European added value is a critical concept in Erasmus+ applications that demonstrates how your project creates benefits beyond what could be achieved at a national level alone. It shows why EU-level cooperation is necessary for your specific objectives and how your project contributes to wider European goals. Strong European added value significantly increases your chances of funding success by showing evaluators that your project deserves EU support rather than just national funding.
What is European added value in Erasmus+ applications?
European added value in Erasmus+ applications refers to the additional benefits and impact generated through European cooperation that wouldn’t be possible through national initiatives alone. It represents the transnational dimension that justifies EU-level funding rather than national support.
This concept is fundamental to the Erasmus+ programme’s core mission of fostering European integration through education, training, youth and sport. The European Commission evaluates all applications against this criterion to ensure funded projects contribute meaningfully to European priorities and create value beyond national boundaries.
European added value differs from national initiatives in several key ways:
- It addresses challenges that cross national borders
- It creates solutions transferable across multiple European contexts
- It builds sustainable networks that connect European institutions
- It aligns with broader EU policy objectives and priorities
For Erasmus+ applications, demonstrating robust European added value isn’t optional—it’s essential for success. Projects lacking a clear European dimension will struggle to secure funding regardless of their quality in other areas.
How does European added value impact Erasmus+ application scoring?
European added value directly influences Erasmus+ application scoring as a fundamental evaluation criterion across all action types. Evaluators specifically assess how your project creates benefits at the European level that couldn’t be achieved through national action alone.
In the formal evaluation grid, European added value appears most prominently within the “Relevance” criterion, which typically accounts for 25-30% of the total score. However, its influence extends beyond this section, as European dimension considerations also affect scoring in the “Impact” and “Quality of Project Design” criteria.
Evaluators specifically look for:
- Clear explanation of why transnational cooperation is necessary for your specific objectives
- Direct connections between project activities and EU policy priorities
- Evidence that results will benefit multiple European countries
- Mechanisms for sharing innovations across European contexts
- Potential to influence European-level practices or policies
Projects with weak European added value rarely succeed regardless of strengths in other areas. Even technically excellent proposals can fail if they don’t convincingly demonstrate why European-level funding is justified over national support.
What are the key components of European added value in Erasmus+ projects?
The key components of European added value in Erasmus+ projects include transnational cooperation benefits, alignment with EU policies, cross-border knowledge transfer, and sustainable European networks. These elements collectively demonstrate why your project deserves EU-level funding rather than just national support.
Transnational cooperation benefits
Successful applications clearly articulate why working across borders creates unique advantages. This includes bringing together diverse perspectives to solve common challenges, pooling expertise that doesn’t exist within single countries, and developing solutions that work across different European contexts.
EU policy alignment
Strong European added value connects directly to current EU priorities in education, training, youth or sport. This means demonstrating how your project advances specific European policy objectives like digital education, inclusion, environmental sustainability, or European identity development.
Cross-border knowledge transfer
Effective proposals show how innovations, methodologies or best practices will move between European countries. This includes specific mechanisms for sharing results, adapting approaches to different contexts, and ensuring learning flows in multiple directions among partner countries.
Sustainable European networks
Lasting European added value comes through creating sustainable connections between organizations across Europe. This means building relationships that will continue beyond project funding, establishing communities of practice, and creating structures for ongoing European collaboration.
How can you effectively demonstrate European added value in your application?
To effectively demonstrate European added value in your Erasmus+ application, you must explicitly connect your project to European priorities, clearly explain transnational benefits, and use specific language that resonates with evaluators throughout your proposal.
Start by embedding European dimension in your project’s foundation rather than treating it as an afterthought. This means designing activities specifically to address European challenges and generate European-level benefits from the beginning.
When writing your application, use these practical strategies:
- Reference specific EU policy documents and priorities that your project addresses
- Explain why the specific mix of partner countries is necessary for project success
- Provide concrete examples of how transnational cooperation will improve outcomes
- Describe how results will be transferable to other European contexts
- Detail specific mechanisms for sharing innovations across Europe
- Highlight how your project will contribute to building European identity
Use language that signals European dimension throughout your application—terms like “European perspective,” “cross-border challenges,” “transnational cooperation,” and “EU-level impact.” These signal to evaluators that European added value is integral to your project.
Importantly, avoid vague statements about European benefits. Instead, provide specific examples and concrete mechanisms for how your project will create value at the European level. This specificity demonstrates that you’ve thoroughly considered the European dimension rather than simply checking a box.
What common mistakes do applicants make when addressing European added value?
The most common mistakes applicants make when addressing European added value include using vague statements, failing to connect to specific EU priorities, not explaining why transnational cooperation is necessary, and treating European dimension as an afterthought rather than a core project element.
Many applications contain generic statements about European benefits without specific details. Phrases like “the project will have European impact” or “results will benefit all of Europe” without explaining how or why are red flags for evaluators. Successful applications provide concrete mechanisms for generating European-level value.
Another frequent error is insufficient connection to EU priorities. Applications often mention European policies superficially without demonstrating how the project specifically advances them. Evaluators look for direct links between project activities and current EU strategic objectives in education, training, youth or sport.
Many applicants also fail to justify transnational partnership composition. They don’t explain why specific countries were chosen or how their combination creates unique value. Strong applications clarify why the particular mix of partner countries is necessary for addressing the identified challenge.
Finally, a critical mistake is treating European added value as a separate section rather than integrating it throughout the application. European dimension should influence every aspect of your project—from needs analysis through activities to dissemination plans.
We’ve observed through our work with successful Erasmus+ applicants that those who address European added value authentically and thoroughly throughout their proposals significantly increase their chances of funding success.