#ErasmusDays 2024: Shaping Europe together

Educational and youth organisations in Austria present the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ and set an example for sustainability and democracy.

In 2024, #ErasmusDays will once again put the spotlight on the diversity and added value of the Erasmus+ programme across Europe. From 9 to 14 October 2024, a wide range of events will once again take place in Austria to celebrate the impact and future of the popular EU programme. Schools, universities, youth facilities, sports institutions and other educational establishments are particularly involved in the programme. Austria has already organised 154 events in 2023, and the OeAD is expecting another strong turnout this year.
The events in Austria are as diverse as the programme itself: From informative Erasmus+ evenings and culinary journeys through Europe to pub quiz evenings and outdoor activities. in 2024, the focus will be on the horizontal priority "Democratic Participation". Jakob Calice, Managing Director of Austria's education agency OeAD, which is responsible for the implementation of Erasmus+ in Austria, emphasises: "Erasmus+ not only promotes education, but also participation in a democratic Europe. At a time when democratic values and exchange across borders are more important than ever, Erasmus+ gives young people the chance to play an active role in shaping their future."
Section Head Bernadett Humer, responsible for Section VI Family and Youth at the Federal Chancellery, emphasised: "The #ErasmusDays are a strong symbol of European cooperation. They show how important it is to give young people the opportunity to experience and actively shape democracy. The experiences they gain through the Erasmus+ programme are formative for their lives and for the future of our society."
As a prelude, Section Head Bernadett Humer and OeAD Managing Director Jakob Calice visited the Grenzenlos association in Vienna, which implements both Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects in the field of youth and intercultural exchange. for Daniela Fellinger, Managing Director of the Grenzenlos association, it is important: "The Erasmus+ experience is a door opener for intercultural understanding and solidarity. The exchange that we promote helps to break down prejudices and make a real contribution to an open, democratic society."
Last year, 9,635 activities were organised in 53 countries across Europe, with Turkey (3,708), France (1,983) and Spain (911) at the top of the list of participating countries. As part of the #ErasmusAktiv Challenge last year, for example, students campaigned for environmental protection by collecting rubbish together and thus became part of a Europe-wide movement for sustainability.
Other highlights:
Alongside #ErasmusDays, the DiscoverEU autumn tourwill also take place, giving young people aged 18 and over the opportunity to discover Europe by train in a sustainable and free way. The winners of the "My Story" competition will be presented on the OeAD's social media channels and offer an inspiring insight into the diversity of Erasmus+ experiences.
Looking ahead to next year, 2025, the topic of "Environment and combating climate change" will be at the centre of Erasmus activities.
Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps
Erasmus+ enables stays abroad, promotes European and global cooperation and gives international impetus to Austrian education and youth policy. Erasmus+ offers mobility and cooperation opportunities in higher education, vocational education and training, school education (including early childhood education and care), adult education, youth work and sport - within Europe and, in some cases, worldwide. The European Solidarity Corps supports local initiatives by young adults (solidarity projects) as well as volunteer assignments in charitable projects and organisations abroad. The OeAD is promoting #ErasmusDays2024 in Austria. The OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation, is the national agency responsible for the implementation of Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps - on behalf of the BMBWF, BKA, BMKÖS and the European Commission.
In the current programme generation 2021 to 2027 of Erasmus+ and ESK, Europe is investing 28.4 billion euros in Europe-wide and international exchange. A further billion euros is available for the European Solidarity Corps. From 2021 to 2027, Austria is expected to receive EUR 683 million from the European Union's funding pot for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. 331.000 people from Austria from all areas of education, youth and sport are expected to gain experience abroad during the current programme period.
www.erasmusplus.at and www.solidaritätskorps.at