European Association of Training Providers

Structured Dialogue Conference – Cologne, Germany

The “Cologne conference” is a long-standing Transnational Cooperation Activity (TCA) within the Erasmus+ programme, organised by the German National Agency for Erasmus+ School Education (Pädagogischer Austauschdienst – PAD).

By 2025, seven editions of the conference had been held in Cologne. Over time, the event has evolved in response to changes within the Erasmus+ programme, while maintaining its core purpose: to provide a European space for dialogue, reflection and cooperation between those responsible for shaping, supporting and implementing school education mobility.

The conference’s title, thematic focus and target audience have developed alongside the programme itself — particularly with the introduction of Erasmus+ accreditation and a stronger emphasis on long-term quality and impact.

A Conference Shaped by the Evolution of Erasmus+

As Erasmus+ has evolved, so too has the conference. Earlier editions focused on general quality aspects of school education mobility, while more recent editions increasingly addressed:

• Accredited mobility consortia and their coordinators
• Cooperation with course providers
• The role of National Agencies in supporting quality implementation
• European tools such as the European School Education Platform (ESEP)

This evolution is clearly reflected in the most recent editions of the conference.

Recent Editions in Context

Cologne 2022

The 2022 conference marked an important moment in the early phase of the Erasmus+ 2021–2027 programme. It brought together National Agencies, mobility coordinators and course providers to exchange experiences and good practices related to school education staff mobility.

The discussions focused on:

• Quality implementation of mobility projects
• Cooperation between different actors involved in mobility
• Peer learning and shared reflection across countries

Cologne 2023

Held from 21–23 May 2023, the 2023 edition explicitly framed the conference as a dialogue between coordinators of accredited mobility consortia, course providers and National Agencies.

Building on the previous edition, it deepened the discussion on:

• Quality assurance within accredited mobility projects
• Practical cooperation between consortia and course providers
• Developments linked to the European School Education Platform (ESEP)

The programme combined plenary sessions, thematic workshops and networking activities, strengthening cooperation at European level.

Cologne 2025

The 7th edition, held from 15–17 June 2025, represented the most recent stage in the conference’s development. It consolidated the structured dialogue format and placed a strong emphasis on quality, sustainability and impact in Erasmus+ school education mobility.

The 2025 conference focused on:

• Strengthening cooperation between National Agencies, accredited mobility consortia coordinators and course providers
• Sharing concrete experiences, challenges and solutions related to Erasmus+ accreditation and project implementation
• Reflecting on the use and further development of tools supporting mobility, including the European School Education Platform (ESEP)

Through interactive discussions and extensive networking opportunities, the 2025 edition reaffirmed the conference’s role as a key European forum for quality development in school education mobility

A Platform for Continuous Dialogue

Across seven editions, the Cologne conference has grown into a space where European stakeholders can engage in open dialogue, learn from shared experience and collectively strengthen the quality of Erasmus+ mobility projects in school education.