Support programmes for exchanges in the European Union

Subject: Support programmes for exchanges in the European Union

EU exchange programmes enable young people to get to know life in another Member State and to engage with the culture of that country. Exchanges within the EU create a common identity, thereby promoting European integration. However, young people from disadvantaged families in particular often have little prospect of participating in existing programmes.

1) What measures does the Commission consider realistic to enable young people to spend a short period of at least two weeks in another Member State?

2) What measures does the Commission plan to improve the visibility of Erasmus + and better inform young people about the support provided?

3) How does the Commission view the idea of a simplified application procedure for Erasmus + in order to reduce red tape and thus enable more young people to enjoy a subsidised stay abroad?

Answer given by Mr Navracsics on behalf of the European Commission

(11 June 2019)

The current Erasmus+ programme is already reaching out to disadvantaged young people: 11.5% of the total number of participants — more than double the figure of the predecessor programmes — and up to a third of all beneficiaires in the field of youth are from a disadvantaged background.

In its legislative proposal for the future Erasmus programme 2021-27, the Commission has proposed a series of additional measures to reach out to more participants, in particular those with fewer opportunities. These include more diversified mobility formats such as shorter-term stays, virtual contacts and blended mobility, which may be more attractive to learners from a disadvantaged background. The exact design of these shorter formats is still being worked on.

The Commission plans to provide more guidance and support to national bodies responsible for the implementation of the programme in each programme country and to other multiplier organisations. This will help them raise awareness of the various opportunities and support mechanisms available under the programme, such as targeted grants for those with specific needs. Such organisations are best placed to reach out to people with fewer opportunities in their respective personal environments and to tailor information to their specific needs.

The Commission is also working to ease access to the programme, especially for small and inexperienced organisations. This will be achieved for instance by simplifying and shortening application and reporting requirements, standardising access criteria, digitalising procedures and making IT tools more interoperable and user-friendly.