Brussels, 10/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Students Union (ESU) has called on the European Commission to propose an extension of funds as soon as possible to finance Erasmus grants for the second half of the academic year 2012-2013. It also calls for a long-term solution to ensure a sufficient budget for the programme in the future. The ESU is concerned by the declarations made by the spokesperson for the Commissioner for the budget, Janusz Lewandowski and the chairman of the budget committee at the European Parliament, Alain Lamassoure. According to their declarations, Erasmus and several other programmes will be short of money following the spending cuts in the 2012 budget (see EUROPE 10703). The ESU underlines the proven success of the European programme and the importance of retaining the mobility targets advocated. Karina Ufert, Chair of the European Students' Union (ESU), stated, “We call upon the EU member states to recognise the importance of European student mobility programmes while deciding on the next multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020”. On 23 October, the Commission is expected to call on member states to substantially continue funding for Erasmus another programmes short of money in 2012. (IL/trans/fl).