Brexit – Continuation of Erasmus+


Gerry O'Sullivan

Posted: 29 May, 2019

The European Commission has updated its advice in relation to the applicability of the Erasmus+ programme in the light of current developments regarding the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

The European Council  decided on 11 April 2019, in agreement with the United Kingdom, to extend further the period under Article 50(3) TEU until 31 October 2019.

It follows that the United Kingdom remains a Member State until 31 October 2019, with all rights and obligations.  This means that the United Kingdom continues to participate fully in the Erasmus+ programme and the Solidarity Corps.  Furthermore, in case the Withdrawal Agreement is ratified before 31 October 2019, the United Kingdom will continue to be eligible under the Erasmus+ programme and the Solidarity Corps.

In case the United Kingdom withdraws from the Union without a withdrawal agreement, the Erasmus+ contingency Regulation establishes that Key Action 1 mobilities that are ongoing when the UK withdraws from the EU do not have to be interrupted, even in the no deal scenario. The Regulation applies to mobility activities starting at the latest on the date of withdrawal (31 October 2019) and which take place in the United Kingdom or involve entities or participants from the United Kingdom. The Regulation is already in force, but will only apply if the United Kingdom leaves the Union without a withdrawal agreement. In that case, it will apply to all National Agencies and beneficiaries from the date following that on which the Treaties cease to apply to and in the United Kingdom, i.e. from 1 November 2019.

This means that the future withdrawal of the United Kingdom cannot be invoked as a justification to cancel a Key Action 1 mobility started (or planned to be started) while the United Kingdom is still a Member State.

European Commission Brexit Update Website