The increase in the Erasmus + program is a source of additional opportunities

The European Parliament’s plenary session discussed the Erasmus + program for the new budgetary cycle. In her speech, Fidesz MEP Andrea Bocskor welcomed the fact that Erasmus +, as one of the EU’s most successful programs, would be expanded by almost double of its current budget in the next budget cycle. She emphasized that the already popular program has important benefits for Hungary as well, which with the modernization of the universities, will further increase the labor market’s opportunities, individual and professional development and international perspectives of young people. She expressed the hope that more resources would be available for proposals to support traditional, national minorities and their languages. In his speech, Fidesz MEP Ádám Kósa welcomed the fact that the Erasmus + program also provides the opportunity to learn national sign languages.

MEP Andrea Bocskor noted: “In the case of the European Union’s most significant program supporting education, training, youth and sports, we can expect a significant budget increase in the next seven years, which is clearly beneficial for Hungary, as there has has been a significant interest in this program and the opportunities it provides. Erasmus + has a total budget of € 26.2 billion, almost double of the budget of the previous program”.

“Erasmus + is one of the most successful programs of the European Union: it improves young people’s labor market opportunities, encourages individual and professional development, and provides its participants with an international perspective. The main attraction of Erasmus + is that young people get a chance to gain experience in foreign universities and institutions that enrich them with such skills and knowledge that provides an advantage in all areas of life,” added  MEP Andrea Bocskor in her plenary speech.

“I hope that more resources will be made available to support traditional national minorities and their languages through calls for proposals, as they are a valuable part of Europe’s cultural heritage” .

Finally, MEP Andrea Bocskor highlighted that Hungary has taken a big step towards the modernization of higher education through the change of its university model. The foundation structure creates better conditions for improving the competitiveness and international recognition of the institutions, which contribute to becoming more actively involved in partnerships with Erasmus and other international Universities. The new university model will stand its ground in the European higher education field, provide an answer to the challenges of the modern age, and will ensure the continuation of the positive reputation of the Hungarian universities”.

In his speech, Fidesz MEP Ádám Kósa emphasized that  language skills are essential in today’s world, contributing to mutual understanding and mobility within and outside the Union. “Language competencies are already basic skills for life and work,” MEP Kósa emphasized.

MEP Kósa was pleased that the Erasmus + program promotes language learning, especially through the wider use of online tools. “E-learning, insofar as it fits the specific needs of program participants, can also help equal access to language learning,” the MEP said.

“It is very important that Erasmus + also provides an opportunity to learn national sign languages. From this summer on in Hungary, a state-recognized language exam can be taken from Hungarian Sign Language, thanks to the Hungarian Sign Language Act, which is unique in Europe!” pointed out MEP Ádám Kósa, who always uses his mother tongue, the Hungarian sign language in his speeches.