UK to Re-enter Erasmus Program in 2027
The United Kingdom has agreed to rejoin the European Union's Erasmus youth education program beginning in 2027, a move warmly received by German business circles who anticipate it may lead to simplified visa procedures.
Ulrich Hoppe, head of the German-British Chamber of Commerce (AHK), described the decision as "a very significant step" in comments to dpa shortly after Brussels and London reached the agreement. Hoppe stated it will enable young people "to gather valuable academic and professional experience across the English Channel."
For the initial academic year, the UK will contribute approximately £570 million ($760 million). This funding will facilitate EU students studying or taking courses in the UK, while British students can similarly pursue opportunities across the channel.
Hoppe noted that the agreement is viewed positively by the business community and indicates potential for enhanced UK-EU cooperation in other domains in the future.
The UK exited the EU-wide program with Brexit in January 2020. Prior to that, numerous EU students had spent semesters in the UK.
York-Alexander von Massenbach of the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany (BCCG) emphasized that this reconciliation should not be overlooked. He pointed out that the UK's prestigious universities have long attracted students and young professionals, options that were curtailed by Brexit. Von Massenbach told dpa that appealing educational and career prospects are being restored for youth.
Since Brexit, the UK has tightened entry requirements, making visas costly and bureaucratic. Von Massenbach remarked that easing these requirements would constitute a "major step."
Launched in 1987, the Erasmus Program has supported over 18 million participants through study abroad, teaching exchanges, and practical work experiences in companies.
