The European Union¡¯s student mobility scheme, Erasmus+, must increase investment in?its ¡°global dimension¡±, sector leaders have said.

In a? submitted to the?EU¡¯s public consultation on?the 2021-27 Erasmus+ programme, the Guild of?European Research-Intensive Universities says partnerships with non-European institutions require a?¡°significant boost¡± to?¡°achieve the European Union¡¯s geopolitical priorities, and for Erasmus+ to?become a?strategic tool for internationalisation¡±.

Describing the 2015 extension of Erasmus+ to countries outside Europe as a?¡°great addition to the programme¡± but one with ¡°limited impact¡±, the umbrella body says the European Commission should develop new tools to support collaboration between African and European universities.

¡°We wish to see higher education and research play a central role in the new relationship between the African Union and the European Union,¡± the guild says.

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Collaboration with non-European universities has been hampered by unpredictable and at times insufficient funding through Erasmus+, the network adds, noting that limitations on student mobility to some regions prevented reciprocal relationships and ¡°den[ied] partner universities the benefits of having bachelor and master level students at their campuses¡±.

Elsewhere, the guild calls for ¡°continued cooperation¡± between Erasmus+ and other European mobility schemes, including the UK¡¯s Turing Scheme, Wales¡¯ Taith programme, the Scottish Education Exchange Programme and the Swiss-European Mobility Programme. Aligning these programmes with Erasmus+ rules would ¡°contribute to the simplification of the current landscape,¡± the network says.

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Ultimately, the long-term goal should be the reassociation of the UK and Switzerland with Erasmus+, the guild says.

Introducing the position paper, titled Europe Needs Erasmus+ More than Ever, the guild nods to the issues of political polarisation and the growth of populism across the continent. ¡°More than ever, young people¡¯s participation in democratic life needs to be promoted,¡± the introduction states.

¡°In a world characterised by increased polarisation and challenges that can only be mitigated through international cooperation and understanding, Erasmus+ has a?distinctive role in strengthening citizenship and the exchange of knowledge of young generations.¡±

emily.dixon@timeshighereducation.com