The recent agreement for the United Kingdom to join the Erasmus+ program in 2027 is a significant step that fulfills a longstanding desire of young individuals on both sides of the English Channel. This partnership extends beyond traditional university exchanges, offering a wide array of opportunities in vocational training, sports, school education, and adult learning for people in the UK and the EU.
Named after the renowned humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam, the Erasmus+ initiative embodies a longstanding European tradition of learning, openness, and cultural exchange. The program, established in 1987 with contributions from figures like Dr. Hywel Ceri Jones, emphasizes social inclusion, green initiatives, and digital transitions to ensure accessibility for all individuals.
Central to Erasmus+ is mobility, enabling students, apprentices, teachers, and youth workers from the UK to engage in activities abroad, enhancing their skills and employability. The program has seen a significant increase in opportunities for vocational training learners and now also supports mobility for UK school pupils, facilitating both individual and group experiences abroad.
Moreover, Erasmus+ fosters scientific collaborations between UK institutions and their European counterparts, strengthening the UK’s involvement in Horizon Europe. Additionally, the program promotes young people’s engagement in democratic processes by funding initiatives that encourage active participation in democratic life.
As the European Union’s Ambassador to the UK, I have witnessed widespread support for the UK’s participation in Erasmus+. The recent agreement at the May summit signifies a step towards realizing this goal. Furthermore, commitments made at the summit, including the exploration of UK involvement in the EU’s internal electricity market, aim to enhance energy security and drive substantial investment opportunities, promoting solidarity and cooperation within Europe to address prevailing challenges.
