Erasmus+ is the European Union's flagship program supporting education, training, youth, and sport across Europe and beyond. With a budget of €26.2 billion for 2021-2027, it aims to foster social inclusion, digital and green transitions, and civic engagement. The program focuses on mobility and cooperation opportunities in higher education, vocational training, school education, adult learning, youth activities, and sports. It supports priorities outlined in the European Education Area, Digital Education Action Plan, and European Skills Agenda. Erasmus+ offers various funding opportunities, with grant amounts varying based on the type and scale of projects. For example, Cooperation Partnerships can receive up to €400,000, while Small-scale Partnerships may get up to €60,000. The program emphasizes inclusivity, aiming to involve participants from diverse backgrounds and those with fewer opportunities. Recent initiatives include the European Universities alliances, promoting transnational cooperation in higher education, and DiscoverEU, offering 18-year-olds the chance to explore Europe by train. Erasmus+ also supports digital education projects, environmental sustainability initiatives, and efforts to enhance democratic participation among young people. To receive funding, applicants must align their projects with Erasmus+ priorities and demonstrate clear objectives, impact, and sustainability. The program is open to various organizations, including educational institutions, NGOs, and public bodies across participating countries.
Erasmus+ could significantly support the development of the European Housing Cooperative (EHC) through various funding opportunities and cooperation initiatives. The most relevant program for EHC would likely be Key Action 2 - Cooperation among organisations and institutions, particularly the Cooperation Partnerships action. This action could provide funding for EHC to increase the quality of its activities, develop partner networks, and boost its capacity to operate transnationally. It could support projects focused on innovation in housing, sustainability, and social inclusion - all key aspects of EHC's mission. The Small-scale Partnerships action might also be suitable, offering lower grant amounts but simpler requirements, ideal for grassroots initiatives like EHC in its early stages. Erasmus+ has previously funded projects in related areas. For example, the HOME2 project, which aims to transform student housing across Europe, received funding under Erasmus+ Key Action 2. Similarly, initiatives focused on sustainable urban development and social housing have been supported in the past. Additionally, EHC could benefit from Erasmus+ virtual collaboration platforms and partner-finding databases to connect with potential collaborators across Europe. The program's focus on promoting social inclusion, equal opportunities, and sustainable development aligns well with EHC's goals, making it a promising avenue for support.