Brexit update
Updated on 6 February 2019 – 11:00
This statement has been issued by UK Government.
Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Programme – Updated Guidance from Government
The Government has issued an updated Technical Notice providing guidance to organisations and individuals on the UK’s anticipated participation in the current Erasmus+ (2014-2020) and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) (2018 -2020) programmes, after the UK leaves the EU.
Key points from the Technical Notice are covered below.
Upcoming applications – 2019 Call for Proposals
The Government recommends that applications are submitted as normal for the upcoming deadlines for funding in respect of the 2019 Call for Proposals, for both Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. This will ensure that organisations and individuals can take part in the programmes if a withdrawal agreement is in place.
At the same time, organisations should take note of the scenarios outlined in the Technical Notice as part of their business planning.
The Government Guarantee
In the event that the UK leaves the EU with no agreement in place, the government guarantee will cover the payment of awards to UK applicants for all successful Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps bids. Successful bids are those that are approved directly by the European Commission or by the National Agency and ratified by the European Commission. This includes projects and participants that are only informed of their success, or who sign a grant agreement, after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The guarantee commits to underwrite funding for the entire lifetime of the projects.
The Government will need to reach agreement with the EU for UK organisations to continue participating in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects and is seeking to hold these discussions with the EU. If discussions are unsuccessful, the Government will engage with Member States, other participating countries and key institutions to seek to ensure UK participants can continue with their planned activity.
If the UK is unable to fully participate in the programmes, UK organisations may wish to consider bilateral arrangements with partner organisations that would enable their projects to continue. The government will provide funding for projects that were approved by the National Agency (or the European Commission’s Executive Agency) and ratified by the European Commission prior to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU to continue in this form, should it become necessary.
The guarantee covers funding committed to UK organisations. It does not cover funding committed to partners and participants in other Member States and other participating countries.
For further information, please contact:
- erasmus@britishcouncil.org for enquiries about higher education
- erasmusplus.enquiries@britishcouncil.org for enquiries about schools under Key Actions 1 and 2 or youth projects under Key Actions 2 and 3
- erasmusplus@ecorys.com for enquiries about vocational education and training (VET) and adult education under Key Actions 1 and 2, or youth projects under Key Action 1
- eusolidaritycorps@ecorys.com for enquiries about the European Solidarity Corps
- For enquiries about the Technical Notice and the Government Underwrite Guarantee: Department for Education contact form
- ocseusubteam@culture.gov.uk for enquiries regarding the European solidarity Corps and Erasmus+ youth
This information is meant for guidance only. You should consider whether you need separate professional advice before making specific preparations.
For further information you can also read the UK Government’s Frequently Asked Questions relating to the Technical Notice (175 KB). Please be aware that this document will be updated.