The Future of Erasmus+ Starts with Youth: ENGSO Youth Advocates for Sport in Europe’s Next Programme

The first day took place at the European Committee of the Regions, providing a space to exchange perspectives on the programme’s priorities, accessibility and future funding.

One of the central issues discussed was the budget for the next Erasmus+ programme. While the European Parliament has proposed €47.4 billion, Member States have been considering a lower level of funding.

The European Youth Forum (YFJ) and the Erasmus+ Coalition are calling on national governments to support the Parliament’s proposed figure, emphasising the importance of adequate investment in youth opportunities, mobility, learning and cooperation.

The decisions made during the negotiations will help shape the opportunities available to young people and organisations in the coming years. Ensuring sufficient funding is therefore essential to maintaining and expanding access to international learning and cooperation.

As the only European Youth Forum member specifically working in the field of sport, ENGSO Youth brought the perspective of grassroots sport organisations into the discussion.

For many local clubs and smaller sport NGOs, Erasmus+ Sport is one of the few accessible routes to European funding. It enables organisations to build partnerships across borders, exchange knowledge, develop skills and create opportunities for young people to participate in sport and community life.

These opportunities extend beyond physical activity. Through international projects, young people can develop leadership skills, learn about inclusion and human rights, strengthen intercultural understanding and contribute to their communities. European cooperation also helps grassroots organisations learn from one another and improve their work.

However, these opportunities depend on accessible funding and a programme that recognises the needs and capacities of smaller organisations, not only larger institutions with extensive resources.

ENGSO Youth’s participation in the conference was an opportunity to ensure that sport remains part of the wider conversation about the future of Erasmus+.

Sport is an important setting for youth participation, non-formal learning, inclusion and active citizenship. A well-funded and accessible Erasmus+ programme can help ensure that young people and grassroots organisations across Europe continue to benefit from these opportunities.

As negotiations over the next programme continue, ENGSO Youth will keep advocating for strong investment in Erasmus+ and recognition of the role sport plays in creating opportunities for young people.

Because investing in Erasmus+ is also an investment in young people, their communities and a more connected Europe.