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Erasmus+ as a democratic project

Three impulses: A foundation of values forged through encounters (Part 3)
In Conversation
Reading time: 3 min.
Text: Valentina Basenach

Technical expertise alone cannot secure Europe’s future. This is particularly evident in times of growing social polarisation and geopolitical uncertainty. The "Union of Skills" can only achieve its full potential with a solid foundation of shared European values.

The third and final part of our "Skills & Values" video series demonstrates that Erasmus+ is much more than just a mobility programme that shapes individual life paths. It is also a thriving democratic initiative that strengthens social cohesion and fosters a shared European identity.

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The democratic principles of freedom, equality and the rule of law can seem intangible. Yet it is through international encounters that these values are brought to life. Intercultural competence is the key to political understanding. Those who learn through Erasmus+ not only to tolerate differences but to understand them lay the foundation for constructive dialogue across borders.

Democracy through interaction

In today's highly complex working world, adaptability and professional competence are extremely important. However, these qualities only truly thrive when combined with a thoughtful understanding of values. A sense of European solidarity is therefore becoming an increasingly important resource for both individual career paths and social cohesion. At the heart of this are skills such as democratic judgement, maturity and responsibility. These skills combine technical expertise with ethical principles, a valuable combination that is becoming ever more important in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

We need to significantly strengthen pro-European attitudes and our sense of European identity across Europe. Erasmus+ can play a key role in achieving this. Research has shown that pro-European attitudes among participants are strengthened by the Erasmus programmes.
Prof. Dr. Axel Plünnecke, Head of the Education, Innovation and Migration Cluster at the German Economic Institute

Erasmus+ fosters a better understanding of political and social differences. Participants learn to understand and consider perspectives from other countries, bringing these into the dialogue. This ability is particularly important in times of increasing polarisation, as it is a key prerequisite for understanding and cooperation in Europe.

In an era of nationalism, isolationism and anti-democratic tendencies, the principle that Erasmus promotes a European identity and a sense of unity and exchange is more pertinent than ever.
Dr. Kai Sicks, Secretary General of the DAAD

Europe’s strength: resilience through networking

The impact of Erasmus+ is felt not only politically and culturally, but also within the European Economic Area. The single market relies on the movement of people, ideas and skills. Exchange programmes facilitate the creation of the networks on which such mobility is built.

The European Union was founded on the principles of a single market and economic union. To this day, these remain key factors in the EU’s success. Alongside the free movement of goods, the free movement of people is also vital – and the Erasmus programme is part of that. Students need this exchange, researchers need this exchange.
Charlotte Bechert, Political scientist and anthropologist

Strengthening connections between students, teachers and researchers promotes cross-border cooperation and innovation. This is one of the ways in which Erasmus+ helps to make Europe more open and resilient.

Summary

This third instalment concludes the "Skills & Values" video series. It demonstrates how Erasmus+ inextricably links skills and values, thereby establishing a vital foundation for a capable and united Europe. As a driving force for a shared sense of European identity, the impact of the programme extends far beyond individual experiences.

Previously published in this series:

Further links

internationalization strategy Mobility of Individuals (KA 131) cooperations among higher education institutions European Higher Education Area (EHEA) interview student mobility

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