The European Parliament’s Culture Committee discussed with the EU Commission the proposed new contingency measures for the Erasmus+ programme, should the UK leave the EU without a deal.

The proposed legislation establishes that all mobility activities under the current Erasmus+ programme that started before 30 March 2019 will be funded until they are completed (for a maximum of up to 12 months). This will include British students, traineeships, apprentices and staff engaged in mobility activities in the EU countries and vice-versa.

Representatives of the Commission pointed out that this decision will not have any budgetary implications, as the overall budget of the programme was already approved under the current long-term budget.

In order for this legislation to be adopted and to enter into force before 30 March 2019, the Culture Committee will follow a simplified procedure. Two amendments were tabled on Tuesday to the European Commission’s proposal, underlining that this new law would apply only in the event of a “no-deal” Brexit and explaining the reason why national parliaments cannot be consulted under this procedure.

Next steps

The vote will take place during the next committee meeting on 20 February, with the full house voting in March plenary session. Negotiations with the Council should allow for a swift agreement and the legislation should be published before the date of the withdrawal.