Brussels, 29/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 29 September, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Androulla Vassiliou launched Erasmus+ in Paris as she continues her tour of member states in order to present officially the new European programme for education, training, youth and sport. In her speech, Vassiliou noted that, “without the commitment of France, and especially of President François Hollande, in the budget negotiation, and of Ms Fioraso at crucial moments in the programmes' technical negotiations, Erasmus+ would not look the same (…). Today, Erasmus+ has a budget of nearly €15 billion - to which €1.7 billion must be added for its international dimension (in other words 40% more than the previous programmes). Thus it will extend these opportunities to over 4 million people, giving them the chance to study, to be trained, to gain work experience or work as volunteers abroad, while discovering different cultures, languages and people”. In France, over 500,000 students or others will participate in Erasmus. “With Erasmus+, the message is clear. Europe is investing in its young people. It is investing in your abilities, your training, your plans and your desires. So don't miss the opportunities that a programme like this offers - especially at the start of the academic year. Because an Erasmus+ experience has to be carefully prepared!” Vassiliou stated (our translation throughout). (IL)