The Commission makes Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps more inclusive

22 Oct 2021 01:43 PM

Today, the Commission has adopted a framework to increase the inclusiveness and diversity of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes for the period 2021-2027. The measures deliver on the commitment by President von der Leyen's Commission to substantially reinforce both programmes, not only by allowing many more people to learn or volunteer in another country, but in particular by reaching out to increasing numbers of people with fewer opportunities.

With today's framework of inclusion measures, the Commission gives a strong boost to improve equity and inclusion in the European Education Area and lives up to the promise in the first principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which provides that everyone has the right to quality and inclusive education, training and lifelong learning.

Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas said:

Our European way of life is one that provides equal opportunities to all young Europeans. Inclusion and diversity are integral part of this vision. Going the extra mile to make sure that EU programmes leave no one behind is essential. The Erasmus generation has become the best ambassadors of Europe, they can share what they have experienced and it starts with fair and equal access to all the programmes.

Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said:

“EU programmes need to benefit all, regardless of their background, socio-economic context and physical, mental or health condition. Thus making the new Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps more inclusive and diverse is key.  We will provide more funding to accompany those who need more help and reach out to those who do not know about the programme, or hesitate. Everyone needs to be able to benefit from the same opportunities and can also give back to society. This is the value of solidarity that the European project relies on.”

The measures for the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes include:

The Commission will closely monitor the implementation of these inclusion measures at national level through the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps national agencies. To better address the specific challenges to access the programmes within their national contexts, the national agencies will develop their own inclusion action plans, based on this general framework of inclusion measures. A network of inclusion and diversity officers in the national agencies has already been established to facilitate this work and the exchange of best practices.

To ensure the successful implementation of the measures set out today, the Commission also remains in contact with all key players, from the national agencies to the organisations active in the field of inclusion and diversity, experts, practitioners and the participants themselves.

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