The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) unanimously adopted an opinion on the European Commission proposal for a Regulation establishing the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028–2034, reinforcing the programme’s strategic importance for Europe’s competitiveness, cohesion and shared identity.
The opinion highlights Erasmus+ as one of the EU’s most visible and impactful programmes, while underlining the need to ensure that its benefits reach all territories and communities — including those facing structural disadvantages. In particular, the opinion stresses the key role of local and regional authorities in delivering Erasmus+ and calls for stronger decentralised implementation, better outreach, and increased ambition for the next programme cycle.
Roberto Pella (EPP/IT), Mayor of Valdengo (BI) and Vice-President of the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) who served as rapporteur of the opinion, stated: “Erasmus+ is not only one of the most widely recognised programmes by European citizens; it is a cornerstone of our shared European identity. Continuing to invest in Erasmus+ means investing in Europe’s future. It means believing in talent, solidarity, and social and territorial mobility. It means building a Union that is more competitive, more inclusive, and, above all, closer to its young people. The European Committee of the Regions will bring to completion a process of listening and dialogue launched in recent months and will submit concrete proposals to the European legislative bodies to strengthen Erasmus+ for territories and communities, dedicating every milestone achieved to the legacy of Sofia Corradi.”
In his opinion, Pella put forward concrete recommendations to strengthen the programme for the next multiannual period, including:
• Support for disadvantaged inland municipalities: the rapporteur calls for Erasmus+ to support, at regional level, pilot projects providing implementation support, technical assistance and capacity building for municipalities in inland areas that are more vulnerable and disadvantaged.
• A stronger sport dimension: the opinion calls for an assessment of establishing a dedicated sector for sport-related objectives, with a budget equal to at least 5% of the total programme.
• Reinforced decentralised implementation: the opinion emphasises that local and regional authorities are fundamental to Erasmus+ success and urges the programme to maintain and strengthen its decentralised bodies, which manage projects, co-finance actions, and tailor implementation to local educational, social and economic needs.
• A new public awareness campaign: the CoR proposes launching a new communication campaign in close cooperation with local and regional authorities, social partners and businesses, to optimise the programme’s impact and encourage broader participation.
About Erasmus+ and next steps
Erasmus+ is the European Union programme supporting education, training, youth and sport, enabling mobility and cooperation across Europe. For the 2028–2034 period, the proposed new regulation aims to modernise and strengthen the programme to better support EU priorities, including skills development, inclusion, and European cohesion across all territories.
The opinion is expected to be adopted during the CoR Plenary session of 5–6 May 2026
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Pella backs stronger Erasmus+: calls for more resources and stronger local delivery
Related Commissions
Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture
SEDEC
Related Opinions
Erasmus+ programme
Members involved
Roberto
PELLA
Mayor of Valdengo
Note to editors
The EPP Group is a leading force in the European Committee of the Regions: a consultative body which was created in 1994 to give locally and regionally elected representatives of government a say over the content of EU legislation.