Story perspectives

Swiss Council of States Approves Erasmus+ Loan of CHF193 million

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 12:11 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Switzerland’s Council of States approved the EU treaty stabilisation package’s Erasmus+ loan of CHF193 million (US$230 million).
The loan passed with a 23-19 vote and two abstentions.
Education Committee chair Matthias Michel warned a ‘no’ vote would harm Swiss students.
President Guy Parmelin said the benefits outweigh the costs despite budget concerns.

History

Historical Context

The EU adopted the Erasmus mobility scheme on 15 June 1987, enabling thousands of students to study abroad; by 2006 over 150,000 participants had received grants. Switzerland lost its participation rights after a 2015 referendum limiting EU immigration, barring Swiss students from the programme. In 2024 the Council of States approved a CHF 193 million loan to restore Swiss access to Erasmus+.

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Story summary

Switzerland’s Council of States approved the EU treaty stabilisation package’s Erasmus+ loan of CHF193 million (US$230 million).
The loan passed with a 23-19 vote and two abstentions.
Education Committee chair Matthias Michel warned a ‘no’ vote would harm Swiss students.
President Guy Parmelin said the benefits outweigh the costs despite budget concerns.

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