The popular Erasmus programme has enabled nearly three million students and teachers to study and work abroad, but its continued functioning was threatened by the funding shortfall in the 2012 EU budget. It has now been saved for the time being thanks to Parliament negotiating a €6 billion deal to cover outstanding bills as well an agreement with the other EU institutions to deal with any shortfalls in 2013 promptly. MEPs adopted the budget package during the December plenary.