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Edited by Francesca Moriero

After a five-year absence, the United Kingdom will return to the Erasmus+ program starting in 2027. Its exit from the program was a direct consequence of Brexit, which made it impossible for London to access the European Union’s main academic and youth mobility programs. The £570 million agreement, formalized in a joint statement by European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and British Trade Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, now represents a concrete step in strengthening ties between the United Kingdom and the EU, both educationally and culturally.

What is the Erasmus+ programme and why is it important?

Erasmus+ is not just an opportunity to study abroad, but a European program that integrates education, training, sports, and youth initiatives, creating a true bridge between different cultures and education systems. Thanks to Erasmus+, students can participate in study periods at foreign universities, undertake internships in international contexts, and develop essential professional and intercultural skills in an increasingly globalized world.

The United Kingdom’s return therefore means that thousands of young Britons will once again be able to enjoy educational experiences within Europe, while European students will have the opportunity to study in the United Kingdom, thus enriching their academic and personal journey through first-hand experience of British culture.

How the UK’s return to the Erasmus+ programme will work

The agreement essentially establishes that the United Kingdom will be re-associated with Erasmus+ from 2027. This includes participation in university exchanges, vocational training projects, youth programs, and sports-related activities. The joint statement emphasizes that the financial terms of the association have been defined in a balanced manner: the United Kingdom’s contribution to the program will be proportionate to the benefits the country receives, thus ensuring mutual benefits for both parties.

Opportunities for young people and mutual benefits

The UK’s inclusion in Erasmus+ offers young people an unprecedented range of opportunities. It’s not just about academic enrichment: participating in international exchanges means developing independence, intercultural skills, networking abilities, and open-mindedness—essential tools for a successful professional future.

British universities, for their part, will be able to strengthen their international collaborations and attract talent from across Europe. EU countries, including Italy, will also benefit from the UK’s return, being able to send their students to London and other British cities, thus contributing to an increasingly broad and integrated educational network.

A positive signal for EU-UK relations

Beyond the educational aspect, the UK’s return to Erasmus+ has strong symbolic and political significance: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the agreement “a step forward in the renewed strategic partnership with the UK.” For von der Leyen, reinstating British participation not only means encouraging student mobility, but also strengthening cultural and social ties between the two sides of Europe, thus fostering shared experiences and lasting bonds between new generations.

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