Lifelong Learning programme - Erasmus actions

Objectives and description of the action
 

Awarded by the European Commission following a call for proposals, the Charter sets out the fundamental principles and the minimum requirements with which the higher education institution must comply when implementing its Erasmus activities.

The institution's application for an EUC includes an Erasmus Policy Statement (EPS) which will be published and given wide visibility setting out the institution's overall Erasmus co-operation plan in coherence with the strategy defined in the mission statement of the institution and specifying the measures and actions the institution intends to introduce in order to fulfil the requirements of the Charter.

"Standard" Charter obligations apply to institutions wishing to participate in transnational mobility activities for students and for staff. Placement-related Charter obligations apply to institutions wishing to enabling their students to carry out placements in an enterprise during their studies. When awarding the EUC, the Commission informs the recipient institution as to whether its Charter refers to "standard" activities or placements or both. Institutions awarded a Charter covering both "standard" cooperation activities and "placements" are deemed to be holders of an "Extended Charter".

The EUC is generally awarded for the entire duration of the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP). However, it may be awarded for a shorter period if this is warranted. EUC compliance is monitored on an ongoing basis, and the Charter may in the last resort be withdrawn by the Commission if an institution fails to meet its EUC commitments.