Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the European Commission

The Commission took all necessary initiative to ensure that the 2020 budget is fully implemented.

The full implementation also applies to the 2020 Erasmus+ budget, made possible by mobilising the budget flexibility clause (force majeure) and revision of the activities under the annual work programme.

The Commission shifted towards virtual and digital activities and capacities. New calls were published to address the COVID-19 impact, on the one hand enhancing skills development as well as capacity building and resilience in the cultural and creative sectors, and reinforcing the ability of institutions and organisations to provide high quality, inclusive digital learning on the other hand.

The Commission together with Member States and international partners is starting to deploy the funds under the new long-term budget already as of 1 January 2021.

The first commitments are being made under the programmes for which the relevant sector-specific legislation has been adopted. Several programmes will have a specific focus on young Europeans, for example Erasmus+ with an overall estimated budget of EUR 26.5 billion[1] and the European Solidarity Corps programme (EUR 1 billion[2]).

Furthermore, the European Social Fund +, for which there is a political agreement by the co-legislators, will support the implementation of the reinforced Youth Guarantee[3] with an emphasis on support to youth employment in Member States and outermost regions with a NEET (not in education, employment or training) rate above the EU average.

Finally, Horizon Europe[4] will also support researchers to further boost the Union’s scientific excellence, in particular through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and their dedicated envelope of EUR 6.3 billion.

• [1] In current prices.
• [2] In current prices.
• [3] Council Recommendation of 30 October 2020 on A Bridge to Jobs — Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee and replacing the Council Recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee.
• [4] Estimated budget of EUR 95.5 billion in current prices, including the proceeds from NextGenerationEU.