In a significant shift for educational and cultural links, the United Kingdom's decision to rejoin the Erasmus+ student exchange programme has been met with widespread approval from readers, who describe it as a necessary correction to a damaging Brexit-era policy.
A Welcome Reversal for Young People
The move, confirmed on Wednesday 17 December 2025, is seen as a direct benefit for a generation that had its opportunities curtailed. Many commenters argued the UK's original withdrawal under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was an ideological act that harmed students who were too young to vote in the 2016 referendum. Rejoining is now viewed as a clear victory for cultural exchange, university cohesion, and the restoration of vital chances to study and train abroad.
More than 10,000 UK university students participated in the scheme in its final full year before Brexit, 2018, a number now expected to grow again. Readers emphasised that reopening this channel is crucial for rebuilding personal and professional ties with European neighbours, especially in a volatile geopolitical climate.
Modest Step in a Larger Landscape
While the return to Erasmus has been hailed, a strong contingent of readers stressed it represents a modest, rather than transformative, step. Several pointed out that the government has simultaneously ruled out rejoining broader frameworks like the customs union or agreeing to wider mobility arrangements for all citizens, not just the young.
This has led to criticism that the scheme alone does little to undo the broader economic and social costs of Brexit for businesses and older residents. Some readers labelled the move 'too little, too late,' urging ministers to focus next on easing trade barriers that have hampered UK enterprises since the split.
Financial Terms and Future Relations
A minority of readers expressed concern over the financial terms of the UK's re-entry, with one citing a potential annual cost of £570 million. They framed this as a poor deal for British taxpayers, arguing the UK previously funded two places for EU students for every British student studying in Europe.
However, the prevailing sentiment among commentators was one of cautious optimism. Many interpreted the decision as a signal of a gradual, sense-driven shift back towards closer cooperation with the European Union. As one reader succinctly put it: "We are slowly coming to our senses." The consensus suggests that while Erasmus is a positive start, the path to fully repairing the UK-EU relationship remains long.
