SUMMARY:

• On 11th May, the Council agreed its position (also called "general approach") on the Erasmus+ regulation for 2028-2034.
• The general approach is « partial » because it excludes financial and horizontal issues. These are currently being discussed as part of the negotiations on the next multi-annual financial framework covering the period 2028 to 2034.
• A positive element to note is that sport is brought out now as a standalone pillar within the programme, which was one of FESI’s main asks as part of our MFF coalition joint statement.

MORE INFORMATION

In the field of sport, the position stipulates that Erasmus+ will support the learning mobility of people active in grassroots sport, including sport staff. This is also in line with FESI’s request in our joint statement.

Other key elements of the Council’s position:

• An enhanced governance model: The Council has updated the governance model of the Erasmus+ programme to strengthen member states’ powers of scrutiny. In particular, it has reinstated the programme committee and introduced two separate categories of work programme ('new action' and 'regular'), via which actions under Erasmus+ shall be implemented.
• Non-EU countries : the position introduces the new concept of ‘partial’ association to the Erasmus+ programme for non-EU countries. This is also in line with FESI’s joint statement.
• Updates the definition of sport and includes several reference to « physical activity » in the regulation, also in line with FESI’s demands.

There seems to also be some support for earmarking some specific budget for sport and physical activity under Erasmus +, in line with FESI’s demand for 5%: "The work programmes shall set out in detail, as applicable: a) the indicative amount allocated to each action; b) the indicative amount allocated to each sector ».

NEXT STEPS

• The partial negotiating position approved today is the Council's mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament on the Erasmus+ regulation.
• The Parliament CULT's draft report is expected to be published next week.
• The decision on the programme’s budget for 2028-2034 will depend on the final agreement on the next MFF.

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