If the planned association with Erasmus+ goes ahead, international mobility and cooperation would no longer be funded through the Swiss Programme from 2027 onwards, but through Erasmus+. This means changes to the rules and framework, but also opportunities for new projects, partnerships and international networks.

One important change would be the future accreditation of training institutions for mobility projects. This is not yet available during the transition phase, however. With regard to cooperation, Erasmus+ projects could now be managed by Swiss organisations, and the need to submit two separate applications would be eliminated.

Movetia’s role would remain unchanged: project organisers would continue to receive consulting, guidance, monitoring and support from the national agency – but within a broader European programme framework. 

For project managers, this means that you should plan your project for 2027 within the framework of the funding opportunities under Erasmus+. At the same time, you should be prepared to submit your project under the current Swiss Programme in the event that Parliament does not approve Switzerland’s association with Erasmus+. Movetia supports you throughout this process by providing information on funding opportunities and the application process, where possible. 

Switzerland’s association with Erasmus+ would open up comprehensive access to European mobility and cooperation schemes for adult education. Swiss educators and institutions would thus once again be able to reap the full benefits of Europe’s largest education programme – without the structural and financial constraints of the current Swiss transitional solution.

Strengthening lifelong learning: In the face of technological and demographic change, education in adulthood – or continuing education – is now an important part of both professional and social life. Erasmus+ strongly promotes lifelong learning, and adult education is also a key issue for Switzerland, offering considerable potential.  Through this association, Swiss training institutions would have access to European expertise and could learn how other countries, for example, promote basic skills (reading, writing, basic education) or improve digital skills among adults. 

Quality and innovation: International cooperation brings new pedagogical approaches to Swiss adult education. Whether in basic education courses, professional development or programmes for senior citizens – exchanging with partners encourages innovative methods (e.g. the use of AI in learning processes, ‘transformative learning’ for sustainable development). The Swiss Federation for Adult Learning (SVEB) sees Erasmus+ as an opportunity to tackle such future-oriented topics together with its European neighbours. 

Inclusion and society: Adult education contributes to social integration (e.g. education for socially disadvantaged people, migrants and older people). Erasmus+ facilitates cross-border projects that enable the exchange and further development of successful inclusion models. This would also benefit social cohesion and participation in Switzerland. Strategically, this means that Switzerland, as an associated country, could participate more effectively in European initiatives that provide all adults with access to education opportunities – a goal that extends beyond national borders and connects us with our partners. 

Political and economic significance: Continuing education enhances the employability and competitiveness of the population. Through Erasmus+, Switzerland could maintain the high quality of its continuing education system in an international context. Furthermore, association would politically signal a commitment to working closely with Europe in the field of adult education – which builds trust and showcases our educational standards internationally.

Erasmus+, like the Swiss solution to date, supports mobility and cooperation projects. However, these have different names and their content differs in some aspects.

Erasmus+ supports projects that contribute to the programme’s priorities. The horizontal priorities apply to all areas of education and all Erasmus+ projects. 

Horizontal Priorities

Projects should contribute to:

• promoting participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement;
• supporting environmental sustainability and environmentally responsible behaviour (Green Erasmus);
• promoting inclusion and diversity; and
• fostering digital transformation, digital education and media literacy

Joining the Erasmus+ programme would give Swiss continuing education institutions not only access to all Funding opportunities but also renewed access to networks and tools.

The tools provided by Erasmus+ are designed to support project organisation and management. You can draw inspiration for new projects and engage in exchange of experiences. 

The Erasmus+ networks are designed to help you establish new partnerships for projects or, as a participating organisation, join existing consortia. They facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience (online or at events), but also serve as a source of information for your project planning. Various networks are already open to join, but are becoming increasingly relevant under Erasmus+.