Comission proposes an “amending” budget to secure European programmes

Two days ago, on 23th October, the European Commission adopted a proposal to the Council of Europe and the European Parliament for an amending budget. In the proposal the Commission asks for additional €180 for the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme, which includes several student mobility programs such as Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci, and €120 million for Marie Curie actions for research fellows. The proposal states that these funds need to be made available still this year to ensure the support for students, apprentices, teachers and researchers going abroad in 2013.

During the past weeks students, families, organisations and institutions have expressed their concerns over the possible lack of resources in the European mobility programmes. Being able to study abroad for a time, or spend a period as a trainee in an enterprise in another country, is highly valued by young people as a real and concrete benefit of belonging to the European Union.

“Investing in education, training and research is the best investment we can make for Europe’s future. Each year, the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme (Erasmus, Leonardo Da Vinci, Comenius, Grundtvig) and the Marie Curie Actions enable more than 400 000 people to study, work, volunteer or do research abroad. This experience enhances their skills, personal development and job prospects – and it can also contribute to overcoming the crisis.” Stated Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth.