Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/1877 of 22 October 2021 on the framework of inclusion measures of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Programmes 2021-2027 (Text with EEA relevance)

1 This Decision establishes a framework of inclusion measures for the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Programmes for the period of the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.

2 It lays down the objectives of the framework and the actions and mechanisms to be implemented.

1 The general objective of the framework of inclusion measures is to facilitate the access to the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Programmes for people with fewer opportunities, to ensure the putting in place of measures to remove the obstacles that may prevent such access, and to serve as a basis for further implementation guidance as set out in the Annex. Based on the principle that the Programmes have to be accessible for all, regardless of the barriers people may face, the aim is to leave no one behind and contribute to more inclusive societies.

2 The framework of inclusion measures has four specific objectives: (a) mainstreaming inclusion and diversity as a cross-cutting priority and guiding principle; (b) ensuring the offer of inclusive features and mechanisms within the design of the Programmes and the budget allocated to its actions, and that the focus on inclusion and diversity is taken into account at all stages of the Programmes’ management; (c) establishing a common understanding of those who may be considered people with fewer opportunities and fostering a positive approach to diversity; (d) supporting beneficiary organisations in establishing more high quality projects that address inclusion and diversity, and in designing and implementing projects in a more inclusive and diverse manner.

3 The Annex to this Decision provides a non-exhaustive list of the actions which the Commission has taken and will take in order to provide guidance on the implementation of inclusion measures in the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Programmes.

The Programmes shall offer flexible and accessible learning formats to enable reaching out to large target groups, thus increasing the integration of people with fewer opportunities in education and training, youth, sport and solidarity activities.

Mechanisms to adequately prepare and support participants with fewer opportunities before, during and after their participation within the Programmes, such as preparatory visits, linguistic support, reinforced mentorship and coaching, shall be available and duly financed.

Mechanisms shall be put in place to: (a) support organisations in making inclusion a reality, particularly in terms of organisational development, accessibility and the interaction with participants with fewer opportunities before, during and after the project. This can take the form of support activities for staff dealing specifically with inclusion and diversity in organisations, such as training and thematic networking opportunities, to work together to support people with fewer opportunities and to ensure inclusive selection procedures; (b) support organisations in their key role to reach out and raise awareness among potential participants with fewer opportunities on the various opportunities and support mechanisms that the Programmes offer them.

1 The Programmes shall provide adequate levels of financial support to participants with fewer opportunities, contributing to removing the barriers that prevent them to participate in Programme’s activities on equal footing to their peers. This includes taking into consideration the most appropriate mechanisms for granting such support.

2 The Programmes shall make available reinforced financial support for organisations working with participants with fewer opportunities, recognising the additional efforts put in place to effectively involve these target groups in their project activities.

Priority may be given in the grant awarding process to quality projects that actively address the inclusion and involvement of participants with fewer opportunities.

The Programmes shall ensure that the application and reference documents are user-friendly and accessible and available in different languages. Those documents shall have a clear structure and use simple language in order to support the needs of people with fewer opportunities.

Funding may be provided under the Programmes to offer training activities aimed at inclusion of people with fewer opportunities for, inter alia, experts, practitioners, staff of the organisations and participants. These training activities shall be aimed at creating opportunities for the exchange of best practices, building competences and for encouraging innovative ideas regarding inclusion measures.

The Programmes shall provide qualitative support for inclusion measures through the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps national agencies and the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), as well as through structures such as Support, Advanced Learning and Training Opportunities (SALTO) Inclusion and Diversity.

Information and awareness-raising about the opportunities offered by the Programmes and the inclusion support mechanisms may have to be conveyed and adapted to their national and sector-specific context for each category of participants with fewer opportunities. To achieve this, implementing organisations are encouraged to provide suitable and accessible information material, establish different outreach and information channels, share best practices, and proactively target and contact organisations active in the fields of inclusion and diversity. These tasks shall be carried out in particular by the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps national agencies. To support the implementation of these tasks, inclusion and diversity officers shall be appointed in the national agencies.

1 Relevant data shall be collected, in particular by the Commission and by Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps national agencies and the EACEA, during the lifespan of the Programmes through a mix of sources, such as the IT tools supporting the implementation of the Programmes or the participant surveys.

2 Monitoring tasks will be carried out by the Commission with the help of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps national agencies and the EACEA, and through ad-hoc analysis, while respecting the applicable data protection rules and procedures for processing sensitive personal data.

1 As an integral part of their work programmes, the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps national agencies shall develop inclusion action plans, based on this framework of inclusion measures, and with particular attention to the specific challenges to access the Programmes within the national contexts. They shall report on a regular basis to the Commission on the progress made in the implementation of their inclusion action plan.

2 The Commission shall monitor the implementation of those inclusion action plans on a regular basis.

3 Where necessary, the Commission shall provide recommendations and observations to the national agencies in relation to their inclusion action plans, with a view to improve the design, implementation and follow-up of the content of these action plans.

The Commission shall publish reports on a regular basis on the progress made in the implementation of the inclusion measures, in particular through the mid-term evaluation of the Programmes and annual reporting activities.

1 In the implementation of the inclusion measures, national agencies may ensure complementarity with other existing national measures for inclusion, in order to maximise the impact of these efforts for participants with fewer opportunities.

2 Synergies with other Union funds and national funds shall be sought, to allow for a greater impact and reinforced support to people with fewer opportunities.

1 The implementation of these measures to make the Programmes more inclusive and diverse shall be carried out based on a co-creation spirit, in constant dialogue with relevant stakeholders, in particular international and national organisations and networks active in the field of inclusion and diversity, experts, practitioners and participants themselves, the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps national agencies, the EACEA, the SALTO Resource Centres, the Erasmus+ Committee, and representatives of other Union institutions.

2 This dialogue may take place in a wide range of settings, ranging from European events to ad hoc working groups, targeted consultations and training and networking opportunities – either taking place physically, online or in a hybrid mode.

This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.