SFS is very critical of the government's savings proposals which are intended to cover the cost of the EU's recovery fundCutting back on education and research is completely the wrong way to go.
The Swedish National Union of Students (SFS) is highly critical of the government's proposals for cuts to the EU budget related to research and the Erasmus program. In light of the EU's increased budget needs to manage the costs of the post-pandemic recovery plan, the Swedish government, together with Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, has proposed cuts to key education and research initiatives.
– Proposing cuts in research and education, especially in the Erasmus program that enables exchanges between thousands of students every year, is a short-sighted and unfortunate decision. It undermines the government's credibility when it says it wants to focus on excellence, internationalization and innovation in higher education, says Klara Dryselius, SFS vice-chair.
The Erasmus programme has long been a cornerstone of EU countries' efforts to promote student mobility and intercultural exchange within the Union. It not only contributes to the personal and professional development of individuals, but also strengthens ties between Member States through increased cultural competence and language exchange. Sweden is already underrepresented in EU institutions, and the proposed cuts pose a significant risk of further waning interest among young people.
SFS urges the government to withdraw the proposal in order to find new and alternative solutions that do not affect the important programs for research and education.