MEP Francis Zammit Dimech, has raised Erasmus+ issues faced by students, young people and educational institutions during his maiden speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament.

He remarked that, “whereas the Erasmus+ programme has been a success story, it is now time to tackle problems still being faced by students, young people and educational institutions.”

The MEP argued that bureaucracy for educational institutions, delays in processing applications and lack of recognition of studies completed during the Erasmus experience were some of the issues which were still being experienced after 30 years of Erasmus+.

Zammit Dimech added that there was still lack of awareness on how to access such funding.

“Whereas the 30th anniversary of the Erasmus+ programme was an opportunity to acknowledge the success of the programme, one had to also reflect on such issues which shackle accessibility,” he said.

Over the past days Zammit Dimech was in touch with stakeholders including students and young people who voiced difficulties they encountered when applying or participating in the Erasmus+ programme. Zammit Dimech said that “now is the time to address such issues.”

“The Erasmus+ programme was an important tool to strengthen the European identity, encourage voluntary work, modernise education and offer young people with opportunities to obtain the necessary skills needed by tomorrow’s workforce,” commented the MEP.

He thus reiterated the appeal made my several MEPs to increase funding for the programme in order to provide young people and students with more opportunities.

Today the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the future of the Erasmus+ programme. The resolution was presented by the Culture and Education Committee on which Zammit Dimech is also serving as a member.

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