Presidency reaction to false reports on Erasmus +

Brussels (15 November) - The Erasmus programme has been a tangible success and we believe it will remain so.

In the current negotiations on the mid-term review of the multiannual budgetary framework for 2014-2020, the Council plans to support the Erasmus + programme with additional funds of 100 million EUR.

Given incorrect media reports, let us therefore make absolutely clear that in no way, the Slovak Presidency suggests to halve the Erasmus funding (which stands at 14.7 bn EUR for 2014-2020) - this is absolutely false and unfounded. On the contrary, the Council is set to increase funds available because we consider this programme important and successful.

Although it is less than the Commission original proposal of extra 200 million EUR, we are still proposing a significant increase of 100 million - especially when we cope with unprecedented challenges such as migration or security. In addition, do not forget that our economies and public finances are still not out of the woods - the Commission forecasts very modest economic growth of 1.6% for the EU next year, and we still face budgetary constraints, given high public debts (currently 86.6 % of GDP for the EU on average).

To clearly demonstrate that the youth is among top priorities, the Council is also set to allocate additional 1.2 billion EUR for the Youth Employment Initiative to cope with youth unemployment in the EU during 2017-2020. It is above the Commission’s original proposal (by 20%). At the same time, it will be complemented by matching funding of 1.2 billion EUR from the European Social Fund.