More for sports in Erasmus+?

Photo: Istock.com/Pe3Check

The European Parliament's Culture and Education Committee wants a larger share of Erasmus+ funds to be earmarked for youth and sport. In practice, this may mean less for education.

This week, the Parliament will consider the committee's recommendation in plenary. The parliamentarians want a fixed distribution of Erasmus funds between the three objectives of the programme. They want:

• 74.6% for education and training

• 15% for youth and volunteering

• 4.1% for sports

In practice, this means strengthening youth and sport, which have previously received a lower share of the total funds. The committee also proposes a significant increase in the total budget for Erasmus+, and higher spending than in the European Commission's proposal from last year. However, this seems unrealistic in light of the debate between member states about the EU's long-term budget. While the Parliament wants more money than the Commission has proposed, governments in rich countries such as Germany and Sweden are strongly in favor of cuts.

If the committee's proposal for distribution were to stand, but the overall framework were to be reduced, the result could be a lower amount for education than originally intended. However, clarification on this is still a long way off. After the parliament has adopted its proposals for the organisation of the various programmes, a final arrangement will be negotiated between the EU bodies.