MEP Peter Agius opens up more opportunities for Maltese young people with amendments to the Erasmus Programme

On Erasmus Day, MEP Peter Agius announced a set of amendments he has tabled during the ongoing negotiations on the new Regulation governing the Erasmus educational programme. The aim is to ensure fairer treatment and greater opportunities for Maltese and Gozitan participants.

The Erasmus+ programme is a European Union initiative that supports education, training, youth and sport across Europe. It provides opportunities for students, teachers and professionals to study, train or work in another country for a period of time. Each year, more than 5,000 Maltese students benefit from the programme, which helps them develop their skills, gain international experience and engage with different cultures.

Agius highlighted two key challenges currently faced by Maltese students and other Erasmus beneficiaries.

Firstly, he addressed the issue of travel cost reimbursement.

“Maltese participants are being unfairly penalised because of their geographical location. That is why I am seeking changes to the European legislation on this matter,” said Agius.

“Unlike participants in continental Europe, Maltese students do not have the option of using ‘green travel’ and must travel by air. This results in lower reimbursements, which is unfair.”

Through his amendments, Agius is proposing that the European Commission guarantee full reimbursement of travel costs for participants from Malta, while recognising the unique geographical realities faced by island communities.

“No student, teacher or voluntary organisation should be disadvantaged simply because they come from an island,” added Agius.

Agius is also calling for more opportunities for Maltese citizens under the Erasmus programme. He explained that people living in island states face structural barriers when it comes to studying, training or working abroad.

“As islanders, Maltese citizens often face additional costs and logistical challenges,” Agius explained.

“My proposal calls for greater support within the Erasmus programme, including additional mobility opportunities and tailored measures for participants from island regions.”

These amendments aim to ensure that Erasmus+ remains a truly inclusive European programme that offers equal opportunities regardless of geographical location.

“Erasmus is one of Europe’s greatest success stories. On its anniversary, we must reaffirm its fundamental principle: fairness and accessibility for all,” Agius concluded.