Scotland's New Minister Prioritizes Erasmus+ Return

Scotland's new minister for higher and further education has made rejoining the EU's Erasmus+ program a top priority. Alyn Smith stated his goal at the European Association for International Education conference in Glasgow, addressing a global audience of education professionals.

Smith, who is himself a graduate of the Erasmus program, stressed the urgency of the UK and Scotland returning to the Erasmus+ framework. He pointed to the limited time within the current program cycle and the upcoming negotiations for the EU's multi-annual financial budget. "We've got one year of the current program, then of course we have the bunfight of the multi-annual financial framework, and we need to see what that delivers," Smith said.

A Personal Commitment to Mobility

The minister framed the issue as one of profound personal and strategic importance. He argued that increased international mobility and cooperation are fundamentally beneficial. "I believe, to my very soul, that the more time we're spending in each other's countries, working with each other, solidarity not only across the EU but wider, the better we'll all be," Smith told the conference.

His comments positioned student and academic exchange as a core part of building wider international solidarity. Smith expressed a strong belief that the international education sector is leading this collaborative effort.

Operating in a Major Era

When asked about the conference theme of 'the rhythm of revolution', Smith described the current global context as a disordered, major moment. He identified major demographic changes and a radically altered information landscape as key drivers.

Smith noted that the way people access and consume information has changed dramatically in just the last decade. This connectivity allows for unprecedented cross-border collaboration but also presents challenges, such as feelings of rootlessness and disconnection among populations.

Despite these complexities, the minister conveyed an optimistic outlook for the role of international education. "I'm overwhelmingly positive because I think we'll get through this..." he said to the attendees. He concluded his remarks by reaffirming Scotland's desire for international engagement, stating clearly, "Be in no doubt that Scotland wants to do business with you."