What's happened
The UK will rejoin the EU's Erasmus+ scheme in 2027 after a deal with the EU, allowing students, apprentices, and educators to study and work abroad again. The scheme will benefit up to 100,000 people annually, with no extra fees for UK students. The move marks a significant shift from Brexit policies.
What's behind the headline?
Rejoining Erasmus+ in 2027 will significantly expand educational and cultural exchange opportunities for UK students and staff, fostering international skills and collaboration. This move contrasts sharply with the SNP government's neglect of colleges, which have faced funding cuts and staffing reductions, undermining vocational training and adult education. The UK’s investment in Erasmus reflects a broader political shift towards re-engagement with Europe, emphasizing the importance of inclusive, diverse educational opportunities. The decision will likely boost UK universities' attractiveness and help disadvantaged groups access international experiences, countering the previous isolationist stance. However, the move also highlights ongoing political debates about the value of Brexit and the future of UK-EU relations, with critics questioning whether the benefits will outweigh costs. Overall, this policy realignment aims to enhance skills development and cultural understanding, positioning the UK for a more collaborative future with Europe.
What the papers say
The Scotsman highlights the personal impact of Erasmus through Evie’s story, emphasizing the scheme’s broad benefits beyond university students, including apprentices and adult learners. The Mirror reports on the financial and political aspects, noting the scheme’s return after Brexit and the government’s commitment to funding and participation. The Guardian provides a detailed overview of the negotiations and the scheme’s expansion to include various educational and cultural exchanges, framing it as a significant policy shift under Labour. While The Scotsman criticizes the SNP’s neglect of colleges, both The Mirror and The Guardian underscore the importance of the scheme for fostering international skills and opportunities, with the latter emphasizing the political significance of re-engagement with the EU.
How we got here
The UK left Erasmus in 2020 following Brexit, with Boris Johnson citing cost concerns. The scheme, which started in 1987, expanded to include various educational and cultural exchanges. The UK set up the Turing scheme as a limited alternative, but it lacked the scope of Erasmus. The new agreement signals a shift towards closer EU relations under Labour's government, aiming to restore opportunities for young people and educators.
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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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