MEPs Approve Erasmus+ Programme for Disabled People, Low-Income Individuals & Immigrants

Posted date: 27 May 2021

The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have approved the 2021-2027 Erasmus+ edition focused on inclusion on Tuesday, which enables adult learners to study around Europe for up to six months.

According to a press release, Erasmus+ 2021-2027, which has a significant role in Europe’s identity, has received double the amount of funding (over ?28 billion) compared to the last edition ?14.7 Billion budget, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

This year, during the negotiation with the European Council, MEPs managed to allocate another ?1.7 billion for Erasmus+ while highlighting the effect the pandemic has had on European citizens.

The Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, Sabine Verheyen, said that for Europe it is crucial to provide for people tools to grow and connect, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Erasmus+ is a European success story, and thanks to our efforts, we will be able to continue with it. It connects people from all backgrounds and helps create a truly European community. Because of the pandemic, young people and all those who are keen to learn, study and meet new people are facing huge challenges – it is even harder on those from marginalized backgrounds,” Verheyen added.

However, the newly approved programme intends to cover education areas by providing more opportunities for people, especially those with a disability, living in poverty, and people with migration background.

The Erasmus+ “DiscoverEU” initiative will allow students to apply for a free pass to travel across Europe for study purposes, whereas the “European Universities” initiative will offer students a degree by combining studies in different EU countries. “Centers of Vocational Excellence” will establish skills ecosystems expanding locally and internationally.

For applicants that cannot afford to pay for initial costs (such as train ticket or accommodation), the programme will provide top-up grants, including up-front payments. Applications that are linked to inclusion premises will not be cancelled due to high costs.

Furthermore, for university students, the programme will expand support time spent in EU countries to six months, allowing people of all ages and backgrounds to get hired, learn life skills, and help them adapt to the upcoming digital transition and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alongside a manageable and user-friendly IT system for applicants, Erasmus+ will also offer funding for small organizations such as youth associations and sports clubs. The programme also aims to reduce climate spending figures by promoting green travelling, an environmentally friendly form of transportation for participants.

Reference Link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/meps-approve-erasmus-programme-for-disabled-people-low-income-individuals-immigrants/

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