Navigating Change in Erasmus+ KA2: From Cooperation to Innovation

How to adapt your project strategy to the new priorities of Erasmus+ 2025

The Erasmus+ programme is evolving — and so is the way organizations collaborate across Europe. For years, KA2 Cooperation Partnerships have represented the backbone of international collaboration in education, training, and youth. But as the European Commission pushes towards innovation, scalability, and impact, the Erasmus+ landscape is shifting dramatically.

So what does this mean for your organization? And how can you stay competitive in the upcoming Erasmus+ 2025 calls?

Let’s explore what’s changing — and how you can turn this transition into an opportunity.

1. The decline of traditional KA2 Cooperation Partnerships

Until recently, KA2 Cooperation Partnerships allowed schools, NGOs, and training centers to develop international projects with manageable budgets and strong European value. However, starting in 2025, the European Commission is placing greater emphasis on large-scale, innovative projects capable of achieving long-term impact.

This shift is driven by:

• Increasing competition and lower success rates
• A strategic move towards projects aligned with EU priorities such as digital transformation, green skills, and social inclusion
• A growing need for initiatives that produce scalable and sustainable outcomes

As a result, organizations relying solely on traditional cooperation models may find it harder to secure Erasmus+ funding unless they adapt to the new framework.

2. New priorities: innovation, system-level impact, and collaboration

The future of Erasmus+ KA2 lies in projects that drive change and innovation across Europe. Key opportunities now include:

• Forward-Looking Projects that anticipate social, environmental, and technological developments
• Alliances for Innovation, connecting education, business, and research to create practical and future-oriented solutions
• Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), bridging training and labour market needs
• European Universities, promoting deep institutional cooperation across borders
• Small-Scale Partnerships, ideal for newcomers or smaller organizations looking to start their Erasmus+ journey

These priorities highlight a clear message: the programme is moving from cooperation to innovation — from project activities to systemic transformation.

3. How to adapt and stay competitive

To succeed in the new Erasmus+ 2025 context, organizations must rethink their approach. Here are key strategies:

✅ Focus on measurable impact and sustainability – Design projects that create long-term value and can be replicated beyond the project’s lifetime.

✅ Build interdisciplinary partnerships – Combine the expertise of schools, universities, companies, and public institutions.

✅ Engage stakeholders early – Co-create solutions with real-world actors such as businesses, policymakers, and local communities.

✅ Prioritize digital, green, and inclusive innovation – Align with the EU’s top priorities to strengthen your proposal’s relevance.

✅ Start small, think big – Use Small-Scale Partnerships as an entry point to gain experience and visibility before scaling up.

✅ Stay informed – Keep an eye on the Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026 and other policy updates to anticipate new funding trends.

With the right strategy, organizations can not only adapt to this transformation but also lead innovation within Erasmus+ KA2.

4. Example of good practice: EXChange AI – Expeditions for Change

A great example of a project reflecting this new vision is EXChange AI – Expeditions for Change: Navigating the Skills & AI Landscape.

Recently hosted in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Sicily, the project gathered participants from Italy, Germany, and Bulgaria for a creative exploration of art, artificial intelligence, and adult education.

Through hands-on workshops and interdisciplinary collaboration, the initiative promotes digital creativity, inclusion, and future-oriented skills — perfectly aligned with Erasmus+ priorities for innovation and societal impact.

EXChange AI embodies what the future of Erasmus+ KA2 looks like: diverse partnerships, relevant topics, and scalable, transferable outcomes.
Read the original newsletter here.

Conclusion: Turning change into opportunity

The Erasmus+ programme is entering a new phase — one that rewards innovation, impact, and long-term collaboration. While traditional cooperation partnerships remain important, the real opportunity lies in embracing forward-thinking, cross-sector, and transformative projects.

At EProjectConsult, we help organizations across Europe interpret these changes and design proposals that make a real difference. Whether you’re preparing your first Erasmus+ KA2 project or scaling your existing experience into a larger partnership, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

👉 Get in touch with our team to explore upcoming Erasmus+ 2025 calls and discover how we can help you bring your innovative project idea to life.