We’re pleased to share that Maja Jotić represented STEP Institute yesterday at the European Parliament’s stakeholder meeting on education and skills, contributing to discussions on the future Erasmus+ programme (2028–2034). We were glad to take part in this exchange alongside a wide range of European education, VET, youth, employer and civil-society organisations.
In her statement, Maja presented STEP Institute’s perspectives on the programme, welcoming its direction, especially simplification and improved user-friendliness to increase accessibility for schools and smaller or less experienced organisations. She supported the strong focus on skills development and welcomed the fact that transversal skills such as flexibility, resilience, empathy, and critical thinking are explicitly recognised. At the same time, she stressed that recognition alone is not enough: more systematic approach is needed to develop these competencies in practice, including a clearer and more consistent emphasis on mental health and well-being across the whole programme. She also underlined the case for stronger investment in School Education, particularly primary and lower secondary, where motivation to learn and core learning habits are formed, and where inclusion efforts can reach the largest number of young people, including those with fewer opportunities. Finally, she called for greater emphasis on regional cooperation and collaboration with neighbouring countries, enabling more accessible, greener, and scalable exchanges.
The meeting was organised by the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education, and we value the opportunity to share stakeholder perspectives directly with EU institutions. It’s reassuring to know that practical experience from the field is being heard in these discussions.
