Long before Erasmus became a household name, the EESC was arguing that Europe’s future depended on its young people. Its 1991 opinion, which advocated youth mobility and informal learning, helped set a course that still shapes EU education policy today. By throwing its support behind early European exchange initiatives, the EESC helped lay the groundwork for what would become Erasmus+, one of the most successful European programmes, which has so far enabled more than 15 million people to study and train abroad, writes EESC member Miroslav Hajnoš.

By Miroslav Hajnoš

In 1991, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted the opinion Youth for Europe (SOC/206). In this opinion, the EESC emphasised the importance of youth mobility, informal education and the active involvement of young people in building Europe. These ideas may sound obvious today, but at the time they represented a strong and necessary push towards a more people-centred European project.

In this opinion, and in the opinions that followed, the Committee played an important role in supporting and legitimising early European initiatives such as Erasmus. In a political environment where not all Member States were convinced of the value of expanding such programmes, this support sent a strong signal to the European Commission. It demonstrated that investing in young people, education and mobility was not only beneficial but necessary for the future of Europe.

The early 1990s were a time of major political and social transformation in Europe, and the Committee was already thinking ahead, identifying key priorities that would later become central pillars of European integration.

The EESC SOC/206 opinion already pointed to a broader vision of Europe.

That vision was simple but powerful. Europe should not be defined only by institutions, legislation or economic cooperation. It should be experienced by its citizens, especially by young people. The Committee therefore supported initiatives that enabled exchanges, cross-border cooperation and voluntary activities. These experiences were seen as essential for fostering mutual understanding, strengthening European identity and preparing young people to actively participate in society. 

Importantly, the Committee also recognised that learning does not happen only in classrooms. It highlighted the value of non-formal and informal education, acknowledging that skills such as adaptability, intercultural communication and civic engagement are often developed outside traditional systems. This perspective was ahead of its time and continues to influence European policies on education and youth today.

Another crucial aspect was inclusiveness. Even in 1991, there was a clear understanding that European programmes should not be limited to a privileged few. The Committee supported measures to ensure that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds could also benefit from mobility and exchange opportunities. This commitment to inclusion remains a cornerstone of EU programmes.

Looking at the impact today, it is clear how important this early direction was. Erasmus+ has become one of the most successful European programmes, contributing to education, social cohesion and a stronger sense of European identity. It has enabled millions of people to study, train and gain experience abroad, shaping generations of Europeans.

In the recent opinion on Erasmus+, led by EESC members Nicoletta Merlo and Katrīna Leitāne, this effort clearly continues. The Committee calls for stronger youth participation, dedicated funding for youth, and more inclusive access, especially for disadvantaged young people. It also emphasises the importance of policy development as a key tool to empower young Europeans and ensure their active role in shaping society. 

From 1991 to today, one thing is clear: youth is not just a topic; it is a strong and essential part of our European civil society. And as the EESC President has said, if civil society is the heart of Europe, then youth is the energy that keeps it beating.

Without the early vision and support of institutions like the EESC, it is difficult to imagine Erasmus in its current form. We would certainly not be speaking about more than 15 million participants who have benefited from it over the years.

This shows that the direction set more than three decades ago was the right one. It also reminds us that strong and forward-looking policy decisions can have a lasting impact. The Europe we are building today stands on these foundations, and that is precisely why we can approach the future with confidence.