At the end of January 2026, the Media and Learning Association was invited to participate in a dialogue with stakeholders on the topic of education and skills.
This session was held on the initiative of rapporteur Mr Zdrojewski, as part of the ongoing negotiations at the European Parliament, around the new Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028-2034. Establishing the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028-2034, and repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and (EU) 2021/888 (CULT/10/03658, 2025/0222(COD)).
Together with 24 organisations, MLA, represented by Dr. Kamakshi Rajagopal, had the opportunity to set forth the organisation’s reflections on and recommendations for the current negotiations.
A first reflection concerned the funding process itself which is poised to be simpliefied in the new programme, to reduce the fragmentation and complexity of the calls. Although this was largely welcomed, there was also a warning against too much simplification if this reduces the opportunity to go in-depth into emerging topics and issues that need attention, considering the nature of technological projects that are at the heart of MLA activities.
On the objectives of the programme, MLA had four recommendations:
A first recommendation was to focus investments to support Universities in establishing clearly scoped, pedagogically sound, integration of AI and Generative AI in their study programmes. Like all higher education institutions, MLA members are going through systemic shifts. They are investing in their staff and actively exploring how to get the most out of media in their educational and research activities, and they are sharing what they learn through our association and other networks. In order to mainstream this process of experimentation and learning, MLA advocated for funding needs to address research and how to reach a deeper understanding of the impact of this technology in learning spaces and a comprehensive evaluation of its pedagogical and ethical implications.
A second recommendation was to recognise the important role in terms of innovation played by specialised centres of teaching and learning in Higher Education Institutions by promoting and funding structural staff training, mobility and recognised certification pathways. MLA drew attention to bringing such specialist centres into the core of strategic decision-making at the local, and European level and the new programme can significantly help by recognising the role such centres play.
A third recommendation was to focus investments on making learning and media resources accessible from the start. This could include using generative AI to support accessibility in content creation, as well as dedicating more time and resources to inclusive practices. Feedback from members shows that, although accessibility is often required, it is usually treated as a best-effort task rather than something built in. A more planned and resourced approach is needed.
A fourth recommendation was to put more effort into promoting wellbeing in digital spaces, requiring investment in two aspects: (i) policy and funding supporting young people’s right to safe digital public spaces, where they can participate fully, as critical media producers and consumers and (ii) investments in creating balanced learning spaces that revalue real human connection, as this is a central precondition for human learning. Building on the priorities set out in the Fürth manifesto, for responsible digital learning spaces, including intentional ‘tech free’ spaces, this recommendation countered the creeping trend where students’ opportunities to engage in deep learning are overtaken by an emphasis on productivity and speed.
Overall, during the session, there was a high emphasis on the need for increased total budget of the programme, more attention to wellbeing in digital spaces, and the need to position education equally in function of personal and professional development, as well as in support of labour market needs. The rapporteur emphasised the ongoing negotiations on all these issues, which are expected to be finalised in the second half of 2026.
