The Erasmus+ programme remains critical to the EU’s educational fabric

By Team IO

The Guild of European research-intensive universities has called for a robust enhancement of the Erasmus+ programme. Their review pushes for ambitious mobility and inclusion targets, alongside a surge in investment to foster pedagogical innovation. The Guild calls for enhanced appeal in brief exchange programmes for PhD students and greater adaptability in teacher and trainer exchange opportunities. They underline the necessity of mainstreaming sustainable practices, urging for greater transparency and support for students with fewer opportunities. Amidst debates on international students and English-taught programmes, The Guild’s proposals aim to solidify Erasmus+’s role in fortifying citizenship and knowledge exchange.

The Erasmus+ programme, a mainstay of European educational and cultural exchange for over three decades, is facing a pivotal moment. As political climates fluctuate and anti-EU sentiments rise, the programme’s importance has only become more pronounced. In recent contributions, The Guild of European research-intensive universities stands firm in the belief that Erasmus+ is integral to fostering connectivity and understanding across the continent, especially during times of increased polarisation.

The Guild’s latest position paper presents a compelling argument for the programme’s expansion and adaptation. It calls for a reimagining of mobility models, which would make shorter PhD mobility more appealing and add flexibility to teaching and training activities. These changes are seen not only as a boost to the programme’s inclusivity but also as a necessary step in keeping pace with evolving academic and professional landscapes.

Sustainability and inclusion as cornerstones

One of the more pressing issues The Guild addresses is the need for a comprehensive approach to sustainability within the Erasmus+ framework. With 11% of participants in 2022 opting for sustainable travel, there’s a clear momentum from students and staff alike to align their mobility with environmental priorities. The Guild urges institutions to integrate green practices at all levels, which would not only reduce the programme’s carbon footprint but also set a precedent for future international collaborations.

Inclusion remains a focal point of The Guild’s recommendations. They argue for additional incentives and a more transparent criterion to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have equitable access to the programme. The aim is to remove barriers that may prevent individuals from taking part in Erasmus+ opportunities, hence widening the scope of those who can benefit from the unique experiences the programme offers.

Enhancing digital integration and global reach

Embracing digitalisation is another critical aspect of The Guild’s vision for the future of Erasmus+. A holistic digital approach is proposed, one that simplifies administrative management and is responsive to the needs of the university community. While the introduction of a lump sum funding model has been well-received, The Guild calls for more clarity on reporting and auditing processes to ensure this digital transition is as smooth as possible.

The Guild also emphasises the importance of strengthening Erasmus+’s global dimension. They recommend aligning intra-European and international programme elements to provide greater flexibility, especially in International Credit Mobility. These moves are seen as vital in reflecting and responding to the global ambitions of universities, making the programme more attractive on an international stage.

Countering anti-EU sentiments

However, the programme is not without its critics. In a climate where anti-EU and anti-migration sentiments are on the rise, programmes like Erasmus+ can become targets. In the Netherlands, for instance, policies to restrict migration are threatening the inflow of skilled talent and knowledge workers, which could have adverse effects on innovation and economic prosperity. Such policies directly undermine the spirit of programmes like Erasmus+ that thrive on openness and exchange.

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Erasmus+ has always been more than a mere student exchange programme. It’s a conduit for European unity, a platform for nurturing global citizens, and a catalyst for academic and professional development. The current political discourse questioning the value of international students and English-taught programmes in some countries needs a nuanced and informed response, one that recognises the multifaceted benefits these exchanges bring to European society at large.

The Guild’s role and recommendations

Against this backdrop, The Guild, founded in 2016 and now comprising twenty-one distinguished research-intensive universities across sixteen countries, has emerged as a vocal advocate for the Erasmus+ programme. They champion the creation of knowledge for society’s benefit and underscore the importance of truth-seeking and trust-building as foundations of public life.

Their recommendations are clear: Erasmus+ needs to be more ambitious, more inclusive, and more adaptable to the global context. By enhancing Cooperation Partnerships, reinforcing the programme’s global dimension, and addressing the challenges of International Credit Mobility, The Guild sets a roadmap for Erasmus+ to thrive in the coming years.

Future Prospects and Continual Evolution

As the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth, and sport, Erasmus+ boasts an estimated budget of €26.2 billion, nearly double that of its predecessor. This financial commitment underscores the EU’s belief in the programme’s value – not just in fostering education and training but also in contributing to the green and digital transitions and promoting participation in democratic life.

The future of Erasmus+ appears to be at a crossroads, with potential budget increases, calls for pedagogical innovation, and a heightened focus on inclusion and sustainability. It’s a crucial time for stakeholders and policymakers to heed The Guild’s calls for action, ensuring that the programme does not just survive but thrives, continuing to build bridges across a diversifying and expanding European landscape.