The National Youth Agency welcomes the signing of the legal text that will see the UK formally rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027.
Signed in Brussels yesterday, the agreement between the UK and the European Union will once again allow students, apprentices and young people to study, travel and volunteer across Europe. More than 100,000 people are expected to benefit in the first year alone, including apprentices undertaking placements with leading European companies, school groups participating in cultural exchanges, and youth organisations collaborating on new cross-border initiatives.
The NYA were deeply involved in negotiations to bring this opportunity back to young people through Maurizio Cuttin, Chief International Spokesperson for Youth Council UK.
The announcement that the UK would rejoin Erasmus+ was made in Rhagfyr 2025. Since then, the UK Mission to the EU has been working closely with colleagues in Brussels to finalise the necessary legal agreement. Yesterday marked the conclusion of this process. With the legal framework now in place, the focus shifts from technical negotiations to implementation.
The reopening of Erasmus+ will play a significant role in widening access to international opportunities and a major opportunity to strengthen outcomes for young people and the organisations that support them.
Following a celebratory event in Brussels Maurizio Cuttin said:
”“Yesterday was a day for the history books. The final procedural hurdle has now been cleared, and with this, Erasmus+ will officially return to the UK next year. At a time when young people are calling for more people-to-people bridges to be built, this is a hugely significant moment. I'm excited about the impact the scheme will have on the youth sector and proud that the legacy of this successful campaign will live on through Youth Council UK and its 200+ members, who will continue to lead the way.”
Maurizio Cuttin
