Shaping the Future of Erasmus+: IAU Contributes to Strategic Dialogue on Academic Mobility and Cooperation in Europe

On 29 April 2025, the IAU joined a key policy dialogue on the future of European academic mobility and cooperation, held in Brussels under the title “The Future of Europe = The Future of Erasmus+.” Organized by the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) in collaboration with five of its members—DAAD (Germany), HK-dir (Norway), DZS (Czech Republic), Movetia (Switzerland), and VLUHR International (Flanders)—the event brought together a wide range of higher education stakeholders to reflect on the evolution of the Erasmus+ programme.

Held at a pivotal moment ahead of the European Commission’s proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the future Erasmus+ regulation, the event convened over 100 participants, including EU policymakers, representatives from the European Parliament and European Commission, national agencies, student organisations, and academic and professional associations.

The IAU was represented by Andreas Corcoran, Deputy Secretary General, who joined a distinguished panel of speakers to share perspectives on the global dimension of academic mobility and the importance of aligning the future Erasmus+ programme with the broader goals of international higher education cooperation and sustainable development. His intervention highlighted the need for inclusive and equitable mobility opportunities, stronger partnerships between European and non-European institutions, and support for higher education institutions in the Global South.

The event was anchored in ACA’s recent policy paper, “The Future of Erasmus+ is the Future of Europe,” which outlines key recommendations to enhance the strategic role of Erasmus+ in strengthening European integration, global engagement, and the international competitiveness of European higher education. Key topics discussed included the importance of sustainable funding, widening participation, digitalisation, capacity-building, and safeguarding the values of academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

The dialogue not only offered valuable input into the ongoing discussions at EU level but also served as a space for knowledge exchange and coalition-building among actors committed to shaping a more impactful and forward-looking Erasmus+ programme. ACA’s upcoming policy input will further contribute to guiding EU funding decisions that affect the future of cross-border academic cooperation.

As a global association promoting higher education as a public good, the IAU is pleased to have contributed to this timely conversation and remains committed to advocating for inclusive, sustainable, and globally connected higher education systems.