EU chiefs welcome UK’s decision to rejoin Erasmus as ‘big step forward’ – Europe live | Europe
EU leaders welcome UK’s decision to rejoin Erasmus, calling it a “major step forward”
EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, who directly participated in the talks, said: We welcomed England’s move Rejoining Erasmus as a “big step forward” He emphasized that this would “strengthen people-to-people ties” between the EU and the UK.
president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen We welcomed the decision He said this would “open the door to new shared experiences and lasting friendships.”
important events
Share your views on the UK rejoining the EU Erasmus student exchange program
We would like to receive information from people who may want to participate in the program starting from 2027 and from people who have worked in the past.
If you’re considering joining the program, let us know why. For those who have attended in the past, how did you find it? Would you recommend it?
Share your opinions and experiences with us.
Last available Erasmus+ UK country report based on 2020 data it shows The University of Glasgow, the University of Bristol and the University of Edinburgh are the top three universities in England sending students abroad. with Most people come to the UK from Spain, France and Germany.
Just over 16,000 European students came to the UK as part of the program in 2019/2020, with around 6,000 interns above that figure. 9,800 UK students and 6,500 trainees went the other way, the data shows.
us too First reactions from members of the European Parliament are coming.
Sandro GoziThe Italian politician elected to the European Parliament from France welcomed the agreement for the UK to rejoin Erasmus+. saying happened “excellent news”.
“It’s a concrete step towards rebuilding ties between people,” he said, congratulating EU and UK negotiators.
Britain will rejoin the EU’s Erasmus student exchange program
Richard Adams
education editor
Young people in the UK will be able to study or gain work experience through the EU’s Erasmus program for the first time since Brexit after the government announced a rejoining deal costing £570 million.
Officially known scheme Erasmus+ will reopen to those involved in education, training, culture and sports from 2027, Following talks in London and Brussels to deliver on Labour’s election manifesto commitment.
The UK government said Up to 100,000 people of all ages can benefit in the first year. and emphasized that Erasmus membership will “create education and training opportunities for British apprentices, further education students and adult learners, It also applies to those with higher education.”
David HughesThe chairman of the Association of Colleges said the announcement was “fantastic news” for staff at further education colleges and students of all ages.
He added: “It broadens students’ perspectives on the world and opens their eyes to different cultures and different ways of life.and the opportunity for staff to learn how other countries deliver technical training and skills is invaluable.
“I am sure Colleges will be delighted to be able to offer these opportunities to students and staff.”
For university students, The decision means they will be able to study for up to a year at European universities as part of their undergraduate course in the UK at no extra cost. UK universities will be able to accept European students on the same terms.
Them Traveling to Europe under the program will be eligible for a grant to help with living expenses abroad, Including those studying at FE colleges or on work placements.
The Erasmus program started in 1987 as a university exchange program. but in the last decade it has expanded to include funding for work and educational placements, as well as school trips and cultural events.
The UK left Erasmus after Brexit and Boris Johnson claimed the scheme did not provide value for money. The government created a more restricted student travel program known as the Turing scheme. There has been no statement yet about the future of the Turing plan.
EU leaders welcome UK’s decision to rejoin Erasmus, calling it a “major step forward”
EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, who directly participated in the talks, said: We welcomed England’s move Rejoining Erasmus as a “big step forward” He emphasized that this would “strengthen people-to-people ties” between the EU and the UK.
president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen We welcomed the decision He said this would “open the door to new shared experiences and lasting friendships.”
Official EU-UK “joint statement” on Erasmus Here.
Here’s the important part:
“After the summit, the European Commission and the United Kingdom Negotiations regarding the UK’s Erasmus+ membership were completed in 2027.
The UK’s Erasmus+ partnership in 2027 will offer significant opportunities in education, training, sport and youth sectors For individuals in the UK and the European Union, especially the younger generation. The European Commission and the United Kingdom look forward to these opportunities emerging.
“They are pleased that the specific terms of this association, including mutually agreed financial terms, represent a fair balance between the UK’s contribution and the benefits offered by the programme, paving the way for the UK’s participation in the program in 2027.”
Yakup Krupa
Admittedly, as a former Erasmus exchange student in the UK, I may not be completely objective on this matter, but let me say that personally, I think it feels right to have the UK on the program again.
Exciting times for students on both sides of the English channel.
Britain is set to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus program in 2027
And We have received official confirmation of our overnight report that the UK is ready to rejoin the European Union’s Erasmus+ program from 2027.
UK contribution for the 2027/28 academic year will be £570 million ($760 million)The British government said: The deal included a 30% discount compared to the default terms under the existing trade agreement with the EU. Reuters noted.
Like Pippa Crerar noted, The Erasmus breakthrough will help the UK government make progress in its drive to improve relations with the EU. After Keir Starmer declared last month that “we need to engage” with the bloc and public opinion softened.
US is considering new sanctions on Russia’s energy sector to force talks with Ukraine – according to reports
In the last half hour Bloomberg News reported HE The US is “preparing a new round of sanctions against Russia’s energy sector” in order to put more pressure on the Kremlin. Participating in the peace process in Ukraine (£).
Moscow just responded by saying it had not seen the report. and was still awaiting a briefing with the United States after Berlin talks over the weekend and on Monday.
Who stands where on the EU’s compensation loan to Ukraine?
Yakup Krupa
if you want Test various scenarios ahead of tomorrow’s debate on Russia’s frozen assetsyou can Use this handy calculator to see what’s needed for the offer to be accepted under so-called qualified majority voting, or QMV (expect to hear a lot about this in the next 48 hours).
As we know, at the head of the opposition Belgium and outspoken prime minister Bart de Weverwith Bulgaria, czech republic, And Malta also against. Italy has some doubts (at least for now?) and Hungarytraditionally opposed to anything that would help Ukraine.
Slovakia seems to be leaning towards against with the prime minister too Robert Fico This morning he said he would not support anything that would prolong the war and increase military spending.
Last week Fico said: “I won’t support anything. Even if we have to sit in Brussels until the new year, This will support Ukraine’s military spending.”
Don’t give them any ideas, Robert.
As it is, not enough to block this proposal (essentially unless France switches sides) – but that assumes supporters will Really push to vote. During technically possible, It seems extremely illogical. politically.
Let’s see if we will receive any other political signals from the capitals during the day.
Morning opening:
Yakup Krupa
EU leaders are entering the final stages of negotiations ahead of a crucial European Council meeting in Brussels this week. They will have to make the critical decision on whether to use frozen Russian assets as compensation loans to Ukraine.
About 24 hours before they start their talks on Thursday, No deal in sight as Belgium continues to oppose the European Commission’s proposals, fearing possible legal challenges from Russia. More worryingly for countries backing the loan, more countries, including Italy, appear to have some doubts.
Technically, the Council of Europe, Belgium and some countries oppose the plan. However, politically, the logic of doing this and acting against the will of the member state that invests the most would be quite misleading. Either way, it can very easily lead to confusion.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen Discussion about the summit started in the European Parliament “There is no more important action for European defense than supporting the defense of Ukraine.” adding this “The coming days will be a crucial step in securing this.”
He outlined both options available to EU leaders ahead of tomorrow’s summit – loans or new joint borrowing – but emphasized:
“We will have to decide which way we want to go, which route we want to take. But one thing is very, very clear. “At this European Council we must take the decision to provide funding to Ukraine for the next two years.”
Everyone get ready for a long Thursday night.
More generally, von der Leyen told EU lawmakers that “Europe must be responsible for its own security.”
He added: “This is no longer an option, it is a necessity.”
Let’s see what the leaders will do this week then.
I will bring you all the important updates throughout the day.
His Wednesday, December 17, 2025, his Yakup Krupa here and this Europe Live.
Good morning.
