Cutting the Erasmus+ budget would be a disaster for Europe’s future

At a time of security tensions, rising nationalism and euroscepticism, the EU must not allow cuts to Erasmus+. Protecting the programme is essential to reinforce its strategy for long-term security and unity.

For decades, the Erasmus+ programme has been a cornerstone of unity and education, offering educational opportunities focused on youth, students, and educators.

Through its mobility-focused structure, it has become a symbol for the European values of free movement. The programme has been a beacon of opportunity for more than 15 million young people to date.

However, with proposed budget cuts threatening the programme’s sustainability, Europe must take decisive action to protect and expand this invaluable initiative.

• Education key to boosting growth in emerging Europe and Central Asia
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The EU Council has proposed a 295 million euros cut to the Erasmus+ programme in the bloc’s 2025 budget. This would represent a profound betrayal of the future of Europe’s youth. It must be rejected. Now, the ball is in the court of the European Parliament and Commission.

Ironically, the European Parliament’s Budgets Committee recently adopted a draft resolution demanding an EU budget focused on research, health, education, and climate action commitments.

MEPs restored 1.52 billion euros in funding initially proposed to be cut by the council, bringing allocations back to the levels originally suggested by the Commission and reaffirming their dedication to programmes like Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.

Strong opposition from the parliament to these cuts is sparking a critical debate with the council over whether the EU budget should be constrained by rising interest costs on post-pandemic recovery funds, which parliament argues must not undermine essential programs that serve Europe’s youth and drive innovation.

The European Parliament must act decisively to restore this funding, while the council must engage in constructive negotiations to ensure that essential programs like Erasmus+ are prioritised.

Anything less would signify a grave misalignment of values which could haunt us for generations to come. The budget cuts, justified by reallocating resources toward security and post-pandemic recovery, are deeply misguided. Both are precisely the issues that Erasmus+ helps address in the long term.

At a time when nationalism and far-right euroscepticism are on the rise across the continent, investing in Erasmus+ is not just about education. It is a crucial investment in security at home. With its core values for shared EU identity, the programme acts as a powerful antidote to divisive rhetoric and isolationist sentiments.

Besides Erasmus, investing in research and innovation under Horizon Europe (which would also be affected by the proposed budget cuts) is equally essential. Investing in cutting-edge innovation drives solutions to global challenges, including security concerns.

The value of Erasmus+ goes beyond the political. After the Covid-19 pandemic, during which countless opportunities were lost for young people, particularly in education and mobility, there is an urgent need to place a special emphasis on Europe’s youth and their education.

The programme is designed in a way which equips young people with the skills and experiences driving economic resilience, innovation and social cohesion; key components which will contribute to recovery from the pandemic.

Moreover, the lasting effects of the Covid period, especially on mental health, continue to cut deep. It is imperative that we prioritise addressing these challenges, such as through programmes like Erasmus, which undoubtedly enhance youth well-being.

“Erasmus, 36 years after its creation, remains crucial to make the EU dream come true. It was a priority when the programme was launched, and it continues to be essential today,” said S&D MEP Emma Rafowicz on the Radio Schuman podcast.

Rafowicz is running a petition to save the Erasmus programme. “Less money for education, universities and research at the end means that the European Union is weakened,” she added, calling for the cuts to be rejected and instead advocating for more funding, strategically deployed.

MEPs should not accept any reduction of the budget for education and research, especially when it comes to the Erasmus programme. They would also do well to consider the adoption of a separate, protected budget line for Erasmus in the EU financial framework to prevent any future cuts.

There is a risk of diverting resources from transformative initiatives like Erasmus to finance security and other areas. The EU must invest more to protect and strengthen these strategic initiatives which are important for the EU’s future, ensuring youth remain committed to a shared, inclusive, and resilient Europe in the future.

Cutting Erasmus funding will be a perilous step backward for the EU. Investing in our youth through education and exchange would represent a renewed commitment to and reaffirmation of European values. It must remain a priority. A strong and united Europe begins with empowering its next generation.

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