The EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano, writes for The Mirror after the announcement the UK will rejoin the EU’s student exchange programme – called Erasmus
Erasmus brings real opportunities for British and European youth and will enrich and strengthen our societies
The conclusion of negotiations for the United Kingdom to become an Erasmus+ partner country in 2027 delivers on a long-standing request from young people on both sides of the Channel.
The UK association to Erasmus+ is not only about university exchanges. It will offer significant opportunities across vocational training, sport, school education and adult learning for people in the UK and the EU.
Named after the sixteenth-century humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam, the programme reflects a long European tradition of learning, openness and exchange. Its creation was the result of years of work by many, including the Welshman Dr Hywel Ceri Jones, who served as the European Commission’s Director for Education, Training and Youth when Erasmus was established in 1987.
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Erasmus+ has evolved significantly since its inception. The current programme places a strong emphasis on social inclusion and on supporting the green and digital transitions, ensuring greater access for people with fewer opportunities.
Mobility is at the heart of Erasmus+. Students, apprentices, teachers and youth workers across the UK will have the opportunity to participate in activities abroad, enhancing their employability. In recent years, the programme has doubled the number of opportunities for vocational training learners. Erasmus+ will also fund mobility for UK school pupils, supporting experiences abroad for individuals as well as entire classes.
Through these exchanges, Erasmus+ will also support scientific connections between UK-based institutions and their European partners, strengthening the UK’s participation in Horizon Europe.
Finally, Erasmus+ supports young people’s participation in democratic life. It funds youth-led local and transnational initiatives to help young people engage with and learn how to participate actively in democratic processes.
Since I arrived in the UK as the European Union’s Ambassador, I have heard the same message wherever I travel. Young people, teachers, education staff, union representatives and members of civil society want the UK to enjoy the opportunities Erasmus+ can offer. At the May summit, the EU and the UK agreed to work together to make this possible. We have now delivered on this commitment.
Other commitments agreed at the May summit are advancing rapidly. The conclusion of exploratory talks paves the way for UK participation in the EU’s internal electricity market, strengthening energy security and unlocking major investment opportunities. Bringing our societies closer together and advancing European solidarity is more important than ever to respond to the great challenges our continent is facing.