Erasmus+ Program Supported Over 1.2 Million Students & Teachers in 2022

Erasmus+, the EU’s program for education, training, youth, and sport in Europe, enabled academic mobility of more than 1.2 million students, learners, professors, teachers, trainers, and youth over the past year, the 2022 edition of the Erasmus+ Annual Report has shown.

Data presented by the EU Commission during the 6th European Education Summit also showed that Erasmus+ supported 26,000 projects throughout the year, benefiting over 73,000 organizations, Erudera.com reports.

In a press release on November 30, the EU Commission said that the program, known for providing mobility opportunities, has witnessed continuous growth, with a budget of €26.2 billion for the period 2021-27, nearly double the funding available in the previous period (2014-20).

Commenting on the results, Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, called the Erasmus+ program “a beacon of positive change” that greatly impacts people, organizations, and policies in the EU.

“I am happy to see it grow and deliver on its goals, giving millions of people the opportunity to acquire and hone their skills across Europe and beyond. By fostering collaboration and discovery, the programme is helping weave the vibrant and intricate tapestry that is today’s Europe. Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation,” Ivanova said.

Erasmus operated with a total budget of €4 billion over the past year, a 38 percent increase from 2021, making it more accessible for small organizations and inclusive for individuals lacking opportunities.

The 2021-2027 program is focused more on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting participation in democratic life. Thanks to its prioritization of inclusion and diversity, Erasmus+ facilitated mobility for 134,000 individuals with fewer opportunities last year.

At the same time, in 2022, Erasmus+ placed a strong emphasis on supporting the environment. Over 1,300 cooperation projects, with an overall budget of €592 million, supported environment activities and the fight against climate change.

Additionally, over 1,650 cooperation projects with a budget of €744 million addressed the digital transformation of education. Moreover, nearly €340 million of the 2022 budget was allocated to fund 1,200 cooperation projects supporting democratic participation.

The program was created in 1987. Back then, it provided learning mobility opportunities to only 3,000 university students.

Since its creation, Erasmus has provided opportunities to around 14 million people, helping the latter to move abroad for study or work purposes, training, and volunteering.

Over the years, the program evolved, modernizing and offering opportunities to people in new countries. In 2014, it changed the name to Erasmus+ to include all education fields, youth, and sports.