Expanding and strengthening Erasmus+: Council agrees its position

27 Nov 2018 12:00 PM

The Council yesterday adopted its position (partial general approach) on the Erasmus+ programme for 2021-2027. The proposed regulation will expand the offer of learning opportunities in Europe and beyond to more people compared to the current period. It will also be extended to include all levels of education and training. To underline its inclusive approach, the Council has maintained the current name of the programme "Erasmus+". Yesterday's agreement does not cover the budgetary aspects of the draft regulation, since the final amounts will depend on the agreement reached on the next multiannual financial framework.

Heinz FASSMANN, Federal Minister for Education, Science and Research of Austria yesterday said:

Erasmus+ is about investing in people. By expanding learning mobility and exchanges, the programme will make an even more important contribution to the personal, educational and professional development of many individuals. It is also an important tool for generating economic growth and creating jobs across Europe.

The Erasmus+ programme plays a crucial role in the development of a European Education Area. At the European Council meeting in December 2017 EU leaders called for stepping up mobility and exchanges, including through a substantially strengthened, inclusive and extended Erasmus+ programme. This new regulation responds to this call by:

• offering learning mobility to a record number of people
• increasing the accessibility for young people with fewer opportunities
• increasing the accessibility for small and grass-roots organisations
• maintaining the integrated nature of the programme, covering learning in all contexts - formal, non-formal and informal

Studying abroad will become easier for Europe’s youth

Background

Erasmus is one of the most popular and successful EU programmes. Launched 30 years ago it has helped over 9 million people to study, work or volunteer abroad. Under Erasmus more than 2 000 transnational partnerships are established each year.

Next steps

The agreement reached by the Council will serve as the basis for negotiations with the European Parliament. The decision on the financial allocations for Erasmus+ for 2021-2027 will depend on the agreement on the next MFF.

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