regional authorities are “not asking for power – we’re offering partnership for better implementation.”

The amendments aim to strengthen what already works in Erasmus+ while filling critical gaps, respecting national competences and maintaining flexibility to ensure Europe’s education investments reach those who need them most.

The consultation continues as part of the European Parliament’s process of examining the Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework period.

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For more information on EARLALL’s position and proposed amendments, contact the EARLALL Secretariat.