{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Rob Murray, Chief Volunteer for International","standfirst":"This week marks an important moment: the UK Government has signed the legal agreements to rejoin Erasmus\u002B from 2027. This renewed partnership between the UK Government, the European Union and other associated countries is a major step forward in strengthening cooperation, connection and shared learning across borders. ","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EWhy this is good news for young people \u0026nbsp;\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor young people across our movement, this is genuinely exciting news. From 2027, Scout Groups will once again be able to fully participate in Erasmus\u002B projects for the first time in several years.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EErasmus\u002B is the EU\u2019s flagship programme supporting education, training, youth and sport. It brings together countries across Europe and beyond to collaborate, exchange ideas and create new opportunities for young people.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003ESo, what does this mean for us? \u0026nbsp;\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EQuite simply\u2026 opportunity. Erasmus\u002B funding can help you build partnerships with Scout groups across Europe. It can support international exchanges, joint projects and discussions that explore global issues. This aligns directly with our strategy and our ambition to be a place to belong, where young people feel connected not just locally, but globally too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt also supports our commitment to helping young people engage with the world around them, understanding different cultures and their role in creating a better future. With funding support available, Erasmus\u002B can help make these opportunities accessible to more young people.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EThe impact of Erasmus\u002B\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMany Scout groups have already seen the impact of Erasmus\u002B. In my own experience, a partnership with Scouts in Bydgoszcz began over 20 years ago when I was a Scout. Later, through Erasmus\u002B support, we expanded that relationship across the District when I was a District Lead Volunteer.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOver the years, hundreds of young people have taken part - building friendships, confidence and developing skills for life, including leadership, communication and global awareness. What started as a single exchange became a lasting international connection across generations. I was delighted to see Polish leaders and young people taking part in a successful twin town camp in Paisley last year. We all looked a little older, but our friendship was still strong.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s the real power of Erasmus\u002B, it\u2019s not just about one trip or one project. It\u2019s about creating relationships that endure and experiences that shape young people for life.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/6250/ej-marketing-photo-9.png","width":1000,"height":600,"altText":"Young people standing in front of a drum in uniform and berets ","caption":"A group of International Scouts","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EHow to make the most of the opportunity\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo help, the International Team will be running a series of webinars over the coming year. These will share practical guidance, showcase best practice and support you to develop strong applications. We\u2019ll share more details in the next couple of months.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the meantime, we\u2019re keen to hear from you. If you\u2019ve been involved in international partnerships or Erasmus\u002B projects in the past, please share your experiences and ideas with us.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"callToAction","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","buttonText":"Share your Erasmus\u002B experiences and ideas","buttonLink":{"name":"Erasmus\u002B experience and ideas form","id":null,"url":"https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019c52301a6a7d90b5671b5081981d27","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":{"value":"590fa9","label":"590FA9"},"alignment":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EThis is a moment to look outward, to reconnect with our European Region and to give more young people the chance to experience the world beyond their doorstep.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EErasmus\u002B is back. Let\u2019s make the most of it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"21 April 2026","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[],"relatedLinks":[],"id":89393,"nodeName":"Erasmus\u002B is back and it\u2019s a big opportunity for Scouts","title":"Erasmus\u002B is back and it\u2019s a big opportunity for Scouts ","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/6250/ej-marketing-photo-9.png?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1daf3d3d810a730","caption":"International Scouts smiling standing together","type":"png","size":121471,"width":1000,"height":600,"altText":"Six Scouts in uniforms stand together outside."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Erasmus\u002B is back and it\u2019s a big opportunity for Scouts ","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"The UK Government has agreed to rejoin Erasmus\u002B from 2027, strengthening cooperation, connection and learning across borders. 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