On 20 February, Parliament's culture and education committee voted to support the next Erasmus+ programme for 2021-2027, but also suggested measures to improve it further. MEPs proposed to triple the budget and ensure there is more co-funding and cooperation with other European programmes. They also called for the introduction of centres of vocational excellence, international centres providing quality vocational training so that people can develop useful skills in key sectors.
Members are also keen to have more people who are disadvanted participate.Special support should include language training, administrative support or e-learning opportunities;
On 5 February the culture committee voted in favour of continuing existing mobility schemes between the UK and the EU should the country leave without a deal.
What is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is an EU programme supporting opportunities for education, training, young people and sport in Europe. It started as a student exchange programme in 1987, but since 2014 it also offers opportunities for teachers, trainees and volunteers of all ages.
More than nine million people have taken part in the Erasmus+ programme over the last 30 years and nearly 800,000 people benefited from the programme in 2017 alone. The programme currently covers 33 countries (all 28 EU countries as well as Turkey, North Macedonia, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and is open to partner countries across the world.
According to the European Commission, one in three Erasmus+ trainees are offered a position by the company they trained in. In addition, the unemployment rate of young people who studied or trained abroad is 23% lower than that of their non-mobile peers five years after graduation.
How to apply
Erasmus+ has opportunities for people as well as organisations from all over the world.
The application procedure and the preparation can differ depending on what part of the programme you apply for.
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