MEPs and research universities say Cyprus presidency proposal loses sight of Union's priorities

MEPs and research organisations have reacted strongly to the Cyprus presidency's proposal to cut the funding for the Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programmes in 2028-2034 by 4% compared to the Commission's proposal.

Bogdan Zdrojewski, a Polish centre-right MEP who drafted a European Parliament report on Erasmus+, said: "It appears that the Presidency has lost sight of its core priorities: the importance of education and the aspirations of Europe’s youngest generation."

He said that "neglecting academic exchanges, school and university cooperation, and initiatives that strengthen physical fitness and health is more than an oversight — it is political blindness".

The MEP said that Erasmus+ had been one of Europe’s "greatest success stories". "Nearly 17 million people have benefited from it, making it one of the most recognised and valued programmes in Europe and beyond. Ensuring it has a properly funded budget is not optional; it is essential for Europe’s future," he said.

Christian Ehler, a German centre-right MEP who drafted Parliament's report on Horizon Europe and European…