What's happened
The UK will rejoin the Erasmus exchange program in 2027, paying about $760 million for the first year. The move marks a significant shift in UK-EU relations, reversing Boris Johnson's 2020 withdrawal. The agreement includes opportunities for students and trainees from both sides to study abroad without extra fees.
What's behind the headline?
The UK’s return to Erasmus signals a strategic shift in its relationship with the EU, emphasizing cooperation over past tensions. This move will likely enhance cultural and educational ties, benefiting thousands of students and trainees. It also indicates a broader effort by the Starmer government to mend post-Brexit relations and restore some of the soft power lost since 2020.
However, the re-entry may face political resistance domestically, with critics questioning the value of the program compared to the costs. The agreement’s focus on future negotiations for long-term funding and broader cooperation suggests that this is just the beginning of a renewed partnership. The UK’s willingness to pay a substantial fee underscores its commitment to rebuilding trust and collaboration with Brussels.
This development will likely influence future negotiations on trade, defense, and mobility, setting a precedent for closer UK-EU relations. The success of this initiative depends on the UK’s ability to deliver on broader diplomatic and economic goals, balancing domestic political pressures with international cooperation.
What the papers say
The articles from France 24, The New York Times, AP News, and The Independent collectively highlight the UK’s decision to rejoin Erasmus in 2027, emphasizing the financial commitment of approximately $760 million and the political significance of this move. France 24 notes the deal includes negotiations on electricity market integration and other trade agreements, framing it as part of a broader reset in UK-EU relations. The New York Times provides historical context, explaining the program’s importance and the previous withdrawal under Brexit, and underscores the significance of reversing that decision. AP News and The Independent focus on the practical benefits for students and trainees, stressing the removal of extra fees and the opportunity for EU and UK citizens to study abroad again. The consensus across sources is that this marks a positive step toward repairing post-Brexit relations, with a focus on youth mobility and cooperation.
How we got here
Britain left the Erasmus program in 2020 following Brexit, under Boris Johnson's government, citing value concerns. Since then, UK-EU relations have been strained, with the UK establishing a separate exchange scheme. The new government under Keir Starmer aims to repair ties, with recent agreements on trade, travel, and defense, including rejoining Erasmus as a key step.
Go deeper
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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 European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
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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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Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson Hon FRIBA is a British politician, writer, and former journalist serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2019.
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Nicklaus Thomas-Symonds, FRHistS is a British Labour Party politician, barrister, and academic serving as Shadow Home Secretary since April 2020, and has served as Member of Parliament for Torfaen since 2015.