For many people, sporting competitions offer opportunities to also learn about other cultures. Take the Icelandic team in the Euro 2016 – people loved the Viking Thunderclap and the amazing support of the Icelandic fans. Sport also brings people together, just look at how Belgium becomes one when their football team is playing, or the recent Davis Cup Final.

Reflecting on 30 years of mobility under Erasmus+, the Erasmus+ Generation has put forward 30 concrete proposals on the future of the Erasmus+ programme beyond 2020. They have high hopes for the future: a larger, simplified and more ambitious Erasmus+ programme that will not only help Europe tackle the most pressing societal challenges, but also bridge the skills gap, increase civic engagement; shape society around shared values; reach out to the most disadvantaged; and foster cooperation with the rest of the world.

2017 ends with record-breaking figures for Erasmus+. According to the 2016 Annual Report, a budget increase of 7.5% allowed the programme to support 21,000 projects during 2016, 15% more than the previous year. Furthermore, since 2014, more than 2 million participants have benefitted from mobility grants. Expectations for the future run high, as reflected by the 30 proposals that make up the Erasmus+ Generation Declaration, presented together with the Annual Report at the closing event of the Erasmus+ 30th anniversary campaign on 30 November in Brussels – the icing on the cake of a celebratory campaign that saw more than 750,000 people take part in over 1,900 events across 44 countries.

Every year, thousands of European projects enable the development of interesting practices and outputs that benefit both learners and teachers. To give some insight into these innovations and their development, 5 new collections of excellent results stemming from various projects funded by Erasmus+ and its predecessor, the Lifelong Learning Programme, have just been published.

The European Commission has published the Erasmus+ 2018 Call for Proposals. €2.7 billion in funding is available for education, training, youth and sport projects - more than ever before. With this increased budget, Erasmus+ will provide an unprecedented number of opportunities for individuals and organisations in Europe and beyond. Discover the major novelties and changes in the Programme Guide. It provides detailed information on how to apply in all official EU languages. Get prepared for 2018!

Erasmus+ provides people with the competences needed to lead independent, fulfilling lives. It helps them find their place in our societies and develop a sense of a European identity – one that complements our national, regional and local identities.

The European Commission has adopted the Erasmus+ 2018 Annual Work Programme, marking the beginning of the process to launch all the Erasmus+ calls for 2018. Learn more about the extra funding and new opportunities!

One of the coveted Dolphin Trophies at the 8th Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards 2017 was given to ICF Mostra last September 28th for the videos they have made for the Erasmus+ 30th anniversary campaign.

After a year full of events triggering plenty of emotions, memories and exciting developments for the future of the programme, the closing event of the Erasmus+ 30th anniversary campaign lies a few weeks ahead. Save the date and come join us in Brussels on November the 30th to cheer one last time to three decades of mobility and exchanges under Erasmus+.

Under the Erasmus+ programme, the merits of an international or skills-building experience are not only important for students, apprentices and volunteers. Our teachers and trainers can also benefit from exchanges that foster long-term pedagogical innovation. This in turn bolsters the teachers and trainers themselves, their fellow colleagues and learners, and society more broadly.

Quality coaching plays a central role in ensuring the correct development of sports skills and can help determine if an athlete pursues a professional career in sports. The role of coaches in sport and in society at large is one of the priorities of the Estonian Presidency.

Sport might not be the best-known part of the Erasmus+ programme, but it is a very dynamic one. Since 2014, almost 400 grants have been awarded in priority areas for Erasmus+ Sport. The programme supports various activities such as collaborative partnerships - including on a small scale since 2016 - and European not-for-profit sport events.

Sport is fun, exciting and brings people together. It is based on fairness and respect - playing a vital role not only in individual health and fitness, but in shaping our wider European society. Erasmus+ sport supports young athletes and promotes social inclusion - and there are new funding opportunities lining up!

30 years ago, one of the most ambitious and successful projects of the European Union was born. Today, you have a chance to shape its future! Join the discussion on the Erasmus+ Generation Online Meeting Point and contribute to the Erasmus+ Generation Declaration!

The European Language Label initiative, launched by the European Commission in 2002, rewards excellence and innovation in language learning. Erasmus+ supports the Label and wants to spread the word about inspiring winners.

In August, Erasmus+ Online Linguistic Support (OLS) hit the milestone of almost 1,000,000 users! Future updates promise bespoke access for Erasmus+ beneficiaries and brand new Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) tailor-made to the needs of participants going abroad. Check out these updates and learn about the results of other Erasmus+ projects focused on enhancing language skills.

The European Day of Languages, held yearly on 26 September, celebrates Europe’s linguistic diversity. Many Erasmus+ initiatives take part to honour the wide variety of languages spoken. Find out which public events are going on in your country this year!

When was the last time you were active? Have you awakened your volleyball or Frisbee skills with some friends in the park lately? How about going for a run after work or simply taking the stairs instead of the lift? Join us for the European Week of Sport, 23-29 September. It is a great opportunity to discover the many fun ways for all of us to be – and stay – active.

Did you know that 9 in 10 Erasmus+ participants say that their experience has helped improve their language skills? Or that there were more than 140 sports projects funded by Erasmus+ in 2016? Language learning and sports activities are key elements in promoting intercultural exchanges in the framework of the Erasmus+ programme. Through language learning, people experience cultural nuances, while physical activity and working towards common goals are great ice breakers.

Volunteering is vital to the sport movement. There are many benefits of giving up spare time for sport, such as skills, friendships and for more vulnerable people it can create a stronger sense of belonging. Due to clear links between sport, volunteering and education, there are many schemes that deserve to be supported by Erasmus+ Sport.