From:Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD has today welcomed the announcement by the European Commission of the official results of the 2026 Erasmus+ call for proposals for the European Universities Initiative.

The total call budget as set in the Erasmus+ Annual Work Programme 2026 for the European Universities Initiative (EUA) is €145.6 million. Out of 36 proposals evaluated, 20 European Universities alliances have been selected for funding, receiving up to €7.2 million per alliance, for two years.

Of the 20 successful EUA proposals, 7 include Irish Higher Education Institutes, namely:

The European Universities Alliances are supported by approximately €1.2 billion under the full current cycle of Erasmus+ (2021–2027).

"I warmly welcome the European Commission’s announcement of further funding for 20 projects under the European Universities Alliances initiative. These alliances strengthen collaboration between Higher Education Institutions across Europe and create valuable opportunities for students to study in multiple countries as part of a single degree programme. In doing so, they broaden horizons, encourage mobility and foster a stronger sense of European identity.

"My Department fully recognises the strategic importance of this initiative. Alongside EU support, we have provided significant national investment, with €12.3 million in Exchequer funding allocated to Irish universities participating in the alliances between 2021 and 2025.

"This latest funding approval will support 20 projects, including seven involving Irish universities, helping to further strengthen the European Universities Initiative and place it on a more sustainable financial footing for the future.

"More broadly, my Officials and I are actively engaged in discussions on the next Erasmus+ Programme for the period 2028–2034. I look forward to Ireland continuing to play a constructive and ambitious role in shaping this important programme during our Presidency”.

The approval of these 20 EUA Projects coincides with the 4th Forum of European University Alliances being held under the Irish EU Presidency in Maynooth tomorrow (10 July). The Forum will discuss key issues for the EUA including future funding beyond 2027, the development of the European Degree, the role of Alliances in strengthening European competitiveness, innovation, inclusion and democratic values, student participation and alignment between EU, national and institutional strategies.

The related European Commission press release of 9 July 2026 can be seen at:20 European Universities alliances selected for Erasmus+ funding | European Education Area.