The European Parliament has called for more resources to fund the Erasmus + programme for education, youth, training and sport. In a resolution adopted on 14 September by a show of hands, MEPs effectively stated that citizen’s expectations could only effectively be met if there was a significant funding increase (see EUROPE 11857).
Rapporteur, Petra Kammerevert (S&D, Germany) asserted, “We should aim to ensure that, in the medium term, all young people under 27 can at least have one opportunity to take part in this programme”.
The resolution provides recommendations for the post-2020 period (next multiannual financial framework). It argues that the successor to Erasmus+ must be flexible in order to swiftly respond to emerging challenges and European and international level strategic priorities. The report points out that it will also have to be more inclusive in an effort to reach more young people by way of different tools, particularly digital, as well as organisations, such as formal and informal education institutions at all levels.
Obstacle to mobility. The text, however, criticises the lack of clarity and coherence in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits gained during Erasmus mobility. It recommends that stakeholders fully implement the education agreements as a mandatory factor in the mobility process and that a harmonious recognition of the ECTS credits acquired is promoted.
In the context of Brexit, MEPs emphasise that on-going negotiations should, “support a post-Brexit agreement allowing continued mobility for students and teachers between the EU and the UK”. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)