On 30 January 2012, Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, launched the silver anniversary celebrations for the Erasmus Programme, which have the slogan “Erasmus : changing lives, opening minds for 25 years”.

Commissioner Vassiliou described the programme as “one of the great success stories of the European Union”, and she isn’t wrong : since its conception in 1987, nearly 3 million students have completed a study or work placement abroad through the Erasmus programme, which has given them the opportunity to live in another European country, learn another language and make new friends. For many, it is quite simply a unique and unforgettable experience.

As an indication of its success, in its first year 3244 students took part. In 2011/2012, the figure is more like a quarter of a million. There are now plans to create a new education, training and youth programme, “Erasmus for all” which would aim to give twice as many young people the opportunity to spend time studying, teaching or training abroad.

The celebrations were launched with a conference in Brussels, which discussed the impact that the Erasmus programme has had and its future. There will be a follow-up conference in Copenhagen in May, and individual Member States are also organising their own celebrations.

Read the full press release here : http://europa.eu/rapid/pressRelease...

Image : European Commission AV Service