Erasmus+ to fund networks and centres

The European Commission will use €30 million from next year’s €3-billion Erasmus+ mobility programme on piloting European university networks.

The initiative—which is being introduced by EU leaders to increase education standards and student mobility—is one of main novelties of the Erasmus+ annual work programme published on 16 October. Under the plans, each network would need to include universities from at least three countries participating in Erasmus+. The networks would also need to obtain at least 20 per cent of their funding from other sources, the Commission said.

Another novelty coming in 2019 are platforms for vocational excellence, located under the Sector Skills Alliances branch of Erasmus+. These will fund training centres in specific sectors and contribute to lifelong e-larning, the Commission said.