Erasmus+ must invest in global partnerships, sector leaders say

The European Union’s student mobility scheme, Erasmus+, must increase investment in its “global dimension”, sector leaders have said.

In a position paper submitted to the EU’s public consultation on the 2021-27 Erasmus+ programme, the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities says partnerships with non-European institutions require a “significant boost” to “achieve the European Union’s geopolitical priorities, and for Erasmus+ to become a strategic tool for internationalisation”.

Describing the 2015 extension of Erasmus+ to countries outside Europe as a “great addition to the programme” but one with “limited impact”, the umbrella body says the European Commission should develop new tools to support collaboration between African and European universities.

“We wish to see higher education and research play a central role in the new relationship between the African Union and the European Union,” the guild says.

Collaboration with non-European universities has been hampered by unpredictable and at times insufficient funding through Erasmus+, the network adds, noting that limitations on student mobility to some regions prevented reciprocal relationships and “den[ied] partner universities the benefits of having bachelor and master level students at their campuses”.

Elsewhere, the guild calls for “continued cooperation” between Erasmus+ and other European mobility schemes, including the UK’s Turing Scheme, Wales’ Taith programme, the Scottish Education Exchange Programme and the Swiss-European Mobility Programme. Aligning these programmes with Erasmus+ rules would “contribute to the simplification of the current landscape,” the network says.

Ultimately, the long-term goal should be the reassociation of the UK and Switzerland with Erasmus+, the guild says.

Introducing the position paper, titled Europe Needs Erasmus+ More than Ever, the guild nods to the issues of political polarisation and the growth of populism across the continent. “More than ever, young people’s participation in democratic life needs to be promoted,” the introduction states.

“In a world characterised by increased polarisation and challenges that can only be mitigated through international cooperation and understanding, Erasmus+ has a distinctive role in strengthening citizenship and the exchange of knowledge of young generations.”

emily.dixon@timeshighereducation.com