Erasmus+ KA2 Partnerships for Excellence: What Changed in 2026
Check the official 2026 Cooperation Partnership lump sums, application routes and deadlines before planning an Erasmus+ KA2 proposal.
Erasmus+ KA2 in 2026: What You Need to Know
The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) published updated guidelines for Erasmus+ Key Action 2 projects in late 2025. For organisations preparing 2026 applications, several important changes apply.
Budget Increases
The 2026 call saw a 12% increase in available funding for Cooperation Partnerships. Maximum grants have increased:
- Cooperation Partnerships: a choice of fixed lump sums of EUR 120,000, EUR 250,000 or EUR 400,000. These amounts were already offered in the 2025 Programme Guide; EUR 400,000 is not a new 2026 increase from EUR 300,000.
- Partnerships for Innovation: up to EUR 1,000,000 for large-scale projects
- Small-scale partnerships: up to EUR 60,000 (unchanged)
New Simplified Cost Options
EACEA has expanded the use of simplified cost options (unit costs and lump sums) for staff costs, intellectual outputs, and learning activities. This reduces administrative burden significantly, especially for smaller organisations.
Digital and Green Priorities
For 2026, all cooperation partnership proposals must include:
1. A digital component — how the project uses or promotes digital skills
2. A green dimension — environmental sustainability measures
3. An inclusion and diversity statement — how the project reaches disadvantaged groups
These are no longer optional bonus elements — they are evaluated criteria.
Minimum Partnership Requirements
KA2 Cooperation Partnerships require at minimum:
- 3 organisations from 3 different Programme Countries
- At least one higher education institution, school, or VET provider
- A clear lead applicant responsible for financial management
Key Deadlines for 2026
- Cooperation Partnerships submitted to National Agencies, including higher education, schools, VET and adult education: 5 March 2026 at 12:00 Brussels time.
- Cooperation Partnerships submitted to EACEA by European NGOs, and sport applications: 5 March 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. Check the relevant action and application route.
- Small-scale partnerships: multiple deadlines throughout 2026
How to Build a Strong KA2 Proposal
The most competitive proposals share three traits:
1. A clearly defined problem that cannot be solved by one country alone
2. Outputs (tools, curricula, platforms) that survive beyond the project
3. A dissemination plan with specific target audiences and channels
INTERALTER has successfully managed 18 Erasmus+ KA2 projects. Contact us to discuss your project concept.