Viana do Castelo hosts presentation of new ERASMUS+

Viana do Castelo will be hosting the launch ceremony for the new ERASMUS+ 2021-2027 programme today, 18 June. This programme has a total budget of over EUR 28 billion, twice the amount available in the previous 2014-2020 programme.

The journey of one of the most iconic programmes in the European Union

The ERASMUS Programme was first launched in 1987 with the aim of fostering university student exchanges in Europe. During the first programme, it was possible to study in universities in 11 European countries. Now, there are opportunities all over the world.

ERASMUS became established as one of the most emblematic programmes in the European Union, through which students were able to improve their language skills and come into contact with new cultures and different ways of learning.

From ERASMUS to ERASMUS+

During the course of over 30 years, the ERASMUS programme has reached more than nine million people, has brought more and more countries closer together and increased its target audience.

Launched for the first time in 2014, ERASMUS+ has initiatives aimed at students, teachers and youth workers. With the goal of preparing students to join the labour market and to take part in civic life, ERASMUS+ also makes it possible for them to do internships in foreign companies and organisations.

More than mobility for young students, ERASMUS+ has become a cooperation programme, through which skills can be learnt for an independent, fulfilled life, developing a sense of European identity.

The new ERASMUS+ 2021-2027 programme

ERASMUS+ 2021-2027 aims to be more inclusive, with initiatives for people of different ages and social, economic and cultural contexts, focusing on people with fewer opportunities: people with disabilities, with educational difficulties, in migration contexts and from more remote areas. It will also be greener and more digital, through the acquisition of digital skills, with high-quality, affordable learning, and initiatives for learning about and understanding sustainability and climate action.

The programme also supports the European Pillar of Social Rights and European cooperation in the area of education and training, implements the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and develops the European dimension of sport.

Over ten million people are expected to take part in initiatives inside and outside of Europe and in more flexible formats, between three and 12 months.

The launch of the new ERASMUS+ 2021-2027 programme will begin at 14h30 (Lisbon time). Also taking part will be the Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas i, the Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Manuel Heitor, the Portuguese Minister of Education, Tiago Brandão Rodrigues, the Portuguese Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, Ana Mendes Godinho, the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel i, and the Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Culture and Education, Sabine Verheyen i.

You can watch the live broadcast here.