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Erasmus+ is not only about mobility: it is European education, cooperation and active citizenship

1957
The foundations of Europe
Treaties of Rome
Cooperation as a tool for peace. With the creation of the European Economic Community, the European political project takes shape. Although education is not yet a direct EU competence, the principle of free movement of people is established — a key condition that will later make educational mobility possible.
1976
Education enters the European agenda
First Community Action Programme in the field of education
Educational cooperation as a shared European interest. For the first time, the European Community launches a formal programme of cooperation in education. While education remains a national competence, it is recognised as a strategic area for promoting mobility, exchange of good practices and intercultural understanding. This milestone lays the political and institutional groundwork for the creation of Erasmus.
1987
Erasmus is born
Erasmus – European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students
Studying abroad becomes part of the academic path. The Erasmus Programme is officially launched. For the first time, international student mobility is structured, funded and academically recognised at European level, transforming study abroad from an elite opportunity into an accessible educational experience.
1995
Education in a European framework
Socrates Programme (1995–2006)
From university mobility to lifelong learning. Erasmus is integrated into the Socrates Programme, which expands European cooperation to include schools, higher education and teacher training. Education is increasingly recognised as a key driver of European citizenship.
2007
Lifelong learning
Lifelong Learning Programme – LLP (2007–2013)
Learning, training and growing at every stage of life. Erasmus becomes part of a broader framework alongside Comenius, Leonardo da Vinci and Grundtvig. The concept of lifelong learning is consolidated, linking education, vocational training and adult learning.
2014
Erasmus+
One single European programme (2014–2020)
One programme, many opportunities. Erasmus+ is launched, bringing together the main European programmes for education, training, youth and sport. The programme moves beyond higher education and fully embraces youth work, non-formal education, adult education and organisational cooperation.
2021
Erasmus+ today
Erasmus+ 2021–2027
Inclusion, sustainability and participation. With a significantly increased budget, Erasmus+ enters a new phase focused on social inclusion, digital transformation, environmental sustainability and democratic participation. The programme becomes a key instrument for strengthening skills, active citizenship and European cooperation.
Today
More than a programme
Erasmus+ as a transformative experience
From individual mobility to collective change. Since 1987, millions of people have taken part in Erasmus experiences. Today, Erasmus+ is an ecosystem connecting territories, organisations and communities, contributing to a more cohesive, inclusive and aware Europe.

Curiosities About Eramsus+

More than 10 million people have taken part in Erasmus mobility programmes since 1987, making it one of the most successful EU initiatives ever.

The Erasmus+ programme 2021–2027 has a budget of over €26 billion, almost double the funding of the previous programme period.

Erasmus+ is implemented at national level through National Agencies, ensuring decentralised and accessible management across countries.

Erasmus+ operates in both EU and non-EU countries, involving partner countries from different regions of the world.

European Solidarity
Corps (ESC)

Non-formal education, intercultural learning, and active citizenship

Learn More

Erasmus+: How It Works

Erasmus+ is the European Union programme that supports learning and cooperation across Europe. It funds projects that help people and organisations learn, train, teach, exchange practices, and build international partnerships. Rather than being a single “type of mobility”, Erasmus+ is a programme framework organised into fields (education, youth, sport) and Key Actions (the main funding lines). 

Fields (what area you work in)

Key Actions (what kind of activity you want to fund)

Project formats (what you actually implement)

The overall structure:

Erasmus+ covers several areas. The main ones are:

  • School Education (schools, teachers, pupils)
  • VET – Vocational Education and Training (training centres, apprenticeships, skills)
  • Higher Education (universities, students, staff)
  • Adult Education (adult learning providers, learners)
  • Youth (youth organisations, youth workers, young people; non-formal education)
  • Sport (grassroots sport, integrity, inclusion)
Learn More

The “funding lines”

Erasmus+ projects are organised around Key Actions (KAs). These are the simplest way to understand the programme.

What changes?

A quick comparison helps users understand what kind of project they’re looking at.

Who can participate

Another common confusion is “who applies” and “who benefits”.Individuals benefit, but organisations apply and manage the project. Comparative view:

  • Beneficiaries: students, young people, staff, youth workers, learners
  • Applicants / coordinators: schools, NGOs, universities, municipalities, training providers, youth organisations
  • Partners: organisations in other countries supporting implementation and hosting activities
From idea to funded project

Most Erasmus+ projects follow a similar path:

  • Define a need (what problem are you solving? who benefits?)
  • Choose the field (youth, VET, higher education, etc.)
  • Choose the Key Action (KA1 mobility, KA2 cooperation, etc.)
  • Build a partnership (if required / useful)
  • Plan activities + budget (objectives, timeline, roles, costs)
  • Implement & document (learning, inclusion, safety, quality)
  • Dissemination & impact (share results, show outcomes, transfer learning)
Why this structure matters

Erasmus+ is designed so that different actions create different kinds of impact:

  • KA1 creates personal learning and competence growth
  • KA2 builds organisational quality and innovation
  • KA3 supports system-level and policy improvements
This is why two projects can both be “Erasmus+” but look completely different in format, target group and expected results.

Who can participate: individuals vs organisations

Another common confusion is “who applies” and “who benefits”.Individuals benefit, but organisations apply and manage the project.

Comparative view:

  • Beneficiaries: students, young people, staff, youth workers, learners
  • Applicants / coordinators: schools, NGOs, universities, municipalities, training providers, youth organisations
  • Partners: organisations in other countries supporting implementation and hosting activities

From idea to funded project: the basic workflow

Most Erasmus+ projects follow a similar path:

  • Define a need (what problem are you solving? who benefits?)
  • Choose the field (youth, VET, higher education, etc.)
  • Choose the Key Action (KA1 mobility, KA2 cooperation, etc.)
  • Build a partnership (if required / useful)
  • Plan activities + budget (objectives, timeline, roles, costs)
  • Implement & document (learning, inclusion, safety, quality)
  • Dissemination & impact (share results, show outcomes, transfer learning)

Why this structure matters

Erasmus+ is designed so that different actions create different kinds of impact:

  • KA1 creates personal learning and competence growth
  • KA2 builds organisational quality and innovation
  • KA3 supports system-level and policy improvements

This is why two projects can both be “Erasmus+” but look completely different in format, target group and expected results.

Erasmus+ (Youth)

Non-formal education, intercultural learning, and active citizenship

How to apply with KLAP
  1. Check our Open Calls (Sending/Hosting).
  2. Read the Infopack (dates, location, costs, eligibility).
  3. Click Apply and fill in the form (motivation, availability, basics).
  4. If selected: confirmation email, prep call, and pre-departure briefing (travel instructions, packing list, consent/privacy forms).
  5. After the activity: submit tickets/invoices (if required for travel reimbursement) and complete your Youthpass.

Reference rules and details are set out in the official Erasmus+ Programme Guide.

Useful links