The European Parliament's Committee on Development (DEVE) voted on 3 June 2026 to adopt a draft opinion on the Erasmus+ programme 2028-2034, framing the programme as a tool for human development, solidarity, and balanced partnerships with partner countries. The opinion, presented by rapporteur Carolina Morace (The Left), was adopted with broad support. The committee also adopted two oral questions for plenary: one on the Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid and another on strengthening global health resilience in partner countries, both tabled by chair Barry Andrews (Renew).
The main debate centered on a study on the impact of the energy transition on indigenous peoples and local communities, presented by researchers Mathieu Blondeel and Ina Lemon from the Free University Amsterdam. The study, covering case studies in South Africa, Bolivia, Namibia, and carbon credits, highlighted risks such as limited benefit-sharing, inadequate consultation, and environmental impacts, alongside opportunities like EU-supported training for communities. Key recommendations included establishing an energy transition project monitoring group, enhancing local technical capacity, and promoting a permanent indigenous peoples body under the UNFCCC.
MEP Udo Bullmann (S&D) questioned how EU Global Gateway projects can compete with Chinese and US approaches that lack safeguards, urging the Commission to ensure the EU's '360-degree approach' is effectively implemented. The study's findings will inform upcoming work on Global Europe and Global Gateway.
Affected stakeholders include indigenous communities and local populations in partner countries, who may face risks from poorly managed projects but could benefit from EU-supported training and safeguards. EU institutions face pressure to ensure Global Gateway projects uphold high standards, while private investors may encounter additional due diligence requirements. The debate highlighted a cleavage between economic development and social/environmental safeguards, with MEPs pushing for stronger protections.