A picture of young people with flags and an EU flag with text: "Dear Members of the European Parliament..."

As we start a new mandate in the European Union, it is important that we reflect on the new opportunities we have to shape the EU to be a better place for its citizens.

The Erasmus Student Network aims to begin this new mandate on the right foot by congratulating all newly elected MEPs and ensuring cooperation throughout the new mandate. ESN strongly believes that decisions made during this period must continue to uphold democracy, EU values, and the development of young people.

Ahead of key decisions being made this week, we have addressed an open letter to all political groups titled: "A New Beginning for the European Union: The Continuous Need for Erasmus+".

For us, going abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that must be celebrated and advanced within the sphere of public policy. For the next EU mandate, ESN calls for education and international mobility to become key priorities for all representatives of the European Parliament. The resilience of our Union relies on the innovations brought by our educational initiatives, and the Erasmus+ programme is a cornerstone of these innovations. We must continue to endorse Erasmus+ to enhance the EU’s competitiveness and to secure the future of young people in our Union.

Read our open letter below.