Alliances and UK universities prepare for Erasmus+ association to open new opportunities as full members

As the United Kingdom rejoins the EU mobility programme, Erasmus+, in 2027, UK universities will regain access to European funds to participate in European university alliances, opening the way for a potential new wave of alliances including UK members.

"The first 17 alliances started at the end of 2019, and the UK left Erasmus+ in 2020, after which the other alliances started, so the UK is not very well represented in alliances. However, there is much potential, as there are strong universities in the UK," Olga Wessels, coordinator of FOREU4ALL, the community of practice for alliances, explained to News Tank on 01/06/2026.

Currently, ten alliances (out of 73) include UK members, listed as associated partners, as they cannot be formal members and receive Erasmus+ funding.

"Alliances are super happy to have their friends back. But it’s difficult to shape a revamped partnership as the funding model is still rather unclear regarding timeline, integration process, etc. Despite this uncertainty, some alliances are investigating or are in negotiations with UK universities," Wessels added…