Disagreement over name and remit of new Erasmus

Member states disagree with MEPs over keeping the ‘Erasmus’ brand for the new combined EU educational programme for the period 2014 to 2020.

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The European Commission has proposed merging the Erasmus programme for studying abroad with the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme and the Youth in Action programme.

The name it proposed is ‘Erasmus for All’. But on Tuesday (27 November), the European Parliament’s culture and education committee voted to change the name to ‘YES Europe’.

Education ministers meeting the same day in Brussels expressed concern over the loss of the ‘Erasmus’ brand, with its worldwide reputation.

Androulla Vassiliou, European commissioner for education, culture, multilingualism and youth, is also keen to keep the name in the new package of programmes. But MEPs point out that even under the YES banner, Erasmus would still be used to refer to study abroad.

Member states were also concerned about insufficient funding provision for a loan scheme for master’s degree students that the European Commission had proposed – and that has been amended by the Parliament committee. The Cyprus presidency said a detailed technical examination would be necessary to make sure the scheme can be financed by the multiannual financial framework (MFF) now being debated by member states.

More immediately, Vassiliou spelled out the funding shortfall that faces the Erasmus programme in 2012. Unless this is filled, there could be a drastic reduction in Erasmus places at universities and a reduced number of grants next year, she warned. Member states could even be forced to rescind Erasmus study offers already made. Taking money from the 2013 budget will not be a solution, she said, and will only postpone the problem.