PRESS RELEASE - EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

The successful outcome of negotiations on the UK’s participation in Erasmus+ from 2027 is a highly significant development, say lead MEPs.

Following the announcement of the positive conclusion of negotiations between the European Commission and the United Kingdom (UK) on the UK rejoining Erasmus+, the chair of Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education, Nela Riehl (Greens, DE), and Parliament’s lead negotiator for the 2028-2034 Erasmus+ programme, Bogdan Zdrojewski (EPP, PL), welcome the news that from 2027 young people from the EU and the UK will once again be able to benefit from Erasmus+. This includes learners, students, apprentices, teachers and staff in the fields of education, youth and sport.

The programme will offer opportunities for studies, training periods and work placements, including apprenticeships in leading European companies and world-class UK universities, reinforcing Erasmus+ as a cornerstone of European educational cooperation.

Nela Riehl, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education said: “Erasmus+ is the EU’s great success story and most tangible expression of European unity. The highlight of this year is the shared achievement of bringing the UK back into the programme in a historic agreement between the two Unions. This step significantly strengthens the mutually beneficial partnership and political allyship across the continent that is so desperately needed in these polarising times. We are looking forward to welcoming British students to our universities, schools and vocational training centres once again and will work closely with all partners to implement this decision without delay! I am personally moved and encouraged by this agreement and look forward to working with our British colleagues.”

Parliament’s rapporteur for the 2028-2034 Erasmus+ programme, Bogdan Zdrojewski (EPP, PL) added: “The decision that from 2027 the UK will resume cooperation within the Erasmus+ programme – the most popular student scheme in Europe – is very good news ahead of Christmas. After Brexit, numerous efforts were made to keep the UK in Erasmus+, unfortunately without success, and this was particularly painful for the younger generation. Today, both sides warmly welcome the opportunity to return to an open, education-focused Europe with UK participation. This sends a very important and positive signal at an extremely difficult time, demonstrating that countries across the continent recognise cooperation in the field of young people’s education as being of special value.”

Background

Erasmus+ is the most popular student exchange scheme in Europe and one of the most successful EU-financed programmes. The UK’s absence in recent years was challenging – particularly for young people in both the UK and the EU who were denied the opportunity to study, train and gain life experience through Erasmus+ during that period.

Further information

Committee on Culture and Education

Erasmus+ webpage

(+32) 2 28 34906 (BXL)

(+32) 477 99 14 95

raquel.lopes@europarl.europa.eu

cult-press@europarl.europa.eu

EPCulture