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1. Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility

2. Legal framework

Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility

European Programmes

Erasmus+is a key programme supporting cross-border mobility for young people in areas like education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship.  It includes a specific programme called Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs which provides young entrepreneurs with the opportunity to gain international experience and mentorship in different European countries. 

Available data on the most recent Erasmus+ calls provides some insights into Spanish youth-targeted employment, entrepreneurship and vocational opportunities under this fund:

Source: Erasmus+ Projects Results Platform. Filtered by projects coordinated by Spanish organizations in the field of youth.

Your first EURES job: Aims to help young people (18-35) find employment opportunities in other European countries, particularly those facing barriers to mobility. It also offers financial support for relocation, language training, and career advice.

While Spain does not have a distinct national programme under the European Youth Employment Support (EYES, Spain participates in the broader EU framework for youth mobility through Erasmus+ and Your First EURES Job, which provide funding and support for cross-border work opportunities for youth in the EU.

For cross-border mobility initiatives, Spain is also leveraging ESF+funding. A significant portion of Spain’s €11.3 billion allocation is being used to enhance youth mobility through employment-related mobility programmes and vocational training opportunities.

Youth employability programmes are also supported by the European Solidarity Corps (ESC):

Source: ESC Project Results Platform. Filtered by projects hosted by Spanish organizations.

National Mobility Programmes

Spain has launched a number of specific programmes relating to the cross-border mobility of young people,

• Youth Programme (Programa Jóvenes): An international mobility programme promoted and funded by the Secretariat of State for Migration,  this programme facilitates the social and work integration of Spanish youth living abroad (under 35). It includes training, internships, professional specialisation and entrepreneurship opportunities, along with foreign language improvement.
• Chambers of Commerce Youth Mobility Plan (Plan de Movilidad): Supports cross-border mobility for youth, particularly in entrepreneurship and vocational training.
• Youth Employment Initiative for Cross-border Mobility: Spain continues to participate in the EU Youth Employment Initiative, which provides funding for mobility schemes that help young people access job opportunities in different European countries. The programme targets regions with high youth unemployment, including Spain, supporting the transition from education to work.

Regional Mobility Programmes

At the regional level, there are specific cross-border mobility programmes such as:

• Programa TLN Mobilicat (Catalonia): Supports the mobility of young people in Catalonia, especially in vocational training and apprenticeships.
• Programa Galeuropa (Galicia): A programme aimed at encouraging youth mobility within Galicia and across Europe for vocational opportunities.
• Programa Erasmus+ Región (Andalusia):  This regional initiative focuses on fostering cross-border youth mobility in Andalusia, providing opportunities for internships and entrepreneurship, particularly targeting rural areas where youth face barriers to accessing international opportunities. It allocates more than 12 million euros annually.

Legal framework