UK’s move to rejoin Erasmus+ ‘significant step’ for EU, UK universities, groups say

Meanwhile, EU and UK university umbrella groups have joined a number of voices (11:22, 12:14, 12:44) welcoming the UK’s decision to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027,saying it was “a significant step” in strenghtening their post-Brexit cooperation.

In a joint statement, Universities UK and European University Association said the move would “open transformative opportunities for thousands of students and staff.”

Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, said the industry looked forward to working with partners “to ensure that the programme plays a pivotal role in rebuilding our international partnerships and delivers the best possible outcomes for the UK.”

EUA’s president Josep M. Garrell said the news was “an excellent early Christmas gift,” welcoming “restoring bridges between our universities.”

He said:

“The benefits of Erasmus+ go far beyond financial support, promoting mutual understanding, respect and freedom – shared values that are more vital than ever in today’s world.”

The French umbrella group, France Universités, also said it was a welcome news,noting that “the UK became an active participant in the Erasmus programme soon after its launch in 1987, so the decision to associate again in 2027 will be a kind of 40th anniversary.”

They said they hoped the UK’s return would give French students a chance to restart their “lifelong love affair” with Britain.

“Compared with the Erasmus+ programme the UK withdrew from, however, the current Erasmus+ programme is more skills-oriented, so there is ample room for giving new orientations to our relationship with the UK through the programme.”