The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) expresses its serious concern over the proposed reduction in Erasmus+ funding in the negotiations on the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. Reducing investment in a programme that supports young people, youth organisations and cross-border cooperation risks undermining the EU’s commitments to equality, inclusion, democratic participation and fundamental rights at a time when these commitments require meaningful action.
Erasmus+ is more than a mobility programme. It is a vital instrument for non-formal education, intercultural dialogue, active citizenship and youth empowerment. Through exchanges, training opportunities and collaborative projects, young people develop the skills and confidence to participate in democratic life, challenge discrimination and contribute to more inclusive societies. These opportunities must remain accessible to all young people, regardless of their social or economic circumstances.
For youth organisations, Erasmus+ provides essential resources to develop partnerships, strengthen their capacity and deliver activities that promote human rights, equality and meaningful youth participation. Funding cuts risk limiting these opportunities and placing additional pressure on grassroots organisations, particularly those working with communities that face discrimination and underrepresentation. For many organisations, access to European funding is essential to sustaining their work and ensuring that young people’s voices are heard beyond their immediate communities.
The consequences extend beyond fewer mobility opportunities. Youth organisations and human rights defenders play a crucial role in challenging discrimination, defending fundamental rights and creating spaces for young people to participate in public life. Weakening the resources available to these actors risks undermining civil society and further marginalising young people whose experiences and perspectives are already insufficiently represented in decision-making.
The European Union cannot credibly prioritise youth participation, democratic resilience and fundamental rights while reducing the resources needed to uphold these commitments. If the EU is serious about building a more democratic and inclusive Europe, its budget must reflect those ambitions.
FEMYSO calls on EU Member States and European decision-makers to reject the proposed reductions and ensure stronger, adequate and sustainable funding for Erasmus+ in the 2028–2034 EU budget. The programme’s budget must reflect its contribution to European society, the needs of young people and the essential role of youth organisations. Particular attention must be given to ensuring that young people facing discrimination and structural barriers are not excluded from the opportunities Erasmus+ provides.
Young people and the organisations representing and supporting them must not become an afterthought in EU budget negotiations. FEMYSO calls for investment that matches Europe’s commitments: Erasmus+ must be strengthened, not undermined.
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Notes
- FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation of 30 Muslim youth and student organisations across 21 European countries, working to empower European Muslim youth and contribute to a more inclusive, cohesive, and just Europe.
- For more information or media requests, please contact: media@femyso.org