What's happened
The UK will rejoin the EU's Erasmus student exchange scheme in 2027, benefiting over 100,000 students. The deal includes a 30% discount on fees and aims to improve UK-EU relations, with government and university leaders welcoming the move after Brexit disruptions.
What's behind the headline?
The UK’s re-entry into Erasmus signals a strategic shift in post-Brexit relations, emphasizing cooperation over isolation. The deal’s 30% fee discount and inclusion of vocational training expand opportunities for young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds. This move will likely foster greater academic and cultural exchange, boosting UK universities' international standing.
However, the decision also reflects political calculations. The Conservative government’s previous opposition to Erasmus was rooted in cost concerns, but the current government under Starmer appears to prioritize softening Brexit’s impact and repairing diplomatic ties. The agreement’s success depends on sustained political will and effective implementation.
This development could set a precedent for future UK-EU cooperation, including negotiations on energy and trade agreements. It also underscores the importance of youth mobility as a diplomatic tool, potentially influencing public perceptions of the UK’s relationship with Europe. The move is expected to be popular among students and universities, but its long-term impact hinges on how well the UK manages its commitments and future negotiations.
What the papers say
The Guardian highlights the political implications and the broader context of rejoining Erasmus, emphasizing the significance for young people and UK-EU relations. Sky News reports on the ongoing negotiations and the potential immediate benefits for students, including vocational placements. The Independent provides detailed background on the scheme’s history, the financial negotiations, and the political debates surrounding the move. Reuters underscores the financial aspects, including the UK’s contribution and future negotiations on trade and energy, framing the deal as part of a broader post-Brexit strategy. These sources collectively illustrate a consensus that rejoining Erasmus is a strategic move aimed at repairing relations and expanding opportunities, though each emphasizes different facets of the story.
How we got here
The UK left the Erasmus scheme in 2020 following Brexit, citing cost concerns and opting for the Turing scheme as an alternative. Keir Starmer announced plans to rejoin Erasmus in 2025, aiming to restore student mobility and strengthen UK-EU ties. Negotiations included financial terms and future cooperation on trade and energy.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is the UK rejoining Erasmus in 2027?
The UK’s decision to rejoin the Erasmus+ student exchange scheme in 2027 marks a significant shift in its relationship with Europe post-Brexit. Many are wondering what this means for students, international relations, and the future of UK-EU cooperation. Below, we explore the reasons behind this move, its benefits, and what students should expect as the scheme reopens.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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The Erasmus Programme is a European Union student exchange programme established in 1987. Erasmus+, or Erasmus Plus, is the new programme combining all the EU's current schemes for education, training, youth and sport, which was started in January 2014.
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