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Erasmus programme – history of development
The Erasmus Programme is considered one of the best‑known education programmes in the world, and in Europe it certainly holds first place—both in the number of opportunities available and in the number of participants. It dates back to 1987 with what was then a revolutionary idea: student mobility. Today, we can say with confidence that this programme has connected millions of young people across Europe and around the world.
Who was Erasmus of Rotterdam?
ERASMUS is an acronym for European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students, but the name also comes from the renowned humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam. As one of Europe’s most famous humanists, philosophers, and theologians, he became a symbol of European education, dialogue, and tolerance. His vision of education as a bridge between cultures and people became the guiding idea of the programme that bears his name.
In the first year of the Erasmus Programme—quite a novelty at the time—only 11 countries took part, and around 3,000 students studied abroad through the programme. The main goal was for students to improve their academic, linguistic, and intercultural skills by spending a period at an educational institution in another country.
Expansion of the ERASMUS programme
Encouraged by the positive experience at the programme’s outset, Erasmus continued to grow and develop during the 1990s and 2000s, alongside the enlargement of the European Union and the accession of new member states. In addition to new EU members, Erasmus also included associated countries such as Iceland, Norway, Turkey, and later the Western Balkan countries. At the same time, the European Union developed other related and complementary education programmes such as Leonardo da Vinci (for vocational education), Comenius (for schools), Grundtvig (for adult education), and Youth in Action (for young people and youth work).
A turning point in the development of ERASMUS and similar programmes came in 2014, when all programmes concerning youth, education, mobility, and training were brought together under a single name—Erasmus+.
The Erasmus+ programme, 2014–2020
With its new name, Erasmus+ became a comprehensive programme that includes:
- Higher education
- Vocational education and training
- Adult education
- School education
- Youth and youth work
- Sport
One of the most significant innovations was that the programme no longer involved only students; it also included teachers, trainers, volunteers, youth workers, and other professionals from various fields. Another innovation—one that gave Erasmus+ global significance—was that partner countries outside Europe also gained the possibility to participate.
A new era for Erasmus+: 2021–2027
The new generation of the programme (2021–2027) represents a new phase of development, especially given that the budget for this cycle has doubled compared to the previous one (2014–2020) and amounts to 26 billion euros. The programme is focused on three priorities:
- Inclusion and diversity — greater access for people from underrepresented groups.
- Digital transformation — support for digital skills and tools.
- Green Europe — environmental awareness and sustainable activities.
The programme has also broadened the number of target groups and participants, so Erasmus+ today covers all ages—from early childhood education to learning in later life.
Erasmus+ and its significance
Erasmus+ has become more than an education programme, with over 13 million people taking part over its lifetime up to 2024. It is often cited as a symbol of European identity and one of the main pillars of the European Union, as well as a programme of great importance for individuals in terms of their personal and professional development. Its evolution from a student exchange programme to a comprehensive educational framework highlights the importance of combining education and cultural exchange in building society.
See for more information about the Erasmus+ programme: erasmus+_2021-2027-NC0221132ENN