Building on the success of Erasmus+, the next programme will provide learning and mobility opportunities to 12 million people, in comparison to 4 million people in the current programme. Its focus on “evolution, not revolution” means that the 'Erasmus' programme will continue to cover schools, vocational education and training, higher education and adult learning - youth and sport, but in a more streamlined manner. Building on the mid-term evaluation and stakeholder consultations, the next programme will be substantially strengthened, extended and more inclusive. It will further promote activities which foster knowledge and awareness of the EU, opportunities in forward-looking knowledge fields e.g. climate change, robotics etc. and better outreach and inclusion of people with fewer opportunities. The international dimension of the programme will also be boosted. Investing in people, their skills, and their knowledge will help respond to global challenges, maintain social fairness and drive Europe’s competitiveness.
Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport said:
I am very proud that this Commission has proposed to double the budget for Erasmus – this is by far the biggest increase for any programme in the EU budget we have tabled. And we need to be bold: this programme will support the big ambitions we have for empowering young people, building a European Education Area and strengthening European identity. I call on Member States and the European Parliament to support us and make sure we invest in our most precious resource: people.