The European Parliament is increasing the Erasmus+ budget. So what?
Great news coming from the European Parliament for people who want to be involved in exchange programmes. The Parliament recently decided to triple the budget that will be invested in the Erasmus+ programme for 2021-2027.
What's Erasmus+?
So what's the big deal here? Well Erasmus+ is the EU programme for supporting education, training, youth and sport. The programme gives funding for both organisations and individuals so people can study, train and gain experience in other countries. Many of the people benefiting from this programme are young.
What's different now?
The next Erasmus+ program will provide travelling and learning opportunities to 12 million people, compared to the previous figure of 4 million. The program will continue to support schools, vocational education and training, but in a much more efficient and easier way. There's a bigger focus on providing opportunities to people who don't normally have them which is very nice.
So why does it matter?
This is excellent news for me and all people like me who are looking for new adventures and experiences. I think that investing more in young people is a big sign from the Parliament. I see it as a recognition of the fact that we matter. Usually politicians tell us that we are the future but don't do much to support us. It's nice to see some of them putting their money where their mouth is and investing in us.
Imagine how much they would care if we all turned out for the elections and became one of the most active age groups in terms of voting. I bet we'd be seeing more news like this.
Also, if you're in doubt whether to apply for an Erasmus+ project, always remember:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain