Youth Delegates Shape Future of Erasmus+ at the EU Youth Conference in Copenhagen

The 2nd Phase of the 11th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue – Connecting the EU  with Youth – culminated in the EU Youth Conference, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in September 2025. The event brought together youth delegates from across the EU, EEA, EU candidate countries, as well as international youth organisations and the European Youth Forum. Over three days, delegates worked in eight groups to develop recommendations on the future of the Erasmus+ programme for 2028–2034.

Following in-depth discussions and a plenary vote, one key recommendation from each group was adopted. Together, these eight recommendations reflect young people’s priorities for making Erasmus+ more accessible, inclusive, and future-focused.

The proposed recommendations are:

• Safeguarding a youth chapter with an earmarked budget of 15% – ensuring grassroots, volunteer-led youth organisations have dedicated funding through micro grants and operating grants, also accessible to youth organisations in EU candidate countries.
• Distributing Erasmus+ 2028–2034 grants before the start of the mobility – addressing the economic inequalities created when students only receive their grants after beginning their mobility.
• Ensuring a dedicated space for youth volunteering and solidarity – protecting the core values of the European Solidarity Corps and guaranteeing distinct funding for volunteering opportunities.
• Addressing external challenges facing young people – embedding adaptability as a horizontal priority to prepare youth and youth organisations for disinformation, instability, and global challenges.
• Creating dedicated Erasmus+ funding for soft skills and citizenship skills – investing in critical thinking, intercultural dialogue, and democratic participation alongside professional skills.
• Simplifying the application and reporting process – introducing plain-language materials, proportionate forms, oral applications, and mentoring to reduce barriers for youth and grassroots organisations.
• Promoting preparedness, resilience, and peacebuilding – strengthening youth access to training and opportunities in areas affected by conflict, extremism, and shrinking civic spaces.
• Introducing Erasmus+ Youth as a distinct section – establishing a dedicated identity, budget, and outreach strategy for Erasmus+ Youth to increase visibility and participation.

These outcomes highlight the determination of young Europeans to make Erasmus+ more inclusive, accessible, and relevant to today’s challenges. They also demonstrate the value of the EU Youth Dialogue as a structured process for bringing young people’s voices into European policymaking.

In Malta, the EU Youth Dialogue is coordinated by the National Working Group, managed by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and supported through funding from the European Commission. Through this process, Maltese youth people actively contribute to shaping policies that affect their lives and those of their peers across Europe.