The recent agreement for the United Kingdom to join the Erasmus+ program as a partner country in 2027 is a significant development that fulfills a longstanding wish of young individuals on both sides of the English Channel. This partnership extends beyond just university exchanges, offering a wide array of opportunities in vocational training, sports, school education, and adult learning for citizens in the UK and the European Union.
Named after the renowned humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam, the program embodies a rich European heritage of learning, openness, and cultural exchange. Its inception was the culmination of extensive efforts by various individuals, including Dr. Hywel Ceri Jones, a Welshman who played a pivotal role as the Director for Education, Training, and Youth at the European Commission during the establishment of Erasmus in 1987.
Over the years, Erasmus+ has evolved to emphasize social inclusion and support for environmental and digital transformations, ensuring enhanced access for individuals facing challenges. Central to the program is mobility, enabling students, apprentices, teachers, and youth workers from the UK to engage in activities abroad, thereby boosting their employability. Notably, Erasmus+ has significantly increased opportunities for vocational training learners and will now also facilitate mobility for UK school pupils, enabling both individuals and entire classes to benefit from overseas experiences.
Moreover, Erasmus+ will foster scientific collaborations between UK institutions and their European counterparts, thereby reinforcing the UK’s engagement in Horizon Europe. Additionally, the program promotes youth involvement in democratic processes by funding youth-led initiatives at local and transnational levels.
As the European Union’s Ambassador to the UK, I have encountered a consistent desire for the UK to seize the opportunities presented by Erasmus+ across various sectors. Following discussions at the May summit, both the EU and the UK have committed to collaborating towards this goal, a commitment that has now been realized.
Furthermore, progress on other agreements made during the May summit is swiftly advancing. The completion of preliminary discussions sets the stage for the UK’s integration into the EU’s internal electricity market, a move that enhances energy security and unlocks significant investment prospects. Strengthening European solidarity and fostering closer ties between our societies are crucial as we confront the formidable challenges facing our continent.