The lump sum grant model is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the Erasmus+ programme — both by first-time applicants who assume it means they will receive a fixed amount with no strings attached, and by more experienced organisations who do not fully understand how the lump sum interacts with project delivery, evidence requirements […]
One of the most common causes of queries, delayed balance payments and partial grant recoveries in Erasmus+ projects is not poor project management — it is a misunderstanding of what the programme will and will not fund. Erasmus+ has specific, clearly defined budget rules that vary by Key Action. Knowing these rules before you build
Erasmus+ priorities are not optional extras to mention at the end of your application. They are a core part of the Relevance criterion — the highest-weighted evaluation criterion at 30 points — and evaluators are explicitly instructed to assess whether projects genuinely integrate the programme’s priorities or merely reference them in passing. In 2026, the
The Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026 was officially published on 12 November 2025 as an integral part of the 2026 Call for Proposals. With a total budget of €5.2 billion for the year, the 2026 programme continues the strategic direction established in the 2021–2027 generation — but brings a set of concrete updates, clarifications and strengthened
The European Commission has published the Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026, introducing targeted updates while maintaining overall continuity with the 2025 framework. This post summarises the key changes and differences between the two guides—covering priorities, actions, and structural adjustments—to help organisations, educators, and project developers quickly understand what’s new and how it may affect future applications.
