THEPS Newsletter #2: What the latest Erasmus+ data means for your next proposal

Hello!

Humans still write the THEPS newsletter, and luckily for you, we are not on a mission to become your overlords but rather to help you become better at writing your project proposals.

Last week, we discussed the SMART objectives. Did you start writing them in that format? It is easier for the evaluator to understand your plan and “seriousness” about the project. Like it or not, no one is going to fund your project based only on good intentions.

Later, we are going to pay attention to something new within the ADU proposals, so spend 5 minutes reading the newsletter. On this week's issue, we’ve got:

• Erasmus+ Mobility Report 2024
• Quick News
• Statistical Data from Poland
• Tips & Tricks
• What the Future Holds

Erasmus+ Mobility Report 2024

Did you know that almost 15 million people took part in Erasmus+ mobility activities in 2024? That’s a record-breaking number, showing just how powerful this programme has become in shaping Europe’s future. We’re still waiting for the 2025 report, but we’re sure it will be even more impressive.

A little history for you (we’re not only looking at the future). Erasmus began back in 1987 with only 3,244 students travelling abroad to study. Fast forward almost 40 years, and the scale is astonishing.

Here’s a fun fact worth celebrating: 80% of Erasmus+ graduates find employment within three months of graduation, with 72% saying their Erasmus+ experience helped them land their first job. Proof that mobility isn’t just about travel - it’s about opportunity. This is very important - when writing a mobility Erasmus+ project, ensure that it is practical. Not everything should be about fun and games; people need to reinforce their skills.

Quick News

One: Bulgarian singer and activist Ruth Koleva recently highlighted that less than 1% of Balkan artists participate in some of the biggest music events for emerging talent (that’s 11 out of 1713!).

Pointing further to the systemic underrepresentation in the European music ecosystem, she claimed that for Creative Europe, the funding rates have dropped to 30% less than the previous period! Her call is clear: Europe must do better in supporting diverse voices.

This is an opportunity for you - focus on the inclusion of Balkan artists in your projects.

Two: The European Commission has just announced new funding streams for green innovation projects in 2026. With a total budget of €14 billion, the work programme will dedicate at least 35% of its funding to climate goals. Even if your project’s main focus isn’t saving the planet from Big Pollution, don’t forget that it needs to include the green idea intertwined with its activities. Worry not, we will give you some tips and tricks soon! Source

Three: The EU is piloting new AI-driven translation tools to make cross-border collaboration smoother. Imagine writing your project in Latvian and having it instantly understood in Swedish! Source

Statistical Data from Poland

This week’s “strange but true” numbers: Poland reported a 27% increase in Erasmus+ adult education applications in 2024, but only 11% were approved.

Similarly for 2025… For KA210-ADU - 30 funded out of 176. In other words, if you are planning on submitting an ADU project through the Polish NA, your project must be exceptional.

We're still discussing the ADU sector. There are new fields to fill in the Erasmus+ platform.

You can now choose the levels of impact your project will have. It is very important that you choose all of them. Then you need to justify your choices. You have 3000 characters with spaces, so use them wisely. Give very specific examples that correlate to the level of impact.

For example, for local level, explain that you will train 50 people of which 40% will be with fewer opportunities. You will also disseminate the project with multiplier events, information days and visits at the local culture centres. Mind you, this is just an example, tailor it to your needs and set objectives!

Another new field to fill in is the three drop-down menus. For the first two, we can't help much because it's specific to your experience.

Finally, the Erasmus+ program has started asking the most important question, "Where is the synergy with everything else we are doing in this Union?".

Then a new field should open and you have to explain the synergy. This is similar to your motivation for doing the project and makes your project stand out. Explain how it actually supports the other initiatives (not all of them, of course!).

And honestly, very honestly... many people write projects without actually reading about what the EU invests in in terms of education and growth. Take your time.

What the Future Holds

THEPS is growing fast! Now with over 100 subscribers in less than a week!

Next year, we’ll unveil new features to help you find partners more easily, including thematic matchmaking and live Q&A sessions with EU project veterans. So stay tuned!

Now, we're wishing you wonderful holidays! See you on the 5th of January!