Swiss youth work organisations can already take part in many Erasmus+ actions. However, if Switzerland were to become an associate partner of Erasmus+, they would participate in the programme directly and on an equal footing with all other organisations. Under Erasmus+, different funding and participation opportunities are available to you in the area of cooperation than under the Swiss Erasmus+ programme.

Should Switzerland become associated with Erasmus+ in 2027, this would mean: 

• You would, in principle, have access to all Erasmus+ actions in which your type of organisation is eligible to participate, i.e. on an equal footing with organisations from EU Member States and other Erasmus+ countries.
• As a Swiss youth work organisation, you would be able to coordinate, submit and manage cooperation projects.
• As a project partner (coordinator or full partner), you would receive funding directly from the Erasmus+ programme. Funding is generally no longer based on actual costs, but follows the lump-sum model, which prioritises project implementation.
• As a project partner, you would contribute to the required minimum participation in the consortia. For cooperation partnerships, for example, only two further partner organisations from Erasmus+ countries are now required.
• You could continue to participate on a self-funded basis as an ‘associated partner’. However, it would no longer be possible to apply for Swiss funding.
• For Swiss institutions, the need for duplicate applications and reporting – as was customary under the Swiss Erasmus+ programme – would be eliminated. Everything would be handled through the Erasmus+ programme.
• Only the rules and policy priorities of the Erasmus+ programme would apply. 

In the following sections, you will find brief descriptions of the Erasmus+ funding opportunities for youth work organisations.

In addition to supporting the learning mobility of individuals, Erasmus+ also promotes various forms of cross-organisational cooperation. These partnerships are designed to enable youth work organisations to deepen international cooperation, develop innovative approaches and play an active role in shaping European youth policy. They contribute to the Erasmus+ programme objectives by promoting quality in youth work, driving forward innovation and digitalisation, strengthening social inclusion and helping to tackle societal challenges. Through their transnational nature, these cooperations create clear European added value and enable a sustainable impact that extends beyond individual projects.

Erasmus+ distinguishes between the following two categories of cooperation between organisations:

• Key Action 2 (KA2) supports cooperation in youth work in the form of partnerships and projects;
• Key Action 3 (KA3) supports policy development and policy cooperation at European level.

Erasmus+ offers funding opportunities tailored to different needs and ambitions:

Even under the current Swiss arrangement, it is possible to participate in most of these cooperation projects, but only as an associated partner, not as an equal partner. This option would remain available even in the event of a negative decision regarding Erasmus+. 

Erasmus+ distinguishes between decentralised actions, which are managed by the national agencies, and centralised actions, which are managed directly by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) in Brussels.

Decentralised actions are managed and supported by the national agencies (in Switzerland, this is expected to be Movetia). Applications are submitted via the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps platform. This applies to cooperation partnerships and small-scale partnerships.

Centralised actions are managed by the EACEA in Brussels. Applications are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, where they are assessed. In the youth sector, this applies to capacity-building in the youth sector and KA3 (European Youth Together).

For all cooperation formats, you can find initial information and receive advice from Movetia.

Erasmus+ awards funding through annual calls for proposals, which are usually published in October/November. Youth work organisations submit their project ideas in the spring. The national agency may decide whether there will also be a second call in the autumn. 

The Erasmus+ 2027 call for proposals is expected to cover the following actions: 

Get to grips with the Erasmus+ Programme Guide at an early stage – it is the authoritative reference document for Erasmus+. We also recommend using resources from other National Agencies (NAs). Depending on the funding opportunity, there may be other relevant documents. Movetia will be happy to help you find your way around.

Consider which cooperation format best suits your project idea, your experience and your ambitions. Smaller partnerships (KA210-YOU) offer a low-threshold entry point for new or inexperienced project organisers; cooperation partnerships (KA220-YOU) are suitable for more extensive, strategically oriented projects. For projects involving selected regions outside the EU or for European networks, the centrally managed actions (Capacity Building in the Youth Sector, European Youth United) are also available.

Approach existing contacts – such as current project partners – at an early stage to discuss potential collaboration within the Erasmus+ programme. International collaboration takes time. Take part in European training courses (TCA, Training and Cooperation Activities) and other international events – either in person or online. There, you can make new contacts, exchange ideas with experts from across Europe and establish your position within European networks. Movetia will keep you informed about relevant events and support you in finding partners via the NA network. For new project planning, you can submit an application to us for a preparatory visit.

Erasmus+ awards funding for cooperation projects through annual calls for proposals, which are usually published in October/November; project applications are submitted in the spring. For 2027, it is expected that applications will be accepted in spring 2027. Plan your project idea well in advance so that it is ready by this deadline. Consider what your project idea would look like under both Erasmus+ and the Swiss scheme, taking into account the respective budget frameworks, partner requirements and risks. Movetia will be happy to assist you with this assessment.

On the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform, you will find funded projects from all programme areas. Use these for guidance on content and to develop a feel for the language and logic of Erasmus+ applications.

Significantly larger funding amounts are available under Erasmus+. Use this time now to think more broadly about project ideas – with more partners, greater impact and a longer duration.