Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how many people will benefit from the UK's participation in the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027, from the UK and abroad; and how those people will benefit from that scheme.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

We expect over 100,000 UK participants to benefit from mobility and partnership opportunities from participation in 2027. Participants from the EU and other countries associated to the programme will also benefit from the UK’s association through being able to undertake a mobility to the UK or build partnerships with UK institutions. We will have detailed information on the UK’s Erasmus+ beneficiaries after our first year of participation.

Through Erasmus+, learners will have more chances to study, train, work, or volunteer abroad. They will gain language skills, build intercultural ties, and develop real-world skills employers value. For teachers, youth workers, sports sector professionals and other staff, Erasmus+ brings professional development and access to new and innovative practice. For schools, colleges, universities and other education providers, Erasmus+ re-opens structured partnerships and networks that drive quality, encourage research links and enhance international reputation.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the cost of Erasmus+ in each year between 2027 and 2032.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Negotiations with the European Commission on the UK’s association to Erasmus+ in 2027 have now concluded. We have secured significantly improved financial terms compared to default arrangements, ensuring a fairer balance between the UK’s contribution to the EU and the number of UK participants who receive funding. We negotiated a 30% discount, securing participation for 2027 at a cost of approximately £570 million, saving UK taxpayers around £240 million while securing the benefits of participation for young people in the UK and across the EU.

This commitment covers the 2027/28 academic year. Any participation in Erasmus+ into the next Multiannual Financial Framework from 2028-34 will need to be agreed in the future and be based on a fair and balanced contribution.

Found: Members present: Lord Stirrup (The Chair); Baroness Ashton of Upholland; Lord Barrow; Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell

Found: (The Chair); Baroness Ashton of Upholland; Lord Barrow; Baroness Brown of Silvertown; Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell